6 week old baby?

Question

I am going to start babysitting my friends 6 week old baby I am trying to find out how much to charge. Do you think 25.00 a day for a 12 hour day which is 125.00 for a 5 day week which is 500.00 a month which is 250.00 a payday. Week ends are extra ( they are in the navy and work everother weekend) and overnights are extra (agian in the navy and sometimes have to work overnight) anyway do you think those prices are reasonable? Or no? I mean I dont want to charge too much becauce we could use the money and I know they dont have a lot to spend. I called one place and its like 1900 a month for a 6 week old baby and other place was 600 a month.

How much do you think I should charge for over nights and weekends? I was thinking 30.00 etrxa

Answer 1

Well you know it is a lot of work, but one thing about it at 6 weeks old they sleep a lot, so does make up for the pay. If you go to their house that will help them out the most, they don't have to get the baby up and bring the baby somewhere and that will be worth the extra a day, now with overnights I am not sure about that, because you will have to sleep there I think I would feel the mother out and see what she had in mind before I said a price and if she says something insane like 10-15 a day I would immediately say "No, I am sorry that is not worth my time and the responsibility involved with a newborn" That way she sees it as you are trying to be as responsible for her baby and it will cost for that type of care. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Answer 2

I take my son to an inhome daycare and started him at 6 months old. I pay $140 a week for him to be there. When he turns one, that cost goes down to $125 (I'm assuming this is because he will be a little less of a time hog and more independent).

When I called around to local places, the average cost ranged from $120-$160. I would say that $125 is a good price though, if it is your friend.

As far as overnights or weekends, I'd definately charge more - that is YOUR time by all rights. I'd go as much as $40 for a weekend day (or $5 an hour if its just for a bit) and perhaps an addition $30 per day if he stays the night (you're going to be losing sleep!!)

Your price looks good though and you're a great friend for helping out! Wish I had someone like that around!

Answer 3

I guess it depends on what you are going to provide. I charged $96 a week when I was watching an 8 month old. Just remember that they are going to sleep most of the time right now. I have a 4 year old and 125 a week for his daycare. One thing you have to remember is that they can get cheap child care through the navy so you don't want to push them into using that. I would ask your friend what she thought would be fair and then go from there. She may agree that 125 a month is fair. You also need to check and see what is expected when the child starts eating table food. (if you plan on have it that long) is she going to provide it or will you be adding that into your grocery bill. Also think about what else you will need for the baby. is she going to bring all you need?
Are you to file it on your taxes because if so then you may want to look at how much that is going to cost you.
12 hours a day is a long time to have newborn but if you are ready for that then more power to you!!

Answer 4

It depends on the area you live in. Call your local daycares and see what the charges are and what they offer. Most daycares are only open a limited amount of hours too and closed on weekends. Where I live it is about $200 a week for an infant up to 1 year old, but they supply diapers and food when they are able to eat other than formula and are experienced and CPR trained. It's nice that you are trying to help them out but taking care of a baby is hectic and you may feel under paid later. Weekends should be a higher rate maybe $45 a day based on what you said you were charging for weekdays. Talk to them see what they were thinking about paying you and tell them the research you did.

Answer 5

Well I think that sounds a little low I think 35.00 a day cause u got to think of the diper changes an feedings burping, and your life in between naps , and overnight man the crying in the middle of the night an feeding , sometime not wanting to go back to sleep , so you lose sleep time, and the next thing you know your tired and continue the next day .It's a lot of work .But I think you'll do just fine.Good Luck.

Answer 6

This totally depends on where you live and how much the babysitting is worth to you and the woman hiring you. Personally, I think $2/hour is ridiculously low for quality childcare. Here in Los Angeles, a decent babysitter is at least $10/hour, and usually $12 or $13/hour.

I would try to find out what other babysitters (not daycare as it is not one-on-one care) in your area charge, but your quote seems very, very low to me. Taking care of babies is important work and should be compensated accordingly!

Answer 7

I would say so long as you're covering your costs, and making a small profit, and you're still well below all other providers then you're just fine.

You want to help them out, obviously, but no one likes a hand out. As much as iam sure they wish they could get free childcare, no one wants to be an inconvenience or bother, and everyone wants to earn their keep.

I'd say your rates sound good. Thats actually generally what i charge for an 8 hour day, not a 12. i charge 80 a weekend (2 days) and 50 for over night. But i also, like you, cut deals for parents i know just cant afford my true rates (which is over 10 and hour).

Answer 8

First of all there can be no issue of friendship. Put them under contract like anyone else so there are no hard feelings. You need to be charging $190.00- $200.00 a week!

What the hell is a 6 week old doing with you for 12 hours a day!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why are you doing this??????????????????????

You better think long and hard about this. It will take time away from your child as well. And the amount you are charging won't even cover taxes you have to pay.

I think this is a bad idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This isn't babysitting it is childcare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 9

It's a good thing you checked on pricing. It seems your still the best quote in town, plus your a good friend. I don't think it's too much. You have to live too. And if the baby is going to spend that much time with you, your definitely going to be coming out of pocket. Trust me. Some days there wont be enough formula, diapers, food, shirts, something.
Good Luck

Answer 10

i think that is the right amount you should charge because a 6 week old baby is alot to handle with the food, the sleep, the crying and plus being in your home. You should leave it like that.