how much should i charge to baby sit per hour?

Question

I'm starting baby sitting this summer (after i take the class)and ive never done this before. so how my should i charge per hour im 11 how old should be the youngest/oldest child i babysit?

Answer 1

At 11 years old you are on the young side of babysitting. Most parents will rather have at least a 13-14 year old.

However, if some parent sees you've taken the class and sees you're certified and their children enjoy your company, I feel $5.50-$6.00 is the going rate.

I think at 11 you should NOT take on more than one child. And that child should be at least 3 years of age.

Good luck little one.

Answer 2

First off, the youngest child you sit for should be about a year old. i wouldn't go any younger until you have more experience in babysitting. I would also advise you, due to your age, it would be wise to not babysit any child that is older than 8.

What class do you speak of? The only class that would really help you out tremendously would be a CPR class because you never know when a child may choke on something.

Now in the means of how much you should be paid. This all depends on:
1 - How many children you will watch;
2 - How long you will watch them and;
3 - How often will you watch them.

It is wise to stay around $10/hr. Maybe even breaking up the amount by the number of kids.

Example: You're watching two kids (any age), the price should be $5/hr per kid. Thus, you make $10/hr.

Example: You're watching 3 older kids (7-8). They are older so the most you will have to worry about with them is fighting and food. You may charge anywhere from $7-$10.

Basic point: Charge what you feel is necessary and don't undercut yourself nor over-charge.

I hope I could be of some help to you.

Answer 3

I used to charge $5 per hour for one kid then add $1 per hour for additional kids. I would wait to babysit a lot until you're a little older (12-13). But practicing with family for a few hours would be great experience. Also try to find a babysitting training course.

Answer 4

Once you have a little experience under your belt...you can raise your prices a little. More than tehe money though, really think about the responsibility of babysitting someones children....I wouldnt watch anyones children ho are very young unless you have a parent there as well....there are a lot of things that can happen, but, to gain experience....you can try preschool age children for a couple hours in the afternoon for, I dont know...$ 7 an hour? I dont know the current going rate, but, thats what I used to charge. Good Luck!

Answer 5

I personally would not let an 11 yr old babysit but then again it really depends on their maturity. showing you are taking a class shows a lot.
So if I trusted you I would only pay sitters $5 an hour. $8 if two kids.
I would only let you babysit my kids that are 4 and above.

Answer 6

When I pay, it usually depends on what they are doing for me. If the sitter is going take my son out as well I pay extra, but I have been charged anywhere from $5 to $10 per hour.

Answer 7

It depends on your area. I would check around for postings that people put up to babysit in your area. In some areas it's $20/night (midwestern and southern rural areas) and in other areas it's more like $18/hr (metro areas on the east and west coast).

Also, I wouldn't let other people discourage you from babysitting due to your age, as long as you are mature and know what to do in the case of emergencies (or can get ahold of your parents immediatly if there is an issue).
Most of it is "common sense" like for a fire, get everyone out and get a neighbor to call 911...or for a tornado go to the basement. And can identify which injuries are really minor, which ones to call 911 for and which ones to get ahold of the parents right away for (not as urgent as 911).

I was watching children from the time I was 8...and the summer after 4th grade I watched up to 6 kids for several hours at a time (1.5 yr old, two 2 yr olds, a 3 yr old, a 4 yr old and an ADHD 3rd grader). It's really easy once you get to know the children to figure out what works for them (be creative...like there was a 5 yr old that would get ready for bed early for me if i would read him an extra chapter from RL Stein, despite his mother insisting that bedtime was a problem for sitters!!)

Answer 8

DEAR
JUST TO SEE HOW YOU LIKE IT ONE?
TO START OUT WITH ($ 3.50) A HALF HOUR FOR 30 MINUTES. AND THEN IF YOU LIKE ($ 5.00) A HOUR IS NOT TO MUCH TO ASK FOR NOE CHILD AND ARE KID. IF (2) ARE MORE THEN ($ 7.50) FOR 30 MINUTES AND ($ 9.00) DOLLARS A HOUR ($ 10.00) WOULD BE THE LIMIT OK AFTER THAT THEN PEOPLE MIGHT TRY TO PUT THEM IN DAY CARE BUT IN COSTS ($750.00) A WEEK IN TX. ARE UP TO ($3500) A MONTH. THE REASON I KNOW DEAR IS BECAUSE MY MOTHER AND ME KEPT MY LITTLE NEPHEW BECAUSE ONE WAS ALL READY THERE AND THEY WOULD TAKE HIM TO AND FROM SCHOOL SO TO GIVE MY BROTHER A BREAK WE JUST HELPED THEM OUT PS MAKE THE PERSON BRING YOU THE FOLLOWING DIAPERS WIPES CLOTHES BOTTLES FOR MAUL AND ALL MEALS MAKE SURE THEY TELL YOU THE SCHEDULE TOO OK TAKE CARE GOOD LUCK

Answer 9

ok well i have taken the babysitting coarse and passed it and this was 3 years ago and what they said and still say... is 2 dollars per hour per kid.... which is fair... and when i babysit thats what i go by, the parents of the kids dont mind paying that much and i still make a good profit....

GOOD LUCK

Answer 10

The younges should be 5 years old. If there 2of them then maybe 6 dollars an hour.