How old should a babysitter be?

Answer 1

It would have to be 16 or above for me

Answer 2

It depends on how well you know the person and how old the child is. Also, what experience they have.
For an infant (I'd say under 18 months), I would say it would be better to have someone older....around 16...especially one with a car and drivers license... in case of emergency. However, if you know a responsible person who either has a small baby at their house, or who helps their parents work in the church nursery, even someone as young as 13....or possibly 12....but certainly not younger than 12...and only as a last resort might be a possibility. But for a toddler (18 months and up)....13 if there is only 1 or 2 kids. If they are on the wild side (the kids, not the babysitter), I recommend, sticking with someone older, unless you get two babysitters. My sister and I are twins, and we use to babysit together. However, don't assume that just because someone is 30, for example, that they would make a good babysitter. Ask if they have had any experience....even if it's just helping with their own siblings. Many churches could recommend a teenager who helps out in the nursery that might be interested in babysitting. If you need to, the first time you have a babysitter, have them come to watch the baby while you're doing stuff around the house without having the baby under foot. That way, you can see them in action, and it'll make you feel better, and if they have any questions, you'll be there while they get adjusted to your child and that will make them feel better. I hope this is helpful.

Answer 3

I started to babysit at 11 but this was for my next door neighbours child and they were always put to bed just as I arrived so all I had to do was check on them throughout the evening. When I was older to took on more responsibility. At 15 I looked after a 5 year old child with some emotional problems during the day whilst her mother was heavily pregnant with baby number 2 (because of the pregnancy it was hard for the mother to take a difficult child out of the house). I agree with the other people who have said it really does depend upon the maturity of the individual. Age does not necessarily bring with it competence. It also depends on what you require of the babysitter. Checking on a child whilst it sleeps is a lot less complicated than feeding, bathing and and occupying a child. I am not a mother, but if I were these would all be factors I would have to take into account before leaving my child with someone.

Answer 4

I think 13 at youngest but if you want a babysitter to look after a very young baby then maybe 15 or 16 but the main thing is to make sure that they are responsible

Answer 5

The older the baby sitter the better but anyone uinder 16 you are still responsible for your child.children You must be totally happy in youirself that they are resposible enough to take on the job and can deal with an emergency do they know how to ring for help ect. What to do if the baby chocks ect. Different adolesents have different levels ofi intelegence and aptitude.

The main thing rto remember is by law you are still resonsible weather you are there or not this also applies to the age child/children can be left alone. Its a resposabily thing not an age thing

Answer 6

depends on the babysitter. Some are more mature at 13 than some at 18. Also depends on how old the child is and the suroundings. Experience also plays a huge role in it. My daughter started babysitting at around 13, but she has more responsibility in her little finger than most young adults around this town.

Answer 7

In my day I babysat at 11 years old. now-a-days I would not let anyone care for my child unless they were an adult with a child. Or someone I know or trust implicitly. Even Day Cares are a scarry proposition.

My sister has had various probs with 15-18 year olds too. one stole her childs gameboy. Another had boys and alcohol and another stole jewelry. One made the girls stay in their room the entire time. Thank heavens nothing worse but still...

I really feel for parents today. I have a 1 year old grandbaby and close family members that are trusted are the only ones allowed to watch her.

Check the local laws but you will have to use your own descretion. I believe there is no magic age. Some 11 year olds (such as myself) are better than some 16 year olds so...

know who your children are to be with.

Answer 8

Honestly, I started baby sitting at age 10. I watched kids of all ages, even infants. I would watch as many as 6 children at a time. I was very mature for my age and had first aid training etc. Looking back, I would hire a girl like me to watch my daughter. I wasnt the kind of kid to sit on my butt and watch tv. I watched the kids, played with them, cleaned the house, everything. I babysat several times a week, even at that age. However, I wouldnt let ANY 10 year old watch my kids. Age is pretty irrelevant in this situation. Maturity is the major factor, and only you can determine how mature you think a babysitter is. Also, you can talk to their parents to see if they would honestly trust their child with another child.

Answer 9

In the UK you can leave your child/children with a babysitter of any age, but if they are under 16 and something happens in your absence, you will be held responsible. If your babysitter is 16 or over and something happens in your absence they would be held responsible.

Answer 10

That depends. If she has a lot of experience, I might hire someone young to look after my baby for an hour. But if this person is going to watch my child for more than an hour, I would not hire anyone under 21. But that is just me. Personally, I would not hire a babysitter at all unless they were a fully-qualified licensed child care provider.

Answer 11

There is no legal age in the UK. However you as an adult must be certain that the babysitter can cope under ANY circumstances. Otherwise you can be held responsible. The NSPCC suggests a minimum age of 16.