Questions to Ask a Babysitter Before You Book Them

Before you book a babysitter, ask about five things: their experience with babies your child’s age, whether they’re certified in infant and child CPR, what they would do with a baby who won’t stop crying, how they put a baby to sleep, and the practical terms (pay, phones, driving, guests). Nemours KidsHealth’s babysitter guide puts experience, infant and child CPR and a babysitter course at the top of its own list, and suggests a test run while you’re home. This is for an occasional sitter. Hiring someone for regular weekly hours is a different conversation, and our nanny interview questions cover it.

How to use this list

You won’t ask all of these. The club’s version of a babysitter interview is a fifteen-minute call and then a short paid session while you’re home. KidsHealth recommends the same thing: invite the sitter for a test run so “they can get familiar with your household and you’ll see how they interact with your children.”

Pick the questions that fit your baby, ask them on the call, and watch the trial for the rest. A sitter who answers every question well on the phone and then spends the trial on their phone has told you the more useful thing.

Experience and training

1. How old were the youngest children you’ve cared for, and how often? “I have younger cousins” and “I did weekly nights for a six-month-old” are different answers.
2. Have you looked after a baby on your own, with no parent in the house?
3. Are you certified in infant and child CPR? Ask when the course was, and whether it covered infants specifically.
4. Have you taken a babysitting course? KidsHealth notes that sitters found through a local YMCA, community hospital or American Red Cross chapter have often completed babysitting safety and infant and child CPR courses.
5. Have you ever had to handle an emergency or a bad fall while babysitting? What did you do? You are listening for calm and a sensible order of steps, not a dramatic story.

The baby, specifically

6. How do you put a baby down to sleep? The only right answer is the safe-sleep one. The AAP’s safe sleep guide says to place babies “on their back for all naps & at night,” in a sleep space with no blankets, pillows or stuffed toys. A sitter who would put your baby on the couch, or prop a bottle, needs to be told otherwise, or isn’t the one.
7. What would you do if the baby cried and nothing worked? This is the most important question on the list. The AAP’s guidance on coping with crying is to “place your baby in a safe place, such as a crib or playpen without blankets and stuffed animals” and take a few minutes to calm down. A good sitter says something close to that, and adds that they’d call you. The AAP also suggests talking with caregivers about crying and frustration, so have that conversation even if the answer is good.
8. Are you comfortable giving a bottle? Ask how they would warm it, and say how you want it done.
9. How do you change a diaper on a baby who rolls? One hand on the baby, everything within reach first.
10. How do you feel about pets? KidsHealth includes this one, and it matters if the dog thinks the sitter is a guest.

Safety and emergencies

11. When would you call 911 before calling me? KidsHealth suggests telling the sitter “under what circumstances to call 911 before contacting you.” Asking first shows you their instincts.
12. Would you ever give medicine without asking me? The answer should be no. KidsHealth’s rule is “Don’t give your child any medicine without your specific instruction.”
13. Would you ever leave the baby alone, even for a minute? Also no. KidsHealth says never, and adds that small children “can drown in only a few inches of water.”
14. Do you know what to do if a baby chokes? Someone with recent infant CPR training should be able to talk you through it.

House rules and logistics

15. Do you drive, and would you need to? For a baby, the club’s default is no outings by car unless agreed in advance, with your car seat installed.
16. How do you use your phone while you’re sitting? “For texts from you and the occasional photo” is a fine answer.
17. Would you ever have a friend over? Say what you expect before it comes up.
18. Are you comfortable with a camera in the house? If you have one, say so now. Most sitters prefer being told up front.
19. What times can you do, and how late can you stay?

Pay and booking

20. What do you charge, and does it change for late nights, more children or holidays? Rates vary a lot by area. Ask other local parents what is usual before you call.
21. How do you like to be paid?
22. How much notice do you need to book, and to cancel?
23. Can you give me two families you’ve sat for recently?

What to ask the references

A reference call takes five minutes and is the best predictor the club has found. Ask:

• How old were your children when they sat for you, and for how long?
• Was there ever a problem, or a time something went wrong? How did they handle it?
• Did they follow your rules on sleep, screens and food?
• Would you book them again for a baby?

The last question is the one to listen to most closely. A pause before “yes” is information.

Before your first night out

Once you’ve booked them, the work moves from asking to telling. KidsHealth’s checklist for the sitter’s first visit includes posting the Poison Control number, 1-800-222-1222, somewhere easy to see; writing down your address for a 911 call; listing allergies and medicines; and reviewing your first-aid kit together. If you don’t have one, a ready-made kit such as the BAND-AID All-Purpose First Aid Kit can live in one known spot.

The club puts all of that on one page on the fridge. Our babysitter fridge sheet is the template. If this is the first time anyone but you has been in charge, our gentle plan for leaving your baby for the first time covers the rest, including keeping the first outing short.

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FAQ

What should I ask a babysitter in an interview? Ask about experience with babies your child’s age, infant and child CPR, how they put a baby to sleep, what they’d do with a baby who won’t stop crying, and the practical terms: pay, phones, driving and guests.

Should a babysitter know infant CPR? For a baby, it is worth asking for. KidsHealth lists infant and child CPR certification among its first questions. Ask when the course was taken.

Should I do a trial run with a new babysitter? Yes. KidsHealth suggests a test run while you’re home, so the sitter learns your house and you can see how they are with your baby.

What’s the difference between a babysitter and a nanny interview? A babysitter covers occasional evenings or afternoons. A nanny is a regular employee, so the interview also covers pay, taxes, schedules and a written agreement.