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Questions to ask a babysitter

1 min read · Updated September 25, 2026

The short answer

Ask the friend who recommended them first. Then ask the sitter about their experience, emergencies, the day-to-day, and logistics and pay.

A good conversation tells you more than a profile can. Here are the questions worth asking a new sitter — and, first, the friend who recommended them.

  1. 1Ask the friend first See exactly who recommended them.
  2. 2Close to home Where they're happy to travel.
  3. 3Experience at a glance The ages and care they take on.
  4. 4Rates before you ask Extra kids and overnights included.
  5. 5When they're free Their usual days and times.
  6. 6Training they've added CPR and first aid, on the profile.

Questions for the friend who recommended them

A recommendation is most useful when you know what's behind it.

  • How long have they sat for you, and how often?
  • How old were your kids when they started?
  • What do your kids love about them?
  • Has anything ever come up, and how did they handle it?
  • Would you book them again for a night like ours?

Experience

  • What ages have you cared for, and which do you enjoy most?
  • Have you cared for more than one child at a time?
  • Are you comfortable with pets?
  • Do you have CPR or first-aid training?

Emergencies

  • What would you do if a child got hurt or sick?
  • Who would you call first if you couldn't reach us?
  • Are you comfortable giving medicine, if we leave instructions?

The day-to-day

  • How do you handle bedtime when a kid doesn't want to go?
  • What do you like to do with kids this age?
  • How do you feel about screens, snacks, and our house rules?
  • Are you comfortable with our kids' allergies or needs?

Logistics and pay

Talking about money early makes it easier later. Our guide to how much to pay a babysitter covers what goes into a rate.

  • What's your rate, and what changes it?
  • Which days and times are you usually free?
  • Do you drive, and are you comfortable driving the kids?
  • How much notice do you need, and what happens if one of us cancels?
  • How would you like to be paid?

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Keep reading

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