Every Question You Have About Hiring a Babysitter, Answered.
From fair hourly rates to CPR requirements, screen-time boundaries to background-check checklists — the answers parents search for at 11 p.m., gathered in one place.
What should I actually pay a babysitter in 2025?
The national average is $24.99/hour for one child and $28.10/hour for two children, according to UrbanSitter's 2025 study. Care.com places the median slightly lower at $21.07/hour — the gap reflects regional variation more than anything else.
$24.99
Avg/hr · 1 child · National
$28.10
Avg/hr · 2 children · National
"45% of parents report paying above the average rate to secure someone they genuinely trust."
Rates climb in coastal cities: New York sitters earn $25–$35/hr, San Francisco $27–$36/hr. Expect to pay a premium for CPR certification, early childhood training, or last-minute availability. Consistent weekly arrangements often come with a modest discount — it's worth asking.
Regional Ranges (2025)
I was underpaying for years without realizing it. Once I started paying market rate, I suddenly had a reliable sitter who actually showed up.
Priya Nair
Mom of two · Brooklyn, NY
We negotiate a flat weekly rate with our regular sitter. She charges less per hour because the schedule is predictable. Everyone wins.
Marcus Webb
Dad of one · Chicago, IL
Quick Tip
Always confirm the rate before the sit, not after. A quick text the morning of prevents awkward conversations at the door.
Our sitter with a child development degree charges $32/hr. Worth every penny — she turned our chaotic bedtime into something our kids actually look forward to.
Tanya Okonkwo
Working mom · San Francisco, CA
I didn't ask about CPR the first time. The second sitter I hired brought it up herself. That's when I knew she was the one we'd keep.
Camille Fontaine
First-time mom · Portland, OR
By the numbers
8 in 10
parents say they'd pay more for a Red Cross–certified babysitter
Our son has a peanut allergy. We won't hire anyone who hasn't completed first aid training. It's not negotiable — and good sitters understand that.
David & Sara Kim
Parents of three · Seattle, WA
Renewal Note
Most CPR certifications expire after 2 years. Always ask to see the card — and check the date.
Does my sitter really need to be CPR certified?
There's no federal law requiring it — but 77% of parents believe babysitters should hold CPR and first-aid training before their first sit. For infants, children with allergies, or any child with a chronic condition, it moves from "nice to have" to essential.
"30% of parents have rejected a sitter specifically due to safety concerns. CPR certification is one of the fastest ways to clear that hurdle."
What good training covers
Where sitters get certified
Babysitter's Training
American Red Cross
Babysitting Basics
American Red Cross
Heartsaver First Aid CPR
American Heart Association
Infant CPR
Local hospitals / fire depts
What do I tell the sitter about screens?
The AAP no longer focuses on rigid hour counts alone — they now emphasize quality, context, and conversation around media use. But for babysitters, clear household rules are still the most practical guidance you can give.
AAP-Endorsed Guidelines
Under 18 months
Except quick video calls with family
2 – 5 years
High-quality content, co-viewed with adult
6 years and up
Balance, content quality, and context matter
Bedtime (all ages)
Remove screens before sleep to protect melatonin
"Rules focusing on balance, content, and conversation are associated with better outcomes than limits focused solely on time."
Leave a simple note for your sitter
No screens for the first 30 minutes — outdoor time or books only.
If screens go on, it's [show name] only — not YouTube.
Tablets off 45 minutes before bed.
No phones at the dinner table.
We have a family media plan printed on the fridge. Our sitter follows it without question. That consistency means our kids don't even try to negotiate.
Leila Ahmadi
Mom of two · Austin, TX
Research note
Infants with heavy media exposure scored lower on memory and reading tests at school age. The research is clear: less is more for the youngest kids.
My daughter was getting overtired from late-night TV with her old sitter. Once we set a firm 'screens off at 7:30' rule, bedtime became a non-event.
James Osei
Single dad · Atlanta, GA
I text the sitter a quick list before I leave. Screen rules, bedtime, snacks. Takes two minutes and saves three hours of stress.
Nadia Russo
Working mom · Denver, CO
The trial sit was the game-changer. On paper she was perfect. In person, she spent the whole time on her phone. We knew immediately.
Miriam Goldstein
Mom of three · Philadelphia, PA
The question that matters most
"What would you do if my child started crying and wouldn't stop?"
The answer tells you everything about their temperament.
I called her last reference for 20 minutes. That conversation gave me more confidence than the background check ever could.
Fatima Al-Rashid
Mom of one · Houston, TX
We've been using the same sitter for four years. She started as a stranger. The vetting process turned her into someone we trust completely.
Chen & Wei Liu
Parents of two · San Jose, CA
How do I know I can actually trust this person?
Trust is built in layers. A background check is the floor, not the ceiling. The parents who feel most confident have done all six of these — and most say the trial sit was the most revealing step of all.
"55% of parents stayed home from a night out because they couldn't find a sitter they trusted. The right process turns strangers into people you actually feel good about leaving your kids with."
Ready to find someone you trust?
Tell us a little about your family and we'll match you with local sitters who fit your specific needs.
Free Babysitter Interview Checklist
22 questions every parent should ask. Covers safety, experience, emergency protocols, and red flags to watch for.
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