10 Things Every Parent Should Check Before Hiring a Babysitter

Being blessed with a child is one of the most cherished feelings. But as warm and beautiful as that feeling is, the challenges that follow are not something to be glorified. Taking care of a newborn child, staying awake all night, changing diapers, and dealing with nonstop crying and demands can be overwhelming. Sometimes, it becomes too much for mothers to handle, and they end up experiencing postpartum depression.

So, for your own well-being, having a babysitter is not a bad decision. It means getting help for your well-being while also ensuring the best care for your child. As you know, babysitters are professionals, and they may even help you stay organized or manage daily routines more smoothly. However, you do need to be very careful about who you trust with your child.

Find the Best Childcare From Care.com

Now, first of all, every parent needs a reliable platform they can depend on. We are no longer living in an era where you go around asking neighbors to suggest a nanny you can trust; everything is now available online. And Care.com is one of them, an online platform that connects families with caregivers. It helps parents find babysitters, nannies, tutors, and more. 

Moreover, it has a large network of caregivers across different locations. You can easily browse detailed profiles, read reviews, and use screening tools, all of which make searching and hiring much simpler. The platform is designed to help families find someone who fits their needs.

But even with a trusted platform, parents should always know what to look for before hiring.

10 Things Every Parent Should Check Before Trusting a Babysitter

Now, since this is about your baby, it can feel like the most difficult decision. But keep these questions, points in mind when you go through their profiles and interview them.

Look for Real Experience With Children

Don’t just assume they know what to do; ask how many years they’ve babysat and what age groups they’ve handled. Make sure they are comfortable caring for children the same age as yours.

Questions to ask:

• “What age group are you most comfortable with?”
• “Can you describe a typical day when caring for a child?”
  

Tip: Choose someone whose experience closely matches your child’s age and needs.

Always Check Background and Safety First

Never skip safety checks. Confirm their identity and make sure they have a clean background record. Your child’s safety should always come before convenience.

Questions to ask:

• “Have you completed a background check recently?”
• “Can you provide identification for verification?”
• “How do you ensure a child’s safety during playtime?”
  

Tip: Never feel awkward about asking; safety is non-negotiable.

Ask for Reviews or Speak to References

Don’t rely only on what they say about themselves. Ask other families about their experience. Were they responsible, caring, and reliable? Honest feedback matters.

Questions to ask references:

• “Was the babysitter punctual and dependable?”
• “How did your child respond to them?”
• “Would you hire them again?”

Tip: If someone hesitates to provide references, consider it a red flag.

Make Sure they Know Emergency Basics

Ask if they are trained in CPR or first aid. Even basic emergency knowledge can make a huge difference if something unexpected happens.

Questions to ask:

• “What would you do if my child choked or got injured?”
• “Have you handled emergencies before?”
  

Tip: Even basic emergency knowledge can save precious time in critical moments.

Observe their Personality Around Your Child

Watch how they talk, respond, and behave with your child. Are they patient? Gentle? Attentive? Your child should feel relaxed and comfortable around them.

Questions to ask:

• “How do you handle tantrums or mood swings?”
• “What activities do you enjoy doing with kids?”
  

Tip: Your child’s comfort is the best indicator; watch their body language.

Check their Availability and Reliability

Make sure their schedule truly matches yours. Ask about punctuality and consistency; a dependable babysitter should show up when needed without excuses.

Questions to ask:

• “Are you available regularly or occasionally?”
• “What happens if you can’t make it one day?”
• “How do you manage time and punctuality?”
  

Tip: Consistency is more valuable than occasional availability.

Pay Attention to Communication Skills

Notice how well they listen and respond. A good babysitter follows instructions carefully and keeps you informed about your child when necessary.

Questions to ask:

• “How do you update parents during babysitting?”
• “Are you comfortable following written routines?”
• “What would you do if something unusual happened?”
  

Tip: Good communication prevents misunderstandings and builds trust.

Clearly Discuss Responsibilities

Before hiring, explain exactly what you expect, like meals, playtime, homework help, bedtime routine. Make sure they understand and agree to their role.

Questions to ask:

• “Are you comfortable preparing meals or snacks?”
• “Can you help with homework or bedtime routines?”
• “Is there anything you’re not comfortable doing?”
  

Tip: Clear expectations avoid future conflicts.

Arrange a Trial Meeting First

Never hire immediately. Set up a meeting or short trial session and watch how they interact with your child in real time. This helps you judge naturally, not just based on words.

Questions to ask during trial:

• “How would you handle this situation?” (give example)
• “What would you do if my child refuses to listen?”
  

Tip: Watch behavior more than words; actions reveal true comfort level.

Trust Your Instincts 

If something feels off, don’t ignore it. A mother’s intuition is powerful. If you don’t feel fully confident, keep searching until you do.

Questions to ask yourself:

• “Do I feel completely comfortable leaving my child with them?”
• “Did anything make me uneasy?”
• “Would I feel relaxed while away?”
  

Tip: If your gut says no, that’s enough reason to keep looking.

The first step is to shortlist potential caregivers. Care.com, being a well-known platform, makes it easy to find many reliable options. Once you have your list, take the time to go through the trials and checks we discussed earlier. While Care.com helps you connect with trustworthy caregivers, the ultimate choice is still in your hands. Choose someone you feel confident and comfortable with.

Stay tuned to FlexGlimpse for more tips and insights on childcare platforms.