How old should a babysitter be?

Question

How old should a babysitter be?

Answer 1

Depends on how responsible they are.. I started babysitting when I was twelve, but I had many friends who didn't start until they were older. I think it depends on their maturity level.

Answer 2

the legal age is 14 so 14+

Answer 3

The only thing I would add to what's been said so far is, if the child is older you need an older sitter as well.  

My daughter is 11.  Anyone younger than 15 or 16 and it's more like a playdate.  They just won't have the same authority with someone almost their age.

Answer 4

This depends on how long, how often and how late the babysitter will be watching the kids. It also depends on how old the child is. If it's anywhere from a newborn to a 3 year old, the babysitter should be at least 16 years old and know how to handle screaming baby's, changing diapers, feeding times and temper tantrums. As of 3 years old, the babysitter can be as young as 12. You shouldn't have a 12 year old babysit until midnight (if you're going out to dinner or something) but you could have them babysit in the daytime. Choose an older babysitter to babysit late at night and for longer hours at a time. If it's just for a couple hours, you can have someone younger babysit. You must also respect, though, that most older babysitters (usually high schoolers) have a life filled with homework and events meaning that they may not be as reliable as someone not in high school yet. Make sure that your babysitter is mature and safe enough for your kids. For example, you could take them to meet the kids first and they might have taken a babysitters course (which includes CPR). Also, obviously, be sure that you give them all the medical info about your kids and that they have all the important phone numbers. Good luck!

Answer 5

I'd say over 13 as long as she shows maturity and proves that she knows how to handle situations.

Answer 6

Old enough to drive to the hospital if there is an emergency.

Answer 7

the older the better

An experienced woman is better than the others

Answer 8

As others have mentioned, the age range varries.

Some of the things to think about which influence the answer:

1. How old is the child being cared for? An infant or toddler will need someone more mature to care for them (14+). A 3-8 year old is somewhat more independent, so you could get by with someone a little younger (12+).

2. How long will you be away? This too affects how old you will want your babysitter to be. A couple hours? 12-14. 4-8 hours? 14-16? Overnight? 18+.

3. What training & experience do they have? The Red Cross offers a babysitting certification class, which I highly recommend (I sat through part of the class my daughter took).

Hope this helped! Good luck. Hope you can find someone who you are comfortable with!

Answer 9

i dont think it's an age limit it should jus depend on how well you know this person and how good they are with kids, and of course if you trust them

Answer 10

There is no legal age limit, but as a rule a babysitter should be responsible enough to cope in an emergency, be it an accident or fire. definately 14+ i should think

Answer 11

I started to babysit other people's children at about 13. I watched my siblings since I was about 10. It all depends on the child's experience and how mature they are.

Answer 12

Old enough not to need a babysitter.

Answer 13

14

Answer 14

16 - 19

Answer 15

13 - 20

Answer 16

i think it depends on how young your child is. i started baby sitting 2-3 year olds when i was 11. now i baby sit what ever age.

Answer 17

16+

Answer 18

14+

Answer 19

17-20

Answer 20

14-17

Answer 21

around 14-17 i guess xD

♥

nichole