What rate should an adult charge for babysitting services in Canada?

Question

I'm an adult woman who's been asked by several parents in my building to provide casual babysitting services for infant to school-age children. How much should I charge? I live in Canada. Are there any legal ramifications I should be aware of if I'm watching the children in their homes?

Answer 1

my wife used to do it as follows

casual rates $5/hr 1st child, $9/hr for 2 kids, $12/hr 3 kids (assuming all the same parent(s)

20 hours or more per month earned them $1/hr off

$3 per kid per meal served

she was legal to take in up to 8 kids... over 8, she needed to hire a helper to stay legal and insured so she just didn't.

You can expense lots of things when you do it in your own home... property taxes, mortgage interest, utilities, tv/internet, groceries.... needless to say, she paid no income tax and reported it all accurately

Answer 2

Im a nanny in canada and i charge between 10.50 and 13.00 an hour. It all depends on the number of children and if you need to drive them places or feed them.

Answer 3

I think if you need to babysit for 1-2 hours I think about 10-15$

and if your babysitting for 3 and up hours, I think 20-30$. I hope I helped!

Answer 4

I would think the biggest thing is that you learn child CPR.  It can really help you get clients.  You should check into local laws and how many children plus your own you can care for at one time (in Ontario it's 5 + your own I think).  In the city in Southwestern Ontario that I live in, it can cost anywhere from $20 for a cheap babysitter (some you don't want your kids to go to :S) and between $30 - $45 for a really good one.  You can check government websites about local laws or call your local police station or Children's Aid Society.