You’ve decided to line up some extra help with the kids—good for you! Whether it’s for those much-needed date nights, balancing late weekday meetings, or just having a reliable option for the in-between moments, finding a trustworthy babysitter is a must-have for any parent.
But how do you make sure you’re choosing the right person? You want someone you trust, who aligns with the way things are done in your home, and supports your vision for childcare. I’ve been in your shoes, and I can’t say enough how helpful it is to have a babysitter (maybe even a few) lined up, creating a village around you. That’s why I’ve pulled together 10 essential questions for a new babysitter to help you feel confident in your decision, giving you peace of mind that your little ones are in safe hands.
Understanding the basics of hiring a babysitter
Finding that amazing go-to babysitter starts with understanding what exactly you’re looking for and how to make the right match. Before diving into interviews, it’s helpful to reflect on your family’s unique needs and prepare for the process. This helps you find someone who fits right in—knowing where the favorite stack of books is kept and getting the mac and cheese on the table just the way your little one likes it.
Identifying your babysitting needs
So, what do you really need from a babysitter?
Think about your week: do you need help during the weekday after-school rush when you want to prioritize a workout, or maybe for regular Saturday night date nights? Are you heading back to work full-time and need consistent support on specific days? Or do you need extra hands when daycare is closed for holidays or meetings run late?
Getting clear on your schedule and what you need help with will make it easier to find just the right fit. Knowing your needs upfront not only streamlines the hiring process but helps make sure that you'll have the reliable support every mom craves and deserves.
Preparing for the babysitter interview process
Once you’ve figured out what you’re looking for in a babysitter, it’s time to set up some interviews to find the right fit.
First, decide if you want to meet via Zoom for that initial conversation, or if you’re more comfortable going right for an in-person meeting. Each has its perks—Zoom can be quick and convenient, while an in-person conversation gives you that immediate, in-the-room vibe.
Another thing to think about—do you want your kids to be there too, or would you prefer to keep this first meeting adults-only to minimize distractions? It's important to think through what will work best for you and your family.
In the next section, I’ll be sharing the must-ask questions to guide your discussion. Have those printed out or jotted down along with any personal insights and questions you want to ask, so you’re all set and ready to go for the interview.
10 Questions to ask when interviewing a babysitter
Finding that just-right person to be a part of your babysitting village comes down to the questions to ask a potential babysitter. Trust me, being prepared will go a long way in giving you the peace of mind every parent needs when someone is looking after your children.
Here are 10 babysitter interview questions:
What is your experience with children in my kids' age range?
Getting a sense of someone’s experience with kids in your child’s age group can help you feel confident they’re ready to handle the unique developmental stages and behaviors that come with young children.
What activities do you like to do with kids?
Follow up with asking if they typically bring activities or if they’re comfortable using what you have at home. We have a babysitter who brings new books and arts and crafts supplies with her—she costs a bit more, but we love that it keeps the kids engaged and makes the hand-off easier.
What would you do in case of an emergency?
Ask if they’ve ever handled an emergency situation before. It’s important to know how they’ve responded in the past and if they’re familiar with basic first aid or CPR.
How do you handle situations when a child refuses to listen or cooperate?
If you have more than one child, follow up by asking how they would handle sibling conflicts. It’s helpful to understand their approach to maintaining calm and resolving any sibling issues, especially when emotions run high.
Are you interested in taking our children on walks or to the local park?
This is helpful to know if you're hiring for daytime care—it’s always nice to get out of the house for a bit.
Are you comfortable with meal prep and feeding?
Follow up in the babysitter interview by asking what they typically prepare for kids’ meals—it’s helpful to know what they’re familiar with cooking and that they can prepare a few basic dishes your kids already love, like grilled cheese, pasta, and simple veggies.
After the kids have gone to sleep, are you comfortable cleaning up activities/toys as well as the kitchen mess from meal-time?
You can also ask if they’d be open to folding laundry or handling small tasks while having a bit of free time and relaxing after the kids are in bed.
Do you have reliable transportation to get to our home and go home late in the evenings?
If needed, you can follow up by asking if they have a backup plan in case of car trouble or bad weather.
What is your rate?
And how do they want to be paid? (Cash, Venmo, check…)
What is your availability, and are you flexible with short notice?
Ask how much notice they typically need for last-minute requests and if they’ve handled unexpected schedule changes before. It’s helpful to know how flexible they can be, especially for those occasional last-minute needs.
Step-by-step guide to interviewing a new babysitter
Interviewing a babysitter doesn’t have to feel overwhelming when you’re well-prepared.
Now that you’ve got the right questions ready, it’s time to think through the rest of the process—like how to conduct the interview, what to observe, and even setting up a trial run. These steps will help you feel confident that you’re finding the right fit for your family and your unique needs.
Step 1: Creating a list of essential questions
Use these questions as a starting point and tailor them to fit your needs. Add anything specific to what you're looking for in a babysitter. That way, you can make sure the interview covers what matters most to you, helping you find someone who really clicks with your family.
Step 2: Conducting the interview
During the interview, be sure to clearly share your family’s expectations. Here are a few key house rules and things to cover:
- Screen time: Let them know your rules for TV or digital devices.
- Meals and snacks: Mention any food restrictions, allergies, or guidelines like no junk food.
- Daily routines: Share important routines like bedtime, playtime, or homework schedules.
- Discipline approach: Explain how you handle discipline to keep things consistent.
- Emergency protocols: Go over what to do in emergencies and where to find important contacts.
By setting these expectations upfront, you’ll help make the experience smooth and stress-free for everyone.
Step 3: Reviewing and verifying references
Checking references is an essential part of finding the right babysitter. Reach out to previous employers and ask about their experiences. Were they happy with the babysitter’s punctuality, reliability, and how they interacted with the kids? Don’t hesitate to dig a little deeper—ask about specific situations to get a clearer sense of how the babysitter handles challenges. This will give you confidence that this person is a great fit and that your kids will be in capable hands.
Step 4: Prepare detailed notes for the babysitter’s trial
Creating detailed notes for your babysitter can make the transition smoother and put your mind at ease. I’m telling you—write it all down!
Here's what to include:
- Snack/meal preferences: List favorite snacks and meals, and note any foods your kids don’t like or that they're allergic to. Being specific about portion sizes or time frames can also be helpful.
- Bedtime routine in detail: Outline every step of the bedtime routine, from the diaper change to bath time to reading their favorite story. Include what time each step usually starts and ends to maintain consistency.
- Any prepared activities: If there are activities your kids love, like a special puzzle, toy, or board game, mention these. Specify where things are kept, and any important guidelines for playtime—think clean up process or siblings doing things together or independently.
- Can they cook or bake with them?: If you’re comfortable with cooking or baking activities, let the babysitter know this is an activity they can do with your child and where to find the ingredients.
- Emergency contact info: Provide all necessary contact information, including your phone number, a neighbor or nearby relative, and any other emergency numbers. Always leave this information somewhere it can be found for quick access.
Keep all these notes in a safe place so that you can leave them out for your babysitter during their first few visits. This will help both you and the sitter feel more comfortable and confident until everyone is on the same page.
Step 5: In-person babysitter trial
Once you’ve laid out all the details, it’s time to see how things go in real life. Schedule an in-person trial where you can watch how your child and the sitter interact, answer any last-minute questions, and make sure everyone feels comfortable.
During the trial, keep communication open and clear. Share any specific needs, concerns, or boundaries, so expectations are set from the start. This helps avoid misunderstandings down the line.
And be open to feedback from the prospective babysitter—they might offer helpful suggestions or observations that can make the experience even smoother for both you and your family.
Step 6: Book for future dates
And now that you’ve found the right babysitter, it’s time to set up future dates. Ask how they prefer to book—whether it’s through a quick text, email, or even using a childcare app. Whichever method you choose, just make sure it’s easy for both of you.
Be clear about dates, start and end times. Keeping things organized will help avoid last-minute scrambles and show your sitter you value their time.
Build your bench
I took this tip from Kim Gebbia-Chappel (Chief Brand Officer at Bobbie — a formula I loved and trusted with my daughter, Willow), who shared her strategy on our podcast. She keeps a list of babysitters organized in a WhatsApp group—this way, whenever she needs child care coverage, she just drops the dates in the chat, and sitters can grab an opening if they’re free. It saves time and energy and she knows her family is always covered.
Building a bench of babysitters is a major advantage for any parent. With a few trusted sitters to call on, you’ll never feel stuck when plans pop up or your regular sitter isn’t available.
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