• Babysitting Training in Minnesota

    Parents value a well-trained sitter. In fact, in an American Red Cross survey, 8 in 10 parents said they would pay more for a sitter who is trained in CPR, first aid and child care skills. Become the best sitter you can be – and be prepared for the moments that matter – with Red Cross babysitting courses.

    What Program is Right for You?

    Young woman babysitter feeding a baby in a high chair.

    Want to learn more? Get certified in First Aid and CPR/AED and add even more value to your clients!

    Online

    • Babysitting Basics: Ideal for sitters aged 11-15, this self-paced, online-only course teaches leadership skills, age-appropriate activities, basic child care, basic first aid and safety and guidance on developing a babysitting business. The four-hour course ends with a final exam; upon successful completion a “digital diploma” will be issued.

    • Advanced Childcare Training: This Red Cross course, designed for ages 16+, enables students to learn while having fun by blending tried-and-true information with digital learning techniques. Participants will learn the most common child care routines and behavior along with safety inside and outside of the house. The self-paced, online-only course takes about two hours to complete. At the end of the course, a certificate of completion is issued.  


    Classroom

    • Babysitter’s Training: This course builds on the skills in our Babysitting Basics online class with hands-on training in child safety, basic first aid, diaper changing, child handling, feeding, behavior, games and the business of babysitting. The 6-hour classroom course is designed for ages 11-15. A certificate of completion is issued at the end of the class.  


    Certification Made Fast. Easy. Digital. 

    Upon successful completion of the course, you'll receive a digital certificate that you can print and place in your portfolio or pull up anytime to show parents with whom you are interviewing. Your certificate includes a unique ID number and a QR code to confirm its validity. 

    Refresh your knowledge at any time with free quizzes, games, activities and videos. You’ll also have access to all of your course materials like your Babysitter’s Training Handbook. 



    FAQs

    Q: What are good qualifications for a babysitter? 

    The characteristics of a good babysitter include stamina, interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, communication, safety and emergency skills, problem-solving skills and a strong sense of responsibility. Red Cross babysitting courses are a great way to develop the necessary emergency and safety skills that parents are seeking.  

    Q: Do I need a license to babysit in Minnesota?

    Currently, there is no standard government-issued babysitting license available for babysitting. However, you can definitely stand out against other babysitters with a Red Cross babysitting certificate. The Red Cross is the nation’s leader in babysitting classes and child care training – and will prepare you to become one of the most capable, trusted and in-demand sitters in your neighborhood.  

    Q: What is the difference between a babysitter and a nanny?

    While nannies are employed on a regular (or semi-regular) basis, babysitters tend to be as-needed caregivers. This means they are hired to watch children after school or while parents enjoy an evening out. Their duties also differ. For example, a babysitter’s main focus is watching a child and keeping them safe.  Nannies, who can live in or outside of the child’s home, meet many of a child's needs, caring for children physically, socially and emotionally. Some nannies help with homework while others complete cleaning-related tasks, like laundry or tidying a child's room.  

    Q: How old do I need to be to babysit in Minnesota?

    While most babysitters start working between the ages of 11 to 14 years old, there generally is no legal minimum age required to babysit. You can take a Red Cross babysitting course starting at age 11.   

    Are you ready to learn the skills to become a high-value babysitter? Find a class today.