Babysitting Tips: Simple Steps to Become a Trusted Sitter

Date Published: October 6, 2025

Babysitting isn’t just a part-time gig — it’s a meaningful job that requires responsibility, patience and preparation. Whether you're watching the neighbor’s toddler for the first time or helping after school a few days a week, your role matters.

If you’re wondering how to be a good babysitter, we’ve created a babysitting guide that walks you through easy-to-follow steps for preparing for babysitting. Know what to do before, during and after each job — plus why getting babysitting training can make all the difference. Use these babysitting tips for how to be a great babysitter.

Babysitting Tips to Understand the Child: No Two Kids Are the Same

Babysitting isn’t a one-size-fits-all job. Kids have different routines, personalities and comfort levels. Being tuned into those differences helps you build trust and avoid problems.

Remain Present, Not Just on Duty

It’s tempting to think that babysitting is just keeping kids busy — but your real job is being present and creating a safe, respectful connection.

Engaged sitters are not only safer — they’re the ones kids remember and request. Avoid zoning out or scrolling on your phone. Instead, find age-appropriate activities for kids:

• Build a blanket fort or pillow obstacle course
• Create a scavenger hunt indoors or in the yard
• Host a dance party or kid-friendly yoga session
• Make a simple craft (with permission)
• Play a board game or hosting a mini dance party
• Read books with silly voices or act out scenes

Safety First: Be Ready for the Unexpected

Emergencies are rare, but part of being a great babysitter is knowing what to do when things don't go as planned. It starts with preparing for babysitting.

Even small steps - like learning how to comfort a child during a storm or keeping calm during a power outage - can make a big difference. Your emergency readiness checklist:

1. Know the address and have it written down or saved on your phone
2. Have all parent and guardian contact numbers on-hand
3. Know where the first aid kit is - and check that it's stocked and has no expired items.
4. Understand how to use door locks, child gates and safety devices
5. Know the child's allergies, medical conditions and any medications
6. Recognize signs of choking or illness and know when to call for help

Bonus tip: Babysitters with CPR certifications are more confident in these moments-and more appealing to parents.

Babysitting Advice to Have a Safe, Calm and Fun Experience

As the babysitter, you're in charge of creating a space that feels safe and structured — but still fun.

Here's babysitting advice for how to strike that balance:

• Listen with empathy ("It's okay to feel mad, but we don't throw toys")
• Set clear expectations without being harsh
• Stay calm and consistent, even if the child isn't
• Stick to routines as much as possible
• Use gentle redirection when behavior goes off track

Why Babysitting Training Matters When Preparing for Babysitting

Preparing for babysitting with training shows parents that you take their child’s care seriously — and it gives you peace of mind, too. The American Red Cross offers trusted courses that cover these topics and more, giving you both practical knowledge and the confidence to act.

Even if you’ve spent time around kids — helping with younger siblings or volunteering at a daycare — babysitting on your own brings new responsibilities. A formal babysitting course prepares you for situations that go beyond basic childcare. It gives you the skills and confidence to handle challenges calmly and safely.

In each of these situations, being unprepared can lead to stress or even danger. But with babysitter training, you’ll know how to respond quickly, communicate clearly with parents or emergency personnel and keep children safe.

Final Checklist: Babysitting Tips Before You Leave

Before the parents return, do a quick check of the area and children.

• Clean up any messes from meals or play
• Give the child a calm wind-down if it's close to bedtime
• Leave a summary or check-in text if the parents aren’t home
• Lock up if needed and confirm that doors and windows are secure
• Note anything important that happened (meals, behavior, injuries)

Babysitting is a job that matters. When you’re prepared, informed and engaged, you're not just keeping kids safe — you’re helping them feel secure and supported. And you’re building valuable skills in leadership, communication and responsibility that will serve you well in any future role.

The best babysitting tips for babysitters include preparing for babysitting by investing in your training. Ask good questions and keep learning. That’s how to be a great babysitter.