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Date Published: November 11, 2024
Babysitting is often seen as a rite of passage for children and teenagers — empowering their independence while earning money and gaining valuable experience in responsibility.
A babysitter, also known as a sitter, is hired by a parent, grandparent, or guardian to temporarily care for a child. They may look after children of all ages and are usually paid per hour. Their work schedule can be consistent — whether part-time or full-time — or as needed.
But what is the best babysitting age? Can 12 year olds babysit? Is there a legal age to babysit? Here’s what you need to know about how old do you have to be to babysit.
The babysitting recommended age varies by state (e.g., Florida, Texas, California). Most states do not have laws specifying a minimum age for babysitters, but some states have guidelines for how old a child should be before being left home alone.
Many experts believe the best babysitting age is at least 12 or 13. The American Red Cross recommends babysitters be 11 years or older and offers several training courses that address babysitter skills and responsibilities. The recommended minimum age to participate is 11.
Pinpointing an exact babysitting age readiness isn’t simple because children mature at different ages. A child's overall maturity level is more critical than babysitting age.
Regardless of the legal age to babysit, a child should be able to do all the above, in addition to the following:
Recommended training for a babysitter includes Pediatric First Aid, CPR and AED certification, early childhood education, and child care courses to enhance babysitter skills for your resume.
The American Red Cross offers babysitting and child care courses to prepare babysitters with universal skills and techniques. Courses are available online or in person and cover many important topics. Just a few of the things our babysitting classes cover include:
In addition to being mature, babysitters should understand safety and how to respond to an emergency. Basic safety knowledge is expected for babysitter skills. For example, a babysitter should not open the door to strangers or talk on the phone when caring for children (unless there is an emergency.)
Regardless of babysitting age, many families may expect babysitter skills to include specific training and safety qualifications, such as first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certifications.
Other babysitting safety tips include:
What are the basic qualifications to become a babysitter?
To become a babysitter, you should demonstrate responsibility, have prior child care experience, and preferably obtain certifications like first aid and CPR.
Knowing basic first aid and CPR will boost your babysitter resume skills and set you apart. Someone who has taken the time to learn CPR (like child & baby CPR) and first aid (like child & baby first aid) skills would likely be chosen over someone who hasn’t.
Is there a specific age requirement for babysitting?
While the babysitting age requirement varies by state, The American Red Cross recommends that babysitters be at least 11 years old.
How do I know if my child is ready to babysit?
Even if your child is technically old enough to babysit, age isn’t the only determining factor. Talk to them about what is expected of a babysitter and what the role entails. Ask questions and get a sense of whether this is something they want to do. Assess their maturity level and willingness to take on the responsibilities of a babysitter.
Do I need formal training to become a babysitter?
Formal training, such as first aid and CPR certifications, is highly encouraged because it demonstrates your ability to handle emergencies effectively.
Do I need to provide references as a babysitter?
Having a list of references is beneficial. Parents often request references to verify your qualifications and skills.
What is the legal age to babysit?
Legal babysitting age requirements are limited and vary depending on where you live (e.g., Florida, Texas, California).
How do I build trust and a good reputation as a babysitter?
Building a trustworthy reputation involves gaining experience, obtaining certifications, providing references, and consistently demonstrating responsible child care practices.
Is a babysitter the same as a nanny?
Often, the terms babysitter and nanny or au pair are used interchangeably. This is a common misunderstanding, especially because the responsibilities of a babysitter and nanny overlap significantly. There are several differences between a nanny and babysitter.
As a parent, you know your child best. If you feel your child is (or isn’t) ready to care for someone else’s child, even if they meet the babysitting age and safety precautions, it's okay to trust your instincts.
Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.
