Mistakes to avoid when looking for a babysitter

Mistake 1 - Looking without specifying what you need

Before contacting candidates, note the location, hours, number and ages of the children, expected tasks, and your budget. Specify whether the childcare is occasional or regular. These points provide a framework for the conversation. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends, in particular, defining your needs regarding hours, cost, and care arrangements before looking for childcare. Source

For example, “Saturday from 19 h to 23 h, at home, for a five-year-old child, with dinner and bedtime” describes a specific request. You can then ask what experience the person has with comparable childcare, rather than looking for an “ideal” person without specific criteria.

Mistake 2 - Confusing a good impression with verification

A pleasant conversation is not enough to establish a person’s skills. Ask specific questions: how old were the children they cared for? What tasks were expected? How would they react in a specific situation, for example if the child refuses an activity? These topics are among the interview questions suggested by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Source

A feeling can be the starting point for a question, not proof of skill or danger. If something worries you, try to clarify what happened and get an answer. Neither appearance nor ease of speaking replaces verified information. Also ask what first-aid training the person has completed and verify any training claimed. Source

Mistake 3 - Asking for references without speaking to them

With the person’s agreement, contact families they have worked for before. Ask in what circumstances they hired them and what aspects of their experience they can confirm. Ring Twice recommends speaking directly with previous families, particularly about their satisfaction and how unexpected situations were handled. Source

Prepare a few simple questions: what tasks were assigned? Did a problem arise? How was it handled? Feedback describes a particular experience; it does not constitute a general guarantee for all future childcare sessions.

Mistake 4 - Leaving arrangements unclear

Before confirming, recap the dates, times, location, tasks, agreed pay, and payment arrangements. Also specify how you will notify each other in the event of a delay or cancellation. The Canadian Paediatric Society highlights the value of clarifying, in particular, hours, fees, and payment arrangements. Source

A written message allows everyone to review these points and point out any misunderstanding. Distinguish what is planned from what remains to be discussed: helping with bedtime does not automatically mean preparing a meal or providing transportation.

Mistake 5 - Improvising the first meeting and instructions

Plan a meeting with your child while you are present before the first childcare session. Introduce the household routines and let the person ask questions. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this time to meet and become familiar with routines. Source

Prepare the ways to reach you, the contact details of another adult to contact if you cannot be reached, and the emergency numbers for the childcare location. Provide meal and bedtime routines, known allergies, and instructions already established for your child. Check with the babysitter that this information is understood: selecting someone does not replace practical preparation for childcare. Source