2026
Babysitter Background Check: How to Run One
How to run a background check on a babysitter — which services to use, what shows up, what it costs ($10–35) and what to look for.
Background Check Guide
How to run a background check
$10–35
Cost per check
Standard criminal + sex offender check
2–3
Days to complete
Most services return results within 48 hrs
Written
Consent required
Must get written permission before running
Best services to use
Care.com
Built-in checks on the platform. Run when hiring through Care.com. $9–29 depending on depth.
Checkr
Professional-grade. Used by many nanny agencies. $25–35. Returns in 1–2 days.
Sterling
Comprehensive multi-state search. Best for regular/live-in sitters. $30+.
Sittercity
Background checks included on verified sitter profiles.
National Sex Offender Registry
Free at nsopw.gov. Always run this yourself in addition to any paid check.
What shows up vs what doesn't
✅ ShowsCriminal convictions
✅ ShowsSex offender registry status
✅ ShowsAddress history
✅ ShowsDriving record (if requested)
❌ Won't showArrests without conviction
❌ Won't showExpunged/sealed records
❌ Won't showOut-of-state records (unless multi-state)
❌ Won't showEmployment history or references
FAQ
Common questions
Use services like Checkr, Sterling or the built-in checks on Care.com and Sittercity ($10–35). A standard check covers criminal history, sex offender registry, and address history. Always get written consent first.
A standard check shows: criminal convictions, sex offender registry status, address history, and sometimes driving record. It does not show arrests without convictions or expunged records.
Background checks catch serious red flags but are not a complete picture. Always combine them with personal reference calls (at least two), an in-person interview and a paid trial session with you present.