Templates · 2026
Babysitter Contract: What to Include
A babysitter contract protects both parents and sitters. Key clauses, a sample template and what to customise for your arrangement.
Key Clauses
What every babysitter contract should include
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Pay & Payment Method
Hourly rate, payment method (cash/Venmo/check), when payment is due (end of each session or weekly), and who pays for any household expenses incurred.
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Schedule & Hours
Regular days and hours. Start and end times. How overtime is handled if parents return late. Minimum hours per booking.
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Cancellation Policy
How much notice each party must give. Whether the sitter is paid for last-minute cancellations. What happens if the sitter cancels.
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Sick Day Policy
Whether the sitter works when mildly ill. Whether the sitter watches a sick child. How to handle contagious illness.
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Phone & Screen Time
Rules for both the sitter's phone use and the children's screen time. Which apps/shows are allowed.
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Driving & Outings
Whether the sitter may drive the children. Car seat requirements. Which locations/activities are permitted without prior approval.
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Household Rules
Areas of the home that are off-limits. Food and snack rules. Visitor policy. Quiet hours.
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Confidentiality
Family privacy expectations. No posting about the children on social media. NDA if required.
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Emergency Procedures
Who to call in an emergency. Medical authorisation clause. Hospital preference. Insurance information location.
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Termination
Notice period for both parties (typically 1–2 weeks). Grounds for immediate termination.
Template
Sample babysitter contract clauses
Copy and customise these for your own agreement.
Hourly Rate
The babysitter will be paid $[RATE]/hr. Payment will be made at the end of each session via [METHOD]. If the session extends beyond the agreed end time, the overtime rate of $[RATE × 1.5]/hr applies.
Minimum Hours
A minimum of [X] hours will be charged per booking, even if the session ends earlier.
Cancellation
Either party must give [24/48] hours notice to cancel. If the family cancels with less than [X] hours notice, the sitter will be paid [X hours / 50%] of the expected session rate.
Late Return
If parents return more than 30 minutes after the agreed time without prior notice, a late fee of $[AMOUNT] per 30 minutes will apply.
Confidentiality
The babysitter agrees not to share information about the family, children, or household on social media or with third parties.
Emergency Medical
In a medical emergency, the babysitter is authorised to seek emergency medical care for the children. The family's preferred hospital is [HOSPITAL].
FAQ
Babysitter contract questions
Key clauses: hourly rate and payment method, hours and days, duties and responsibilities, cancellation policy (both sides), sick day policy, confidentiality, phone/screen time rules, emergency contact procedure, and termination terms.
Not legally required, but highly recommended for regular arrangements. A contract prevents misunderstandings, sets clear expectations and protects both parties. Even a one-page written agreement is far better than a verbal one.
Most sitters request 24–48 hours notice for cancellation without charge. Many charge 50–100% of the session fee for last-minute cancellations. Families should also agree on a policy if they need to cancel.