Parent Guide · 2026
Questions to Ask a Babysitter
50+ interview questions to find a babysitter you can truly trust — covering experience, safety, references and house rules.
🧑💼Experience & Background
1.
How long have you been babysitting?
2.
What age groups have you cared for most?
3.
Are you CPR and First Aid certified?
4.
Do you have references from previous families?
5.
Have you completed any childcare or child development courses?
6.
Are you comfortable being alone with [infant / toddler / multiple kids]?
7.
Have you worked with children with special needs?
8.
What is your availability and typical notice period?
🆘Safety & Emergencies
1.
What would you do if my child stopped breathing?
2.
How would you handle a severe allergic reaction?
3.
What would you do if there was a fire or you smelled gas?
4.
Do you know our full address in case you need to call 911?
5.
Have you ever dealt with a medical emergency with a child?
6.
What is your policy on screen time and outdoor play?
7.
How do you handle a child who won't stop crying?
🏠House Rules & Routines
1.
Are you comfortable following our bedtime routine exactly?
2.
Can you prepare simple meals and snacks?
3.
Are you okay with our no-screen-time policy?
4.
Do you drive? Are you comfortable using a car seat?
5.
Are you comfortable with pets in the home?
6.
Will you tidy up toys and the kitchen before leaving?
7.
Can you help with homework if needed?
💰Pay & Logistics
1.
What is your hourly rate?
2.
How do you prefer to be paid — cash, Venmo, Zelle?
3.
What is your cancellation policy?
4.
Do you charge extra for additional children?
5.
Do you charge extra for holidays or late-night hours?
6.
Are you available for last-minute bookings?
7.
Do you charge a minimum number of hours?
📞References
1.
Can you provide 2–3 references from families you've worked with?
2.
May I contact your references before booking?
3.
How long did you work for each reference family?
4.
Did you leave on good terms with your previous families?
5.
Would any of your previous families be willing to have you back?
🔍Background & Trust
1.
Are you willing to undergo a background check?
2.
Do you have a clean driving record (if driving is needed)?
3.
Are you comfortable signing a babysitter agreement?
4.
Do you use social media? Are you comfortable with our social media policy?
5.
Is there anything about our home setup I should know affects your ability to care for the kids?
👶Child-Specific
1.
Have you cared for newborns before?
2.
Are you comfortable with bottle feeding / breastmilk handling?
3.
How do you discipline children when they misbehave?
4.
How do you keep children engaged and entertained?
5.
Are you comfortable handling tantrums?
6.
Do you have any allergies or physical limitations?
Questions to ask babysitter references
1.
How long did [name] babysit for you?
2.
How did they handle difficult situations or tantrums?
3.
Did they always show up on time?
4.
Did they follow your house rules?
5.
Would you hire them again without hesitation?
6.
Did they ever cancel last-minute?
7.
Were your children happy with them?
8.
Is there anything I should know before hiring them?
FAQ
Babysitter interview questions answered
The most critical questions cover: CPR/First Aid certification, experience with your child's age group, how they handle emergencies, references from past families, and availability. Always call references.
Ask: How long did they work for you? How did they handle emergencies? Did they follow your instructions? Would you hire them again? Did they ever cancel last-minute?
Ask: Are you CPR and First Aid certified? What would you do if my child had an allergic reaction? Have you ever had an emergency with a child? Do you know our full address?