Questions to ask when hiring a babysitter?

Question

First time mom here meeting up with my one year olds first potential babysitter.  What are some things I should ask?  I’m kind of clueless !

Answer

Do they know infant cpr? How much experience do they have with infants? Do they know how to properly prepare and give a bottle? Do they have any questions or concerns to share with you? 
I’m sure there’s a million things you could ask but you could start anywhere.

Answer

I have babysat/nannied for many families. Some one time through an agency, another from when there daughter was 2 all the way to 10. 
The best experiences for everyone involved was when I felt I had a good relationship with the mother and we could openly communicate, both professionally and about personal things. 
A big question is what are you looking for? There is a wide range of types of sitting jobs. 
When I first started babysitting as a young teen I knew nothing, but I was honest, patient, and liked kids. A mom took me under her wing and had me over and walked me through everything including how to change a diaper. The first time “babysitting” she was there the whole time and would step in and give pointers occasionally. I was left alone with them only short times at first then longer and longer. Still friends with them 15 years later and have great memories with the kids. 
 
I’ve had more formal interviews where the mom runs through a list of rules, their parenting theories, and all the educational activities they want me to do with their 6 month old to help craft them into a genius. Some basically expected me to be an in home nurse and preschool teacher. 
Things to talk about
-your typical schedule/habits with your child. Most helpful thing a parent can provide is a written (honest) typical day for them in 30 minute increments. This will help them know what the child wants at a given time and give something to follow. 
- experience— lack of experience may not be a deal breaker if they have good character and you have the time to teach them. 
- media preferences. The best experiences have been when we were on the same page with what a child should be exposed to. At least they should be willing to follow your guidelines on music/tv. There is a surprisingly wide range of what different parents consider appropriate. 
- beliefs, you may not run into this until the child is older, but how do you want them to respond if the child asks, who is God? Or why do/don’t you pray when you eat? 
- discipline, just having them tell you about behavior when you get home is not enough. Those jobs are always chaos. They need something that you are behind them on that they can do in the moment, and that the child is accustomed to, like a short time out. A reward system is nice too. 
- food, some parents make food ahead and have me eat what they provide with the kids. Others want me to pack my lunch. Some have restrictions or allergies, just let them know so they are prepared. 
- what should they do during naps? Some parents give me cleaning to do, others show me how to work their tv 
This is long , but hope it’s helpful, slow day for me 😁

Answer

I recently went on an interview with a potential employer and she asked about pay, experience, refferences, why I like to babysit, etc. We mainly chatted, though. We probably should've talked more about the position but it was really nice to get to know the mother.

Answer

Ask about flexibility, transportation, and experience firstly, just like any other job. Then get deeper into things, ask how they expect a regular day to go. Ask how they would handle certain situations. Don’t be afraid to give them a hypothetical situation and ask them to give you a step by step solution for what they think is the best. Remind them of safety measures to use with a baby, show them all exits to the home, keep emergency numbers on the fridge. Ask them if they would be okay with a background check and drug testing (you don’t have to do these things, but their reaction to the question answers a lot). If they’re watching them from your home, that should do it. You should get a good idea of who they are as a person and provider during the interview. If you plan on dropping your child off at a center or at their home, I would ask for a tour, ask where the main area they spend there day would be, ask who else would be in the home or center and ask to meet them. 
Don’t be afraid to ask anything, literally. I use to own a home daycare and I welcomed as many questions as I could. I would always give my parents a packet full of info on me, usually full of my certifications, insurance info, days I wanted to take off (holidays or kids birthdays), my available hours, any possible way to get ahold of me (phone, home phone, husbands phone, email, etc). I welcomed background checks and drug testing and even offered to pay for them myself. And I always asked for a bunch of info back like contact info for the parents, kids birthday so I could throw them a tiny party around that time, kids likes and dislikes, kids allergies if any, and kids preferred diet. 
Just giving you ideas. It’s so hard to find someone you trust, but over time you will build a great relationship with whoever you choose! So make sure it’s someone you’re compatible with.

Questions to ask when hiring a babysitter?

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