Finding the right babysitter for your little one is essential for their comfort and your peace of mind. Whether you’re just after occasional care or more regular help throughout the week, there’s sure to be a sitter out there to suit your needs.
There are so many different factors that go into finding the best babysitter, with your child’s age playing a huge part. Here’s how to find the perfect babysitter for your child’s age.
Your child’s needs based on their age
Depending on the age of your child, they’ll have different needs. Children go through several important developmental stages during their first few years of life, so it’s essential to find a babysitter who can keep up with your little one and confidently cater to their needs.
Infants (0-12 months)
Babysitting infants is a huge responsibility. They’re much more demanding than older children and require close supervision. With this in mind, it’s important to look for a babysitter that has experience caring for infants. They should be confident in feeding, nappy changes, soothing and keeping up your bub’s sleep schedule.
Infants require a caring and patient approach, so it’s important to find a babysitter with a caring and calm disposition. They should understand the developmental needs of infants, like tummy time, sensory stimulation and age-appropriate play. They should also be aware of safe sleep practices for infants, including placing them on their backs in a crib with no loose bedding.
Toddlers (1-3 years)
While toddlers don’t require as much attention as infants, they can still be very high maintenance so it’s important to find a babysitter that’s able to provide the care they require. Between 1-3 years, toddlers are starting to develop their fine motor skills, while also working on their language and communication skills. Although they’re starting to develop their independence and explore the world around them, they still need adequate sleep and constant supervision.
The ideal babysitter should have the energy to keep up with your little one at this age. They should be able to engage in age-appropriate activities and provide positive reinforcement and encouragement to help your little one reach those developmental milestones.
Preschoolers (4-5 years)
From ages 4-5, preschool-aged children are developing emotional regulation and socialisation skills. They’re continuing to work on their communication skills while also picking up basic concepts like numbers, colours and shapes.
Your babysitter should be comfortable organising age-appropriate activities to keep your child engaged and entertained. Preschoolers thrive on creativity and play so your babysitter should be able to engage in imaginative play and stimulate your child's curiosity. They should be able to discipline your child in a way that aligns with your parenting style. Preschoolers often require patience and positive reinforcement, so it’s important to make sure the babysitter has a nurturing and patient demeanour.
School-age children (6-12 years)
By the time children reach primary school, they’re often developing a greater sense of autonomy and responsibility. They’ve started their schooling and might need a hand completing their homework. Many children at this age are often involved in extracurricular activities or hobbies outside of school.
Primary school-aged children often value a sense of independence, so it can help to find a babysitter who respects their growing autonomy and encourages responsibility. With that said, the ideal babysitter should be able to help children complete their homework too.
Tips for choosing the right babysitter
When it comes to finding a great babysitter, the key is to do your research. There are a few key factors that often set good babysitters apart from the rest of the pack. Interviewing a potential babysitter is an essential part of the process. Here are a few points worth considering in your search.
Experience and qualifications
Possibly one of the most important factors to consider when looking for a babysitter is their experience and whether they hold relevant qualifications and certifications. Look for candidates with previous babysitting experience or a background in childcare. It’s also worth checking if they have any relevant certifications, like CPR and first aid training.
References and background checks
Before engaging a babysitter, make sure to request and check references from previous employers or families they have worked for. This can help to provide insight into their reliability, trustworthiness and competence. Not to mention, it can also help to provide you with peace of mind knowing that previous families have been happy with their service.
Age-appropriate skills
Children’s needs can change drastically based on their age. With so many different developmental needs, it’s essential to ensure that your babysitter has age-appropriate skills to cater to your child's needs. Chances are someone with experience in the age group of your child may be more effective.
Compatibility
In the process of interviewing multiple babysitters, chances are you’ll click with some individuals more than others. The same goes for your child too. Look for a babysitter whose personality and values align with yours. This can help to build a more positive and harmonious environment for your child.
Take the time to observe how the babysitter interacts with your child during the interview or a trial period. Pay attention to their ability to engage, communicate and handle discipline if necessary.
Availability and schedule
Make sure that your babysitter’s availability and schedule align with your needs. Some babysitters are likely to be more flexible than others, so if you’re after evening or weekend care, it’s important to make sure that they’re likely to be available during these times.
Every child is different, with their own unique needs. With this in mind, when it comes to finding the right babysitter it’s important to consider your family’s needs and preferences. Find a babysitter who can tailor their approach to suit your child and has the availability to fit into your schedule. There’s no need to rush the process. Instead, prioritise your little one’s needs and you’ll be sure to find a babysitter who provides the right level of care for your family.
Do you need a babysitter? Use our childcare search tool to find high-quality babysitters in your area.
