What to Ask When Hiring a Babysitter For The First Time

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We’re in the process of hiring a babysitter for the first time for regular weekday hours and here’s what I decided are the make or break questions to ask.

What to Ask When Hiring a Babysitter For The First Time

You’ve probably read in previous posts about how we’re in the process of looking for a regular babysitter for Blake, for the first time, and we’re still on the hunt. We’ve gone back and forth about this a lot because some days are great, while others I struggle to get work done and I’m pulling my hair out while I’m filled to the brim with stress. The goal is to start small with someone for 2 days a week, who can come to our home, since that’s where I work. We’d even be cool with a responsible college student who is “on” enough to chase after our feisty toddler. So that’s where we’re at.

We have hired babysitters in the past or had family watch the kids, but up until this point we have never had a steady, week day, babysitter. I’ve always somehow managed things on my own, but Blake is getting to the point where she needs someone besides me during the day who can give her full attention (because she demands it!) so that I can get things done during a focused period of time. I think this will make us all happy in the long run and is something our family really needs right now.

As we’re going through this process, I’m learning that there are some really important questions to ask, and I thought I would share them with you all!

Important questions to consider when hiring a babysitter or nanny:

1. Are you okay with dogs? Pets?

Since we got Oliver I’ve realized that it’s important to include this question on our list because not everyone is good with animals and that’s okay. We need to make sure that we have someone in our home who is comfortable with our pup because if they aren’t, they probably won’t be a very good fit for our family.

2. What experience do you have with caring for children?

Our candidate surely doesn’t have to have a PHD in child psychology, but it’s imperative that they have experience being around kids of all ages. Blake is a very strong-willed toddler and even though she would probably listen to a babysitter better than me (just because it’s not me), it’s important that they have some working knowledge of dealing with her little three-nager quirks.

3. Do you know CPR?

Whenever I took the babysitting course back when I was twelve, learning CPR was a big part of that experience. Every parent should know CPR and babysitters definitely should, too.

4. How would you handle disciplining our toddler?

Again, Blake is a strong-willed sassy pants and needs to be disciplined quite frequently during the day. I don’t want them to be too harsh, but I also don’t want them to be afraid to let her know when she’s breaking a rule.

5. How would you keep her entertained during the day?

Blake needs constant attention and stimulation or else she gets into trouble. And when I say trouble, I’m not joking. She recently went all Jackson Pollock on our cream bedspread with lip stain and it’s now ruined. RIP pretty comforter that didn’t even last a month. She needs to be constantly entertained, which is why I’m seeking help to begin with.

6. How would you help her learn during the day?

I want her to not only be kept busy, but I hope that some learning can be incorporated into her time with the babysitter.

7. What would you do on days where she can’t play outside?

Chilly fall and winter days are ahead, I need to know that this babysitter still has a plan to keep her entertained indoors whenever she won’t have access to her bike or scooter or outdoor toys.