Legal Babysitting Age
Most states do not have a legal age to babysit. The recommended age to begin babysitting is 11 to 15 years old. Babysitting is one of the few jobs a preteen can do, as most places won’t hire until age 14.
Factors to Consider
A teen with younger siblings may be more ready to babysit at 13. An only child may need experience as a parent’s helper first before sitting alone at 14 or 15. Less experienced sitters shouldn’t handle multiple kids, newborns, or kids with special needs. Short daytime jobs are safest. Overnight jobs are better for those 16+. Preparation helps new sitters.
Parental Judgment
There is no law on a child’s age to babysit. Parents make reasonable decisions about children’s safety. Most say ages 10-12 are fine to be left home for varying lengths, depending on maturity and time alone.
Finding a Qualified Babysitter
Once the legal requirements are met, the next step is finding a qualified babysitter. Check credentials like CPR certification and references to ensure experience and reliability. Interview prospective babysitters to get a sense of their skills and personality.
Practical Considerations
Skills needed include stamina, safety, and emergency skills. Ages 11-14 are good times to start letting kids babysit siblings, depending on factors like maturity. Different states have varying rules, with some allowing younger ages like 8 or 9 to watch siblings. If the job requires driving or cooking, an older teen with more experience is better. A babysitter’s age should align with a family’s expectations.