What parents need to know about babysitter safety

This article was originally published on April 4, 2017 and then updated on June 26, 2025. 

Choosing the right child care provider is important, and can be difficult. 

Below is a walk through of what to consider when deciding on the best person to watch your children.

First: Does your child need a sitter?

Most states don’t have laws about the age at which children are allowed to stay home alone or to babysit other kids. 

There’s no set age at which all kids are ready to stay home alone, but you know your child best. 

Consider factors like:

• Does your child know and follow house rules?
• Can your child make good decisions?
• Do they know how to handle an emergency?
• Will they make good use of their time?
• How mature are they?
• Are they familiar with safety guidelines, such as what to do in case of fire?
• Are they comfortable using the phone?

This is a very individual decision. You need to decide if your child is mature enough.

How do you choose the right babysitter?

• Choose a trusted friend or family member if possible.
• Get recommendations from friends.
• Trade childcare with friends who have kids.
• Do not hire a sitter under age 12.
• Watch your child’s reaction when you tell them a sitter they know is coming and listen to what your child says about the sitter afterward.
• Meet the sitter in advance, and check references.
• Make sure he or she knows CPR and first aid.
• Ask whether young sitters have taken the American Red Cross babysitter class. If not, encourage them to take it. If you have a sitter aged 12 to 15 that you like, offer to pay for them to take the class.
• Have them spend time with you and your kids, and see how they interact with the kids.  A good strategy is to hire them first as a “mother’s or father’s helper,” and have them watch the kids while you are home getting something done.

What should you tell the babysitter before you leave the house?

Your sitter will need lots of information from you before you leave. Allow enough time to go over the information with them, show them the house, and answer any questions. 

Be sure to show your sitter, in particular:

• Location of exits
• Location of first aid supplies
• Location of fire extinguisher, flashlights

Other things that may be helpful to discuss include:

• Children’s bedtimes and bedtime routine
• Any food or drink to be given to the children
• Medications—name, time last given, time next dose due, amount to give (dose)
• Post phone number for Poison Control – 1 (800) 222-1222
• Never to shake your baby or young child
• How to calm your baby if crying or colicky
• How to handle misbehavior

Additional resources:

• Before hiring a holiday baby sitter, check this list twice
• Babysitter and childcare training (American Red Cross)
• Guidance on preventing shaken baby syndrome (National center on Shaken Baby Syndrome)

Written/reviewed by Sara Laule, MD