Babysitter Pay

You want a night out or an evening away and so you need to know what babysitter pay to set. It's a tricky one as a babysitter can really add up to a lot when you are going out yet you want to pay your babysitter enough to value them in their responsible role. You're trusting them with a lot.

Hiring a babysitter is a big deal and you need to get it right in order for you to relax and go out and enjoy yourself. How much you pay your babysitter will depend on their experience, their suitability (you have to like and trust them too!), their babysitting training and their general attitude.

In the US babysitter rates are about $8 - 12 depending on location, number of children and training. In the UK the baby sitting hourly rate is around £4-6 per hour, depending on location. However, child minders often only charge £3.50 per hour and this includes training and inspections - however, this is in the childminder's own home and usually there is more than one child so their hourly rate is actually higher. If your babysitter is looking after more than two children then expect to pay a little more - the more children, the more demanding the work afterall.

Ideally you will use a babysitter who is at least 16 years old. You may be happy to have a babysitter who is younger but they must be able to look after your child well enough and they will be in your house alone. They need the maturity and experience to cope with mishaps, problems and they need to be able to handle the unexpected.

Make sure you set your babysitter pay BEFORE you engage a babysitter so you know what to expect! Your babysitter may already have a set figure in mind - a good babysitter is often in demand. Or you may be able to set the figure and negotiate something you are both happy with. Also you need to know how your babysitter wants to be paid - cash or check? If your babysitter is staying the night then you can apply a flat rate for the whole night rather than an hourly rate.

Be very clear about what you are paying for. Here is a list that you might want to include as part of the deal:

• childcare
• clearing up after the children
• preparation of food
• clearing up after cooking

Extras might include:

• light housework
• folding laundry
• ironing

You need to be very clear about both sides of the bargain.

Stick to what you agree and this includes the pay, the hours and make sure you have the cash to pay her! If you have found a good babysitter then you will want to engage her again and you want her to WANT to work for you - both parties need to trust the other for a good relationship. And with the right babysitter the relationship could last for years, giving you a break and fun adult times and giving your children happy memories.