As much as parents love their kids, they all need a break once in a while. Almost anyone with young children is your potential market.

PROS:
— Babies and kids can be so cute
— You can do your homework after the kids go to sleep

CONS:
— Babies and kids can be so annoying
— You may have to take a CPR course or get some other babysitting training to get parents to trust you.
— Some parents may think you are too young to be a babysitter. If that’s the case, consider being a mother’s helper.

How to Get Started:
NOTE: Before you start your business, you should read the page on this website entitled “things to think about before you get started.” After you have taken the preliminary steps for starting any business, you can take the specific steps outlined below.

What is the best way to start looking for babysitting clients? Start with who you know. Parents are much more comfortable having someone they already know watch their kids. So, tell your friends and family members that you provide babysitting services.

After starting with who you know, you can then promote your babysitting business by posting about it on social media, as well as passing out business cards and flyers.

How Much to Charge:
There’s a wide range for charging for babysitting services. You can charge between $7 to as much as $25/hour, depending on a few things.

  • How many kids? Watching more kids within a household allows you to charge a higher rate. Don’t set a rate per kid. Instead, use a set rate and increase it by a smaller amount for every extra kid.
  • Child (or children’s) age(s): Babies need more care and attention. You can charge more if you’re caring for a baby than if you’re watching a 9-year-old who is more independent.
  • Other factors: Special needs, extra instructions, length of babysitting time, etc. Ask other babysitters what they charge to help you set your own rate. You can adjust the rate as you go and gain experience.

Taking it to the next level:
Ready to upgrade your babysitting business? Here are a few tips.

  • Get certification for basic child care and child safety classes. Receive certification in child and infant CPR. Classes are available through the American Red Cross.
  • Grab your backpack and fill it with activities for kids. This could come in handy if your clients’ kids play outside and it’s raining, or if they play children’s games online and the home’s internet service goes down or becomes unreliable.
  • Other services: While babysitting, you can also wash the dishes when the kids go to bed, help the kids with their homework, or teach kids how to help with a chore. Market yourself as a “full service” babysitter and charge a little more.