Qualifications for Babysitting

A skilled babysitter can make separation easier for both parent and child.

Hiring a babysitter is one of the most stressful things new parents face. It is important to decide what qualifications are important to your family, then interview many potential sitters until you find the one with whom you are most comfortable.

Child Care Training

Well-trained sitters know how to react in an emergency.

Many babysitters have had some formal training in child care. Adult babysitters may have taken college classes as they work toward a degree in education, and teen babysitters may have attended the American Red Cross or Safe Sitter classes, which are offered nationwide. Ask your potential babysitters if they have attended formal training or earned certification.

CPR Certification

Many qualified babysitters are certified in both infant and adult CPR. They may have taken a standard CPR course or a specialized CPR course designed specifically for babysitters. These courses are typically offered at local hospitals for a small fee.

Personality Traits

A qualified babysitter must possess certain personality traits such as maturity, friendliness and a playful attitude. Introduce your child to the potential babysitter and watch the interaction. A good babysitter will be comfortable around children and know how to help them feel at ease.

Experience

A qualified babysitter should be able to provide the names and numbers of past clients. If she hasn't yet worked as a babysitter, she may provide personal references such as teachers, pastors, or friends. Call each reference and ask questions to determine whether the sitter is a good fit for your family.

References

• The American Red Cross: Babysitter Training
• Safe Sitter
• Babysitters4Hire.com: Babysitter Training