Getting Started Babysitting

Want to start babysitting but not sure how to get started? This video shares the four steps you need to do to start babysitting (safely). Trust me, follow these steps and you’ll have the skills you need to be known as a Babysitter Boss!

Video Transcript

So you want to be a babysitter, but you don’t know how to get started. That’s what I’m here for. I have four easy steps to help you get started.

First, you need to take a class. I get it, you think you mostly know what to do and you can just Google the rest … so innocent, so naïve. You have no idea what you’re in for.

I can hear you now saying, “But that’s what I watch you for.” While it’s true that I am a fountain of knowledge, there’s only so much I can cover in 3-minute videos.

Seriously though, babysitting isn’t just keeping kids entertained. What would you do if a child you were watching fell down the stairs or choked on a grape? Would you know how to save them? Babysitting classes not only cover caring for and entertaining children, but also things like first aid and choking rescue.

Step 1: Take a Class

So yes, you have to take a class. I took a Safe Sitter class at my local hospital, and you can probably find a Safe Sitter class near you. Hospitals, park districts, schools, YMCAs, and other community organizations offer them in places all across the country. Go to safesitter.org to find a class near you. If you can’t take a Safe Sitter class, there are other organizations that offer classes in babysitting. Just make sure that the class you sign up for includes first aid and how to rescue a choking child.

Step 2: Advertise

Next, you’ll need to advertise. Safely. Tell your teachers and your neighbors that you’re a trained babysitter, and ask your parents to spread the word among their friends and co-workers as well.  It’s called networking.

Step 3: Start Easy

Third, start with an easy win. Please do not start your babysitting career with any child who reminds you of Stewie. You need to work up to that. Also, don’t start with an infant. Babies require lots of care, especially newborns, and you need some experience watching older infants and children before you’ll be ready.

Preschoolers are a good age to start with. They’re old enough to know and follow the rules, but not so old that they’ll challenge your authority. Trust me, I’ve heard enough “You’re not the boss of me” to last a lifetime. Plus, preschoolers may already be potty-trained, which is a bonus, although they might need help using the bathroom or reminders to go.

Step 4: Accept More Jobs

Finally, let the word spread! Once you have a couple successful jobs under your belt, word will spread about what a great babysitter you are. Parents of young children treasure good babysitters, so if you do a good job, you can sit back and let the job offers roll in!

Babysitter Boss Videos

The image shows Babysitter Boss, Lexi, seated confidently against a dark background, participating in a promotional interview. Lexi is wearing a white t-shirt with the Safe Sitter® logo, featuring a colorful design, paired with light blue jeans. Her relaxed posture and friendly expression convey approachability and professionalism. Next to her, a large poster on an easel prominently displays the "Babysitter Boss by Safe Sitter®" branding, with a playful design featuring clouds and a smiling baby logo. The hashtag "#BabysitterBoss" at the bottom of the poster emphasizes a call to action or engagement with the audience. This scene highlights Lexi as a central figure representing the Babysitter Boss series, showcasing her role as a relatable and knowledgeable mentor for young babysitters.
Watch behind the scenes footage and get Lexi’s take on the series, Babysitter Boss by...
Watch Video
A smiling young babysitter in denim overalls and a blue shirt talks to a parent in a bright kitchen.
So what do I love about babysitting? The money, of course! When I first started...
Watch Video
A female teen proudly holds up her Safe Sitter® completion certificate while smiling in a kitchen setting.
Parents, finding a reliable babysitter doesn’t have to be stressful! Whether you need a sitter...
Watch Video
A smiling woman with curly hair wearing a pink sweater, sitting in a warmly lit living room.
Parents, babysitters have a few secrets they’d love to share! From paying them on time...
Watch Video
A babysitter in a navy jacket supports a sick child leaning over a bathtub, gently patting their back with a concerned expression.
It’s gross. I’m not going to pretend that it’s a pleasant experience. But if it...
Watch Video