Babysitter interview questions every parent should ask before hiring

A babysitting interview is more than just a meet-and-greet. It’s about building trust, finding compatibility, and ensuring safety. You’re choosing someone who will play a role in your child’s daily life, even if just for a few hours at a time. That’s why every question you ask matters before hiring someone.

We’ve compiled these babysitter interview questions, sourced from parents, experienced babysitters, and hiring managers, to help you out.

Start with basic babysitter interview questions

These are warm-up questions to ask a babysitter in an interview. It’s meant to ease both of you into the conversation, give you a general feel of the babysitter’s background, personality, and how well they might fit into your household.

Experience and availability

These questions help you learn about their background, their comfort level with children, and whether their schedule aligns with yours. It’s a good place to start to see if they might be a reliable, long-term fit for your family.

How long have you been babysitting? 

This helps you understand how familiar they are with childcare. More experience can mean they’re better prepared to handle different situations.

What age groups are you most comfortable with?

Some babysitters excel with toddlers, while others prefer working with school-aged children. Their answer will indicate whether their experience aligns with your child’s age and needs.

Are you available on short notice or for recurring jobs?

This indicates how flexible their schedule is, in case you need someone who can fill in at short notice. If you’re accustomed to a routine, their availability should also align with that.

Practical logistics

These questions are about how well the sitter can manage the day-to-day realities of working in your home. You want someone who not only enjoys being with kids but can also navigate your household setup with ease.

Do you have reliable transportation?

If the babysitter has to travel to and from your home, you’ll want to know if they can do so on time and safely. If you expect them to drive your child anywhere, this becomes even more important.

Are you comfortable with pets, dietary restrictions, or screen-time limits?

Every home is different, and this question helps you spot any potential issues early. If you have pets, the sitter should be okay around animals. If your child has allergies or follows specific dietary restrictions, they need to be able to manage them effectively. If you limit screen time, you’ll want someone who can support and enforce that guideline.

Ask about safety and emergency readiness

This is one of the most critical topics when deciding what questions to ask babysitters. You want to feel confident that the person watching your child is prepared and responsible when it comes to safety.

Safety certifications and past scenarios

These questions focus on the sitter’s training, safety certifications they possess, and how they’ve handled real-life situations.

Are you certified in CPR or First Aid?

Babysitters with CPR and First Aid training are better equipped to stay calm and take the proper steps in the event of a choking incident, fall, or allergic reaction. Always ask if their certification is current and where they got the training.

Have you handled emergencies before — what happened, and how did you react?

Real-life examples can reveal a great deal about how someone thinks under pressure. Their answer will reveal whether they remain calm, follow the correct steps, and know when to seek help. It’s also a good way to determine whether they’ve had sufficient experience to handle stressful situations or lied about it.

Do you know how to install a car seat properly?

If you need the babysitter to drive your child, you should verify that they can properly install a car seat. Even if you plan to install it yourself, asking this question shows whether the sitter is aware of the importance of car seat safety.

Get insight into their childcare style and approach

These questions reveal the babysitter’s approach to routines, discipline, and playtime, helping you decide if their style aligns well with your parenting style and your child’s personality.

Managing behavior and household rules

Focus on how the babysitter responds to everyday challenges, such as tantrums or rule-breaking. Their answers should show they can manage behavior calmly and consistently.

How do you handle tantrums or bedtime resistance?

Bedtime resistance and emotional outbursts are common, especially with younger children. This question helps you understand whether the sitter uses patience, distraction, routine, or other techniques to keep things under control without escalating the situation.

How do you deal with discipline while respecting parents’ rules?

A good babysitter should be firm but respectful and willing to follow your specific rules, whether that means using time-outs, setting limits, or avoiding particular language. This shows their flexibility and respect for your household.

Engaging with children

This set of questions helps you to know if a babysitter can keep your child both entertained and learning.

What kinds of activities do you like to do with kids?

This question reveals how creative and involved the sitter is. Do they mention reading, crafts, outdoor play, or games? Their answer should give you a sense of how they’ll spend time with your child and whether those activities match your child’s interests and energy level.

How do you keep children mentally and physically active without screens?

If you’re trying to limit screen time, this question is key. It helps you see whether the babysitter can think on their feet and keep kids entertained in healthy ways. Look for ideas like storytelling, scavenger hunts, building projects, or imaginative play. This shows effort and engagement, not just supervision.

Use scenario-based questions to see how they think

Scenario-based questions help to test a babysitter’s problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence in real-life situations. It’s not just about what they say they would do in theory, but how they think through a challenge. You’ll gain a better understanding of how they manage unexpected behavior, tension, or emotional needs. 

Listen for answers that show patience, safety awareness, and an understanding of age-appropriate responses.

• What would you do if a child refused to eat dinner?
• How would you handle it if the child started crying and asking for a parent?
• How would you step in if two siblings started arguing or fighting?
• What would you do if the child said they felt sick or had a stomach ache?
• What steps would you take if the child doesn’t want to go to bed at the usual time?
• How would you handle it if the child sustained a minor injury, such as a scraped knee?
• What would you do if a stranger knocked on the door or called the house?

Discuss expectations and responsibilities clearly

Every family is different, so the more specific you are about your expectations and responsibilities, the better chance you have of finding someone who’s the right fit. This also avoids confusion later and provides the sitter with a clear understanding of what the job entails, remuneration, or tipping (if any). It will allow them to confidently accept or decline from the start. 

Here are some interview questions for a babysitter you can ask:

• Are you comfortable preparing meals and helping with homework?
• Are you willing to change diapers or help with potty training?
• Would you be able to administer medication if needed?
• Are you open to doing light tidying up after the children?
• Would you be comfortable managing the whole bedtime routine, including baths, brushing teeth, and reading?

Watch for red flags during the interview

A sitter may give all the right answers, but how they act during the interview can tell you just as much as what they say. Pay attention to their attitude, how they communicate, and whether they seem genuinely engaged. Chemistry, attentiveness, and overall demeanor are just as important as experience or qualifications, especially when it comes to someone who will be caring for your child.

Some red flags to watch out for are:

• Missing or rescheduling the interview without an apparent reason
• Bad-mouthing past families or employers
• Vague or overly rehearsed answers
• Lack of enthusiasm or poor engagement
• Unclear boundaries or discomfort with key responsibilities

Before you choose your babysitter

You now understand what questions to ask when interviewing a babysitter. We recommend preparing a checklist in advance so you don’t forget to cover the essentials. Also, give the sitter a chance to ask questions. A good babysitter will want to understand your expectations, learn more about your child, and ensure it’s a good fit for them as well. 

Finally, trust your instincts. Beyond the answers, pay attention to how the sitter makes you feel. Sometimes, your gut can pick up on things your checklist doesn’t, and when it comes to your child’s safety and happiness, that feeling matters.