Choosing a babysitter is never easy. Could you trust a child to look after your child?

By Emma McCormick, manager, Little Luvs nursery

Last updated 18:51, Sunday, 25 May 2008

People often ask about babysitters; is there a legal age for them, and how do you choose and trust a sitter?

The most common question is, “what age can a sitter be?” But this isn’t the most important aspect to consider. Parents should think about whether a sitter is mature and responsible enough to care for the children on their own.

In the absence of legislation for babysitting, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and the NSPCC, recommend that no-one under the age of 16 should be left to care for an infant.

They warn that parents can be prosecuted and fined if they leave their child in a situation which a court may judge “neglectful”.

Being a babysitter means you have someone else’s precious life in your hands, a massive responsibility. Caring for children is a difficult and tiring task for an adult, let alone young people.

Parents should think about all the eventualities and risks before leaving their child in the hands of someone else, particularly someone under 16.

Here are some tips on good practice for parents:

If using a sitter under the age of 16 and something goes wrong, it is your responsibility; this includes making sure the babysitter returns home safely;
Be clear about what qualities you are looking for. Responsible, trustworthy, mature, kind, patient, can cope in an emergency, experienced;
Does the sitter know emergency contact numbers? I would suggest leaving them written by the phone;
Tell the sitter where you will be and how long you will be, phone if you are going to be late. I was often babysitting wondering where the parents were at 1am;
Discuss whether your babysitter can have friends in your home;
Make sure your sitter knows where everything is, such as the phone, keys for the door, how to turn the heating on, items the children may need such as nappies, drinks, comforter etc. I once babysat and the dog got out. I couldn’t find the door key to lock the door after me while I ran out to try and catch him;
Never leave a sitter with a poorly child or an upset child who won’t settle;
Agree how much you will pay the sitter and make sure you can pay them when you return;
Don’t leave a sitter with a large number of children for long periods of time; it is hard work;
Talk to the sitter about the child and give them up to date information. Will your child need an inhaler? Are they allergic to something? What should they do if your child wakes?
Ensure the sitter knows where refreshments are, or better still, leave out a snack;
If using your own child to babysit their siblings, don’t take advantage and remember they may be less tolerant with their own brothers or sisters.

Personally I use only family to babysit, generally grandparents because they are the people I trust most and I know they would contact me if there was any problem. There is nothing worse than being told by someone caring for your child that “I didn’t want to bother you”. We would rather be bothered.

I always ensure they know where I will be and I phone throughout the evening to check everything is OK and if we are going to be late (usually am!). I check that they know where spare clothes are, how to heat any milk feeds and even how to put the children to bed safely.

If you are in any doubt and your instinct is that you are not sure, then don’t take the risk.