Leaving your child with a babysitter for the first time can be a big — but important — step. Being with a babysitter can instill a sense of independence that can prepare your child for bigger transitions, like going to daycare or school. Leaving your child with a trusted caregiver can also help you as a parent recharge and manage your stress levels.

But what’s the best way to find a babysitter, and how can you make sure a sitter is the right fit for your child and family? Below, learn more about steps to take when searching for and hiring a babysitter for your child.

How To Tell if Your Child Is Ready for a Babysitter

There’s no right or wrong time to start hiring a babysitter for your child. Consider whether your child relies on you for eating. For example, if you breastfeed and your baby has never taken a bottle, then you may want to introduce one before you hire a sitter.

In general, the earlier you expose your child to a babysitter, the easier it will be for them to transition. Your child may be upset for the first few times you leave them, which can be upsetting for you. Keep in mind some separation anxiety is normal, and over time, your child should get used to being left with another caregiver.

How To Find a Babysitter

Your personal network is a great way to find a reliable, trustworthy babysitter for your child. Consider asking friends, family members or neighbors who they’ve hired to watch their children in the past. If your child goes to daycare, you can ask employees you trust for ideas. Babysitting websites and apps can also help you connect with candidates, and these sites often include helpful reviews and ratings from other members.

How To Vet a Babysitter

Before hiring a babysitter, it’s important to make sure the individual is qualified and a good fit for your family. Asking the right questions can help you make the decision:

• How much experience do you have caring for kids?
  
  
• Do you have experience caring for children my kids’ age?
  
  
• Do you have any early childhood training or certifications?
  
  
• Do you have any references I could speak to about their experience with you as a babysitter?
  
  
• What is your approach to various emergencies and behavior issues?

While special babysitter training and certifications are not required, try to choose a sitter with relevant safety training, such as first aid and CPR certification. Once you narrow down your list, consider introducing the babysitter to your child or doing a trial run while you’re at home before hiring them.

When To Start Leaving Kids Alone

Every child is different. But generally, many kids can start staying home alone for short periods of time — like 30 minutes or an hour — around age 11 or 12. Some states have laws about when caregivers can leave children at home and for how long.

Before leaving your child at home, consider how trustworthy, independent and responsible they’ve been in the past. As your child gets older, you can try leaving them home for longer increments.

No matter how old your child is, before leaving your child at home without an adult, familiarize them with important safety rules and make sure they know how to contact you if needed or call 911 in an emergency. If you don’t have a land line, consider leaving a basic cell phone at home so your kids can make emergency calls.

If your child is interested in increased responsibility and likes to spend time with kids, they might be ready to babysit. The American Red Cross recommends kids be 11 years or older before they start babysitting. The organization has training programs that teach kids about caregiving and offers certification, including first aid and CPR training.

If you have questions about finding a babysitter, leaving your child with another caregiver, or deciding if your older child can be alone at home, your child’s primary care provider is a great resource.