Babysitters Safety Tips

These babysitter safety tips are provided to help nannies and babysitters, registered on Find A Babysitter, find the best possible match!

• Remember that the recruitment process is not just about meeting the parents' expectations. It is also about making sure the selection is right for you!
• When replying to the initial parent request you may choose to keep your personal email private by responding anonymously. The message will be delivered to the parent via Find A Babysitter without showing your personal email address.
• Conduct a phone call with the parent before meeting in person. Use this as an indication of whether you are the right match for this family.
• Arrange a daytime meeting with the parent and child before setting a babysitting date. Prepare a list of relevant questions to ask during the interview. See our Find A Babysitter tips on interview questions in the Tips and Tools section.
• If you want to get-to-know the family better before going to their home, meet them in a local park or café where you have an opportunity to interact easily on 'neutral ground'. This way you can see the children in a more natural and fun environment too!
• Before a babysitting date ask for a tour of the home and gather relevant safety information (e.g., location of phone, spare torch, keys, fire alarm). Print up the "Emergency Information Checklist" (in the parent tips and tools section) and complete it with the parent.
• Don't rush the process of getting to know the right family! It may take days or weeks to complete the recruitment and orientation process. This will be time well-spent to ensure you make the right selection for you!