Overview
Babysitters provide care for your child, or children, in your own home. This is often outside of the usual hours of your registered childcare provider. Evenings and weekends are the most common times to use a babysitter.
Babysitters can be friends, family members or neighbours. You can also find a babysitter through:
- local adverts
- recommendations
- an online babysitter service or app
Leaving your children in the care of someone else can be a difficult decision for you. It is also a big responsibility for the babysitter.
As a parent or carer, you need to be sure that the babysitter you use has the required skills and experience. They must be capable of the standard care duties and able to cope in an emergency.