Babysitter Interview Checklist for Parents

When searching for a babysitter or nanny, you can probably develop a short list of people who meet your criteria by reading through their applications and profiles. The next step is an interview. During the interview, you can ask in-depth questions and get a feel for the candidate as a person. Be sure to make a list ahead of time, so you don't forget any questions you want to ask. We've listed some below to get you started.

General questions

What do you like about caring for children?
What do you look for in an employer/family?
What is your rate?
Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime?
Are you OK with occasionally needing to stay later than planned?
Do you live nearby? How would you get to the job?

Background and experience

How many years have you worked with children?
What child care roles have you held in the past?
How many families have you worked with, and how old were the children?
Do you have experience with … ? (Fill in the blank with your particular requirements – for instance, potty training, children with special needs, infant care.)

Relevant circumstances

What are you studying in school, or what other jobs do you have?
Are you allergic to cats, dogs or other pets?
Are you comfortable with being around our pets?
Do you plan on taking any time off in the next six months?

Training and safety

Do you know first aid?
Do you know CPR?
Do you know how to perform the Heimlich maneuver?
Can you swim?
Are you familiar with emergency numbers?
Could you drive in an emergency?

Behavior and discipline

Tell me about a time when you faced a crisis on the job. How did you handle it?
What would you do with the kids on a day like today?
What is your approach when a child refuses to go to sleep?
What do you think is the best way to handle tantrums?
What is your proudest moment in child care and why?
What are your views on discipline? Are you willing to change your approach if we ask?

Responsibilities and tasks

Can you help arrange playdates for my kids? Can you care for additional kids if we have a playdate in our home?
Are you willing to perform tasks such as helping with homework, making dinner or doing light housework?
Are you comfortable watching my child if I'm at home?
Are you willing to help with overnight care, if needed?
Can you travel with my family if we need you?

Newborn care

Are you comfortable caring for newborns?
How much experience do you have with newborns?
Can you change a diaper?
Do you know infant CPR?
Do you know about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and how to prevent it?
Do you know how to prepare and heat formula?
Are you familiar with shaken baby syndrome?
Do you know the proper types and size of solid food to offer babies and how to prevent choking?
Can you tell whether a room has been childproofed?

Driving

Would you be comfortable driving my kids?
May I see your driver's license?
How many years have you been driving?
Do you have any marks on your driving record, such as speeding tickets or accidents?

UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your child's doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your child's provider.

Save or print

Babysitter guide emergency contact form

Recommended reading

Car Seat Safety

To keep your child safe in the car, watch videos on how to properly install a car seat and learn car seat and seat belt guidelines by age and size.

Childhood Injury Prevention Network – Bay Area

The Childhood Injury Prevention Network – Bay Area (CIPN-BA) provides networking opportunities, data and more to create a safer world for children.

The Dangers of Children Swallowing Button Batteries

Small, round "button" batteries pose a choking risk for babies and small children. Learn ways to prevent children from getting hold of button batteries.

Drowning Prevention

A drowning can happen in seconds. Learn how to keep your child safe around water, including with physical barriers and techniques that enhance supervision.

Fireworks Safety Tips for Parents

Keep your child safe around fireworks with tips such as not letting them light fireworks, having water handy and wearing eye and ear protection. Read more.

Holiday Safety Tips for Parents

Holiday decorating, visiting, and cooking can distract from child safety. Keep these safety tips in mind when celebrating with family and friends.

Injury Prevention

Injuries are the nation's no. 1 cause of child death and disability. Get tips for preventing injuries and drowning, using car seats properly and more.

Injury Prevention and Child Safety Information

Keep your child safe with a wide range of injury prevention tips from bike, car seat and trampoline safety to preventing burns, choking, and more.

Injury Prevention "OUCH" Text Campaign

Text OUCH to 63603 to receive health and safety tips in English or Spanish via text message from our injury prevention experts.

Stop the Bleed

Stop the Bleed raises awareness about how to stop bleeding after a traumatic injury. Find out what you can do to help someone in an emergency.

Resources for Injury Prevention

Our resources for preventing injuries can help save a child's life. See videos and tips on bike, fire and water safety, and preventing burns, falls and more.

Sun Safety for Children and Babies

A bad sunburn in childhood doubles the risk of skin cancer later in life. Learn how to protect your baby or child with hats, clothing and sun avoidance.