Babysitting is one of the best first businesses for teens. Parents always need childcare, and they're willing to pay well for someone responsible and trustworthy.
Unlike many other teen jobs, babysitting pays significantly more than minimum wage. You set your own schedule, choose your own clients, and work as much or as little as you want. Plus, you'll build real-world skills like responsibility, patience, and communication that look amazing on college applications.
Whether you're 12 or 17, this guide walks you through everything, from getting certified to landing your first client to growing a thriving business.
Getting certified gives you a major advantage over other sitters
Step-by-Step: Building Your Babysitting Business
Get Trained and Certified
You don't technically need a certification, but it gives you a massive edge. The American Red Cross Babysitter's Training ($35–$50) covers childcare, feeding, emergencies, and behavior management. Add CPR & First Aid certification and parents will choose you over uncertified sitters every time.
💡 Worth the Investment
The $50–$80 you spend on certifications pays for itself within your first few jobs. Certified sitters charge higher rates and get booked more often.
Part of being a great babysitter is knowing how to engage kids at different ages. Build your toolkit:
👶 Infants & Toddlers
Gentle play, reading picture books, building blocks, attention to feeding and sleep schedules.
🎨 Ages 4–7
Art projects, outdoor play, imaginative games, simple cooking activities together.
🎲 Ages 8–10
Board games, sports, creative projects, science experiments, homework help.
📱 Ages 11+
More independence; focus on being a fun, trusted presence. Cook together, play video games, chat.
Set Your Rates
Pricing is tricky: too high and you won't get hired, too low and you're undervaluing yourself. Research what sitters in your area charge. In smaller towns, expect $10–$15/hour. In cities and suburbs, $15–$25/hour is common.
Find Your First Clients
Start with your network. Tell parents, relatives, and family friends you're available. Most first clients come through personal connections because parents hire people they trust.
Create a flyer with Canva (free) and post it at community centers, churches, and in local Facebook groups. Use neighborhood apps like Nextdoor (have a parent post on your behalf). And for hesitant parents, offer a trial session where you watch their kids while they're still home.
Great babysitters keep kids engaged and entertained
Prepare for Your First Job
Before your first job, meet with the parents (ideally with your own parent present). Get the essential info: children's names and ages, allergies, bedtime routine, food restrictions, house rules, emergency contacts, and first aid kit location.
Pack a babysitting kit with age-appropriate books, coloring supplies, craft materials, a card game, stickers, a small first aid kit, and your charged phone. It shows you're prepared and gives you tools to keep kids happy.
Be an Amazing Babysitter
Engage fully by putting your phone away, playing with the kids, reading, and doing crafts. Follow the parents' rules exactly. And send a quick text update during the evening: "Kids are doing great! We played board games and now they're getting ready for bed."
The secret weapon of the best babysitters: leave the house better than you found it. Clean up, wash dishes, put toys away. Parents will hire you again every single time.
Grow Your Business
Ask for referrals from happy families. Be available on weekday evenings, weekends, and holidays. Expand your services to include homework help, meal prep, or "date night packages." And stay organized with a calendar so you never double-book.
How Much Can You Earn?
Starter
Regular
Busy
That's real money. Many teen babysitters earn more per hour than adults in entry-level jobs. And you have complete control over your schedule.
Ready to Start?
Your babysitting business is just a few steps away from launching.
Babysitting Laws by State
Every state has different rules about how old you need to be to babysit, home-alone laws, and childcare regulations. Find your state below to learn the specific requirements where you live.