How to Build Trust with a New Babysitter

SMARTSITTER Team
May 25
2 min read

Because hiring a sitter shouldn't come with second-guessing.

When you hand over childcare responsibilities—even for a few hours—you’re doing more than hiring help. You’re placing enormous trust in someone new. Whether you're using a professional service or booking your first sitter, building trust with a new babysitter is a crucial step to feeling secure and confident in your choice.

SmartSitter helps parents and sitters form real partnerships based on transparency, communication, and safety—right from the start.

1) Start with the Basics:

Certifications, Background Checks & References

Before emotions or gut instinct come into play, start with facts.

Confirm CPR/First Aid certification (a must—SmartSitter requires this).
Ask for 2–3 solid references and actually call them.
Run a background check using state tools or a reputable sitter network.

📌 Bonus: Use the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry, Georgia's Bright from the Start database, or Florida's CareCheck.

2) Create a Simple “Family Fact Sheet”

This handy one-pager can be a trust builder on its own. Include:

Your child’s routines, allergies, comfort items, and house rules
Emergency contacts, pet info, medication notes
Neighborhood contacts or preferred hospitals

We offer a customizable template for SmartSitter families—ask your manager for the latest version!

3) Set Expectations with Real Communication

Open, honest communication is the fastest way to build trust.

Be clear about what matters to your family (no screens, bedtime by 8, etc.)
Ask how your sitter prefers to be updated or debriefed
Keep channels open via text, app, or written notes

💡Embedded with SmartSitter Our sitters are trained to receive instructions, ask clarifying questions, and follow through consistently—because communication is a two-way street.

4) Begin with a Trial Run

Want peace of mind? Start small.

Try a 1–2 hour shift while you’re nearby.
Introduce the sitter gradually, letting your child lead a brief “house tour.”
End with a low-pressure debrief: “How did it go? Anything you'd like us to know?”

SmartSitter recommends these warm-up sessions for all new family matches.

5) Digital Footprint Check: Yes, It’s Okay

A sitter’s social media tells you a lot. Look for:

Posts about childcare, activities, or personal passions
Signs of maturity, kindness, and privacy awareness
Red flags: inappropriate posts, oversharing, disrespectful tone

Check out this Social Media Guidelines for Babysitters article—it’s a good conversation starter too.

6) Rebook to Reinforce Trust

When trust grows, routines thrive.

Children feel safer with someone familiar
Sitters get to know your preferences better
You get peace of mind through consistency

💡Pro tip: The best sitters learn your family’s rhythm like it’s their own.

Building Trust With A New Babysitter Isn't Instant

—But It Is Intentional

It takes just a few intentional steps to set the stage for a sitter-parent relationship rooted in safety, support, and confidence.

At SmartSitter, trust is never left to chance. From CPR training and certified onboarding to proactive sitter-parent communication tools, we’re here to make sure you feel good about every booking.