How to Vet a Babysitter: Safety Tips for Parents

Smiling babysitter talking with a young girl in a bright kitchen, illustrating trust and connection during a casual, friendly moment — part of a guide on how to vet a babysitter.

Hiring a babysitter can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re doing it without the help of a trusted agency or app.

But finding someone who's available and truly trustworthy doesn't have to be a gamble.

If you're managing the sitter search solo, learning how to vet a babysitter — including how to properly screen, evaluate, and confidently hire them — is your best tool for peace of mind. This guide walks you through the essential steps to screen, evaluate, and confidently hire a sitter who’s right for your family.

1. Run a Babysitter Background Check

The very first step is a national criminal background check.

This helps ensure there are no red flags such as:

Prior convictions or arrests
Offender registry appearances
Identity verification issues

Many parents skip this due to cost or lack of access, but services like Checkr or GoodHire offer affordable options for individuals hiring caregivers. This is your #1 line of defense in protecting your child from harm.

✅ Bonus Tip: Ask the sitter directly if they’ve completed any background checks recently—many experienced sitters will have proof on hand.

2. Check Their Driving Record

If your sitter will transport your child to or from school, daycare, or activities, don’t skip the driving record check.

A clean report means:

No DUI convictions
No reckless driving history
No license suspensions

Even if they aren’t driving your child regularly, this check shows how responsible they are behind the wheel — which often reflects their general maturity.

3. Ask for References Outside of Family

Family recommendations are nice… but not always unbiased.

Instead, ask for at least two professional references such as:

Other families they've babysat for
Former teachers or daycare supervisors
Volunteer coordinators or youth program leaders

Ask specific questions:

Was the sitter reliable and punctual?
How did they handle stressful or unexpected situations?
Would you hire them again?

4. Require CPR & First Aid Certification

Emergencies can happen anytime — from allergic reactions to choking.

Make it non-negotiable that your sitter has CPR and first aid training, especially if caring for infants or toddlers. If they aren’t certified yet, direct them to resources like:

🎯 Pro Tip: Request to see a current certification card or digital proof.

5. Look for Additional Babysitter Training

Some sitters go above and beyond the basics — and it shows.

Look for sitters who’ve completed training in:

Infant & toddler care
Emergency preparedness
Positive discipline & communication
Behavioral support for special needs

At STLSITTER, JAXSITTER, & ATLSITTER, for example, every sitter is required to complete our in-house SmartSitter Training, which covers over 100 real-life scenarios and certifications.

6. Trust Your Parental Instincts

Even after all the boxes are checked, your gut matters.

Pay attention to:

How your sitter interacts with your child
Whether your child seems comfortable and at ease
If anything during the interview process feels off

If you're hesitant, it’s okay to keep looking! You deserve a sitter who makes you feel 100% confident from the start.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to vet a babysitter yourself is one of the smartest moves you can make as a parent. It might take a bit more time, but the payoff is worth it — peace of mind, a safer home, and happier kids.

How to Vet Babysitters: A Guide for Parents Doing It Themselves