How Much to Pay a Neighbor to Babysit

Updated on November 20, 2010
S.G. asks from Seattle, WA
7 answers

My neighbor approached me one day and mentioned that if I needed her help to watch my soon-to-be baby she'd be willing and she's cheap. How much should I pay her? She's a mom of three kids and will have her twin 3 year olds when she watches my baby. She will watch my baby twice a week, 8 hours each day. Thanks!

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G.B.

answers from Tulsa on

I get $25-$35 a day for infants in my child care. Depends on the hours and age and what I supply.

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P.O.

answers from Harrisburg on

Since your baby is going to require a lot of attention at that age, somewhere between 20-25 a day would seem fair.

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J.C.

answers from Sacramento on

Mom, I would tell her you are considering it and tell her approx the date when you will start needing childcare for th enew baby, assuming things go as planned. In the same conversation also ask her what she would charge you per hr. and tell her you will give it some thought and let her know once the baby is born and your leave is done. She may have a set rate in mind, I think asking her what her reate is would be the right and most professional thing to do then you can decide if if it works for you. Another mom mentioned daycare centers, personally I would much rather see my baby in an in-home childcare arrangement, as long as it is safe, clean and the provder is a kind and nurturing person than a daycare center. It is much homier and the baby will get more one on one time not to mention the fact that a baby will pick up lots of illness at a childcare center when it is exposed to way more children than an in-home situation. Babies immune systems are not fully developed and so many illnesses ffurn through centers. Hope this helps, good luck .

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J.C.

answers from Anchorage on

Ask her what she wants, and than negotiate if it sounds too high.

Updated

Ask her what she wants, and than negotiate if it sounds too high.

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H.W.

answers from Portland on

I pay my teen sitters $7 an hour to watch my son. If I were talking with this with this woman, I would start the conversation at around *at least* $6 an hour. Yes, she has her children present, and if she's great with kids, you are going to want to make this a quality job for her so she's more inclined to be reliable. I'd also ask her what sort of sum she's thinking of, because "cheap" for one person isn't the same as it is for another.

I'd also have some 'hang out' time with this woman and her children to check out the home and her parenting style. You will be having a new baby, and contrary to popular belief, not everyone who has a child 'knows' what parenting is about. So do your homework first...

People often undervalue childcare, but believe me, as a preschool teacher and former nanny, it's a lot of work to do it well!

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S.R.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Check around for going rates in your area and be fair about it. Don't pay her much less than what you would be paying someone else. You want her to care for your child and love your baby like you do, be sure you appreciate her!

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M.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

my first question to you would be do you think that the baby would be better off with her than in a daycare? Your baby probably would be especially if you know her really well and if you know that she has a good handle on her kids. Usually in a daycare setting they will separate the babies from other ages and so the more volatile toddlers cant harm the babies. That would definitly be the first thing to consider. Regular daycares vary in price according to area, and so I would call around and find out their prices and then I would adjust the pay accordingly. That way you can get a good idea of what is fair. Sometimes a person will say cheap and then have another idea of cheap then you do. Or they will start doing work for less than what they should be getting and the care of your infant will suffer. I hope all of this helps and doesnt overwhelm you.

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