When you’re 13 years old, babysitting is one of the best jobs available. It can teach you how to be responsible and care for other people’s children, as well as give you some spending money.
But even when you’re ready to get started, it can be hard to find good babysitting jobs for 13 year olds (or similar ages) that are consistent, pay well, and fit into your schedule.
So we will share the best places to find great gigs as well as tips and tricks for making a good impression with a family, staying safe, and earning decent money over time.
Where to find babysitting jobs for 13 year olds
If you’re new to babysitting or working in general, it can feel overwhelming to know where to get started.
No worries! With a little effort and some patience, you can find good babysitting jobs that work well for you.
Just make sure you always keep your parents or guardian informed before going ahead with your big babysitting plans. As this kind of job obviously requires you to go into other people’s houses, they should always be informed where you’ll be going for your own safety.
Similarly, let them know before signing up for any babysitting sites mentioned below. While these are all legit sites, your parent or guardian may want to take a look at the terms and conditions, especially before you start providing personal details about yourself.
Want to find other ways to make money at your age? Check out: 41 Legit Ways to Make Money as a 13 Year Old (2022 Update)
1. NextDoor
Next Door is a popular website and app where neighbors can connect with each other. It’s also a great place to find babysitting jobs!
To get started, create a profile and then set your location. Once you’ve done that, you can start browsing through babysitting job postings in your area.
You can also put up a post letting people know that you’re available for sitting. Make sure to include your contact information, rates, and any skills or experience you have.
2. Sittercity
Sittercity is a renowned website used by many to find babysitting gigs. Its user-friendly interface and expansive job database are some of the reasons why it’s so popular.
On this website, you can apply for babysitting, house sitting, elderly care, and pet walking and sitting jobs.
The moment you sign up on the platform, you’re able to start looking for babysitting jobs – provided that you’re 13 years old or older. Although the site provides a job board, it’s your responsibility to find available jobs and check back regularly.
Related: 73 Legit Ways to Make Money as a Teen
3. Care.com
When getting started with babysitting jobs for 13 year olds near you, it’s a good idea to go with a company that has been around for a long time and is trusted by many.
Care.com is a perfect example of such a company. It’s been in business for over 15 years and has helped countless families find babysitters and nannies.
To get started, create your free profile on the website and include information about your babysitting experience, availability, location, and rates. Once you’re done with that, you can decide what types of services you want to offer.
You can help tutor children, take care of pets, offer cleaning services, and even offer daycare services if you have support from your parents on summer breaks.
4. UrbanSitter
One reason why teens really love to use Urban Sitter is that it allows you to keep all of your sitting earnings without any commission fees. This means you can make the most of every gig you book!
To get started, create a profile on the website and include your babysitting experience, skills, availability, and rates.
Once you’re done with that, you will have to submit your ID information in order to pass the verification process. This is a secure site, so you can trust them with your personal information.
After that, you’re free to start browsing through available babysitting jobs and request to book the ones you’re interested in.
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5. Craigslist
Craigslist is an online classifieds website where you can find just about anything – including babysitting jobs for 13-year-olds!
To get started, go to the website and type in your location. Then, click on the “jobs” section and select “childcare.” Once you’re there, you can browse through available babysitting jobs and contact the parents directly to inquire about the gig.
Keep in mind that you will be dealing with people you don’t know on this website, so it’s important to use caution and common sense when applying for jobs. Make sure you meet the family in a public place before accepting any gigs and always let your parents or another trusted adult know where you’ll be and who you’ll be with.
6. Facebook groups
Another open marketplace where you can find local babysitting jobs is Facebook. There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting babysitters with families in need of child care.
To get started, do a search for “babysitting jobs” and your location on the Facebook search bar. You can also search in your town or neighborhood for a more local approach.
This should bring up a list of relevant groups you can join. Once you’re a member of the group, you can offer your services by posting in the thread or contacting members directly.
7. Ask your parents’ friends
One of the best ways to find babysitting jobs for 13 year olds that pay well is by asking your parents’ friends if they know of any families who are in need of a babysitter.
Many times, people are more likely to hire someone they know or someone that comes recommended by someone they know.
If you have parents who are active in their community, chances are they have a network of friends who might be able to help you out.
Don’t be afraid to ask them if they know anyone who might need a babysitter. You never know who might be able to help you out!
Related: 43 Amazing Under the Table Jobs that Pay Cash
8. Ask your neighbors
Another great way to find babysitting jobs is by asking your neighbors if they need a sitter. This is especially convenient if you live in a close-knit community where people know each other well.
And since they’re your neighbors, it will be easy to walk or ride your bike to the job.
If you’re not sure how to approach your neighbors about this, you can always leave a note on their door or in their mailbox expressing your interest in babysitting and asking them to contact you if they need a sitter. You can also put up flyers in your neighborhood advertising your babysitting services.
9. Check with local businesses
Many businesses in your community, such as grocery stores, retail stores, and restaurants, often have community boards where you can share your babysitting services.
This is a great way to reach out to families who might need a babysitter on short notice.
You can also put up your own sitting advertisement if you have permission from the company. Make sure to include your contact information and rates so that interested families can reach out to you.
10. Sign up with a babysitting agency
If you’re looking for a more professional babysitting gig, you can sign up with a babysitting agency. These agencies usually conduct background checks on their sitters and provide liability insurance, so families can feel confident hiring someone from the agency.
They also make finding gigs easier because they usually have a database of families who are in need of babysitting services. To get started, you can search for “babysitting agencies” online and see if there are any in your area.
Applying for a job with a babysitting agency is usually similar to applying for any other type of job. You will likely have to fill out an application and maybe even do an interview. But if you’re serious about finding a babysitting job and want help finding long-term opportunities, it’s definitely worth looking into.
11. Contact your church or religious organizations
If you have a local church with people that you trust and know well, this can be a great place to start your babysitting job search. Many religious organizations have programs that connect families in need of babysitters with teens who are looking for babysitting gigs.
Some churches also offer babysitting classes to help prepare you for the job. To get started, reach out to your church or religious organization and ask if they offer any babysitting programs or know of any families who might need a sitter.
12. Community recreation center
If your town has a community recreation center, this is another great place to start your babysitting job search. Many recreation centers offer after-school programs for kids, and they often hire teens to help out with these programs.
This can be a great way to get your foot in the door and gain some experience working with kids. To get started, contact your local recreation center and ask about any job openings or volunteer opportunities.
13. Daycare center
If you’re interested in working with very young children, you might want to look into getting a job at a daycare center. Daycare centers are always in need of responsible and reliable babysitters to help care for the children.
While you may not be of age to work at a daycare center based on labor laws where you are, some centers may be willing to hire you as a volunteer. This can give you some great experience working with kids and could lead to a paid position in the future.
14. Local elementary schools
If you’re looking for regular babysitting jobs for 13 year olds, your local elementary school could be a great place to start.
Many parents drop their kids off at school early in the morning and need someone to look after them until school starts. You can offer to do this for a few families in your neighborhood.
You can also offer to babysit for families after school or to escort children home safely if they live nearby. To get started, reach out to your local elementary school and ask how you can help.
Related: 32 Places That Hire at 15 Years Old (to Score Your Very First Job)
15. Bubble
If you’re a 13 year old living in the United Kingdom, using Bubble is one of the best ways to find a secure sitting job. The app is easy to use and straightforward, making it perfect for beginning sitters.
You need to have a Facebook account to sign up for the app, which helps to add security for both you and the families you’ll be sitting for. If any of your Facebook friends are looking for a sitter, you’ll be given priority.
The best feature of the Bubble app is its insurance policy. While this isn’t the biggest concern of most 13 year old sitters, it does give you and the family you’re working for peace of mind. If anything bad happens, you will get up to 1 million dollars worth of protection.
16. Bambino
Since its launch, Bambino has become one of the most popular babysitting job boards in the United States. Unlike other job websites, in this program, you can search for jobs in your neighborhood or locality rather than finding jobs that are spread across your city.
It’s also great for finding babysitting jobs for 13 year olds near you given that, in order to begin the application process on this website, you must be a minimum of 13 years old.
In order to become visible on the app, you need a recommendation from either an already-existing member or another parent. If you want to get more recommendations, invite your friends and family members to create accounts on this website.
With Bambino, you set your own hourly rate and get paid directly to your linked bank account or Venmo.
17. SOS Sitter
Canadian families love to use the SOS sitter app to find sitters who have passed a background check. So if you live in Canada and are looking for some babysitting gigs, this is the app you should be signing up for.
You have to be at least 13 years old and live in Canada to create an account on this website.
You will be charged 12% of your earnings as a commission fee for each completed job. The money you earn will be deposited into your bank account in a week or less after the job is completed.
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18. Baby Sitters Now
It can be a bummer to pay a percentage of your earnings for each babysitting gig, especially if you’re taking lots of jobs. Baby Sitters Now is more affordable for sitters and only requires a one-time charge of $25 to gain access to the job board.
This means less competition since many young babysitters don’t want to pay upfront to join a platform. But rest assured that this company is legit and there are real opportunities to make great money babysitting.
They will also promote your babysitting profile on Google, which will help to get more eyes on your services and eventually more sitting gigs.
19. Babysits
Unlike other babysitting job sites, Babysits doesn’t take a cut of your earnings. Moreover, you decide when to work and how much to charge per hour.
What makes Babysits different is its badge system. For every job they do, babysitters earn badges which then give them access to more opportunities and higher-paying jobs.
All you need to do is sign up with your free account and then you can access the platform’s babysitting job listings. You can also check out profiles, reviews, and see what feedback other sitters have received.
The site has a built-in messaging system that you can use to get interviewed by a prospective family, making it easy to connect and decide if a job is right for you.
20. Helpr
If you have a bit of experience babysitting, Helpr is a great app and website for finding high-quality jobs quickly. You’ll need two years of experience and three different sitting references to qualify for a profile.
There are certain benefits on Helpr that make it a cut above other babysitting websites. They offer higher pay than average, compensate you if you have cancellations, and will even provide you with sick days.
How much should I charge for a babysitting job at 13 years old?
A 13-year-old should be expected to be paid about $10 to $20 each hour, or even a bit more if there are multiple children and pets to attend to. Many people pay their sitters a flat fee as well to make things easier.
If you have experience caring for younger kids, are particularly good with tears and tantrums, or can handle a house full of energy, you may be able to charge on the higher end.
On the other hand, if this is your first job or you’re still getting the hang of things, it’s perfectly okay to start out at the lower end of the pay scale. You can always increase your rates as you get more experience and feel more confident in your abilities and even make an extra $500 a month.
Eventually, you’ll be able to get referrals from happy clients and charge what you’re really worth, but in the meantime, it’s best to start small and work your way up.
Some families may be willing to negotiate based on your skills, experience, or availability, so it never hurts to ask for a little more money if you feel like you deserve it.
Things to keep in mind for your babysitting job as a 13 year old
The key to success as a babysitter is to be responsible, punctual, and have a good attitude. Families are looking for someone they can trust to care for their children, so it’s important that you take your job seriously.
Be sure to arrive on time (or even early) to each sitting gig, and if you ever need to cancel, give the
1. Safety first
This is the most important rule for any babysitter, no matter how old they are. Make sure you know the address and phone number of the family you’ll be sitting for, as well as any emergency contact information they may have.
It’s also a good idea to get CPR certification and learn about first aid, even if you’re just starting out. This will give you the confidence to handle any situation that may come up, and it will show parents that you’re serious about your job.
2. Start with one sitting gig
When you are starting out with babysitting as a 13 year old for the first time on one of these platforms or through your community, it’s best to start with just one gig.
This way, you can get a feel for what it’s like to care for someone else’s children and make sure it’s something you’re really comfortable with. You’ll learn a lot by doing, so don’t be afraid to ask the parents for feedback or advice.
Your first few babysitting experiences will be your future references, so it’s important that you create a positive relationship with the child as well as the parents.
You’ll also learn about your preferences when it comes to babysitting (do you prefer younger kids or older ones? Do you want to be in charge of bedtime or not?) and what kinds of families you mesh well with.
3. Focus more on experience than pay
Of course, we work to earn money, there’s no doubt about that. But when you’re just starting out, it’s more important to focus on getting experience rather than making a lot of money.
This is because building skills ultimately leads to making more money down the road. So, if a family is offering you a lower rate than you were hoping for, think about whether or not the experience would be worth your time.
It’s okay to say no to a job if it doesn’t meet your needs, but don’t turn down an opportunity just because it doesn’t pay as much as you wanted.
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4. Do your research before using sitter sites
It’s easy to see a well-designed babysitting site and assume that it’s secure and safe. But the truth is that not all of these sites are created equal, and it’s important to do your research before signing up for one.
Look for online reviews from other parents and sitters, and make sure the site has a good reputation. Also, be sure to read the fine print before creating an account—you don’t want to sign up for a site that’s going to charge you hidden fees or take a large percentage of your earnings.
Also, just because a site is reputable doesn’t mean that the people using it are. So, be sure to read each family’s profile carefully and only apply to jobs that you feel comfortable with.
5. Learn how to properly meet and greet with parents
One of the most important parts of being a successful babysitter is knowing how to talk to and build relationships with parents. After all, they’re the ones who are hiring you!
When you first meet the parents, be sure to tell them a little bit about yourself and why you’re interested in babysitting. If you have any experience, be sure to mention that as well.
Also, be sure to ask them about their kids—their personalities, their likes and dislikes, any allergies or medical conditions they may have. The more you know about the children you’ll be sitting for, the better equipped you’ll be to handle any situation that may come up.
Finally, request any documents or information that will make you feel more comfortable on the job, such as a list of emergency contacts or a copy of any important rules or expectations the family has.
6. Make financial goals
One of the great things about being a babysitter is that you have a lot of control over how much money you make. Of course, this also means that it’s up to you to set your own rates and manage your finances.
Before you start babysitting, sit down and figure out how much money you need to earn each week or month. Choose a goal such as a certain amount in savings or a certain number of hours worked. This will help you stay on track and motivated.
You should also start thinking about what you want to do with your earnings. Are you going to save up for a car or college? Are you going to spend it on new clothes or going out with friends? Knowing what you want to do with your money will help you make responsible choices about how to earn and spend it.
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7. Be realistic about your time availability
It can be easy to overcommit yourself when you’re first starting out as a babysitter. You may want to take on every job that comes your way in order to build up your experience and earn some extra money.
However, it’s important to be realistic about the amount of time you have available. If you’re already involved in extracurricular activities or need to work on improving your grades, you may not have a lot of time for babysitting.
It’s okay to start small and only take on one or two jobs per week. You may want to stick to finding weekend babysitting jobs for 13 year olds so you can focus on your schoolwork during the week. As you get more experience, you can start taking on more hours.
8. Learn from others
Talk to others who have been babysitting for awhile and see what tips they have to offer. Find out what worked well for them and what they wish they had done differently.
Also, be sure to ask your parents or other adults you trust for advice. They may have some great insights based on their own experiences as parents or babysitters.
Finally, don’t forget to listen to the kids you’re babysitting. They may have some great ideas about activities or games that you can do together.
9. Keep your profile updated
Once you’ve created a profile on a babysitting website or app, be sure to keep it updated with your current contact information, rates, and availability. This will help you attract new families and keep the ones you already have.
You should also regularly check for new jobs that match your criteria. This way, you can be one of the first to apply and increase your chances of getting hired.
10. Be flexible
One of the most important qualities of a successful babysitter is flexibility. Things will inevitably come up that you didn’t plan for, so it’s important to be able to adjust on the fly.
For example, the family you’re sitting for may need you to stay a few extra hours or stay overnight. Or, the children may not be cooperating and you may need to change your plans for the evening.
No matter what happens, try to stay calm and positive. The better you handle unexpected situations, the more likely it is that families will want to hire you again in the future.
How can a 13 year old find a babysitting job?
When it comes to finding babysitting jobs for 13 year olds, the best bet is to start by asking family and friends if they know of any openings. Starting small and local usually makes the most sense for first-time babysitters.
Once you have some experience under your belt, you can start to branch out and look for jobs further afield.
When you’re trying out different online platforms and job boards, keep an eye out for which ones cater to your specific area. You don’t want to waste your time applying for jobs that are too far away to be practical or require hours that you’re not available.
Being younger and looking for babysitting work may make it difficult to find jobs at first. However, if you follow the tips above and start off slow, you should have no problem landing some great gigs in no time.
