Booking a babysitter for the first time, or even the tenth time with someone new, naturally comes with a list of things you want to know before you hand over the most important part of your life. The right questions upfront save you from an awkward handover, a mismatched expectation, or worse, a genuine safety gap you didn’t catch in time. This guide covers exactly what to ask, and why each question actually matters, so you can book with confidence instead of just hoping for the best.
Are You DBS Checked and Background Verified?
This is the single most important question to ask, and any legitimate carer or agency should be able to answer it clearly and immediately. A DBS check, or equivalent background verification depending on where you’re based, confirms a carer doesn’t have a relevant criminal record that would make them unsuitable to work with children. If a sitter or provider hesitates, can’t confirm when the check was carried out, or brushes the question off, treat that as a serious red flag rather than a minor gap. At Babies Care Hub, every carer across every booking type is DBS-checked as standard, not as an optional extra.
Do You Have Experience With Children the Same Age as Mine?
Experience with a six-year-old doesn’t automatically translate to confidence with a six-month-old, and it’s worth asking directly rather than assuming. A carer experienced with babies will know about safe sleep practices, feeding routines, and how to soothe a young infant. A carer experienced with older children will be more used to managing behaviour, screen time boundaries, and independent play. Neither is better than the other, but the match matters, and it’s a fair question to ask before booking rather than discovering the gap on the day.
What Would You Do in a Medical Emergency?
This question tells you a lot in a short answer. A properly trained carer should be able to describe, without hesitation, what they’d do if your child had an allergic reaction, a fall, or any other medical emergency, including when they’d call you, when they’d call emergency services, and what basic first aid they’re trained in. You’re not looking for a scripted answer, you’re looking for genuine confidence and a clear sense of process. If a sitter can’t describe a basic plan, that’s worth knowing before you leave the house, not after.
Can You Provide References or Verified Reviews?
A carer with genuine experience should have no problem pointing you toward references from previous families, or verified reviews if they’re booked through an agency or platform. Independent, informal arrangements often skip this step entirely, which is one of the real trade-offs of going that route. It’s reasonable to ask for at least one reference you can actually contact, not just a general assurance that “parents love her.”
How Do You Handle Bedtime, Meals, and Daily Routine?
This question matters less for vetting and more for fit. Every family runs slightly differently, and it helps to know how a sitter naturally approaches things like mealtime, screen time, and settling a child for a nap or bedtime. You’re not testing for a right answer here, you’re checking whether their instincts broadly line up with how your household works, or whether you’ll need to brief them more thoroughly on your specific routine before you leave.
What’s Your Approach to Discipline or Difficult Behaviour?
Every child has moments of pushing boundaries, and it’s worth knowing in advance how a sitter handles that. A good answer usually involves calm redirection, clear boundaries, and age-appropriate responses, rather than anything that sounds punitive or inconsistent with how you’d want your child managed. This is also a good moment to share your own house rules directly, rather than assuming a sitter will guess correctly.
Are You Confident Handling a Booking at Short Notice?
If there’s any chance you’ll need occasional short-notice cover, it’s worth asking this before you’re actually in that situation. Some carers and providers only take bookings scheduled well in advance, while others, like Babies Care Hub, plan specifically for same-day and emergency requests. Knowing the answer ahead of time means you’re not scrambling to find out during an actual crisis.
What Happens if There’s a Problem During the Booking?
A trustworthy provider should have a clear answer to this, not a vague one. Ask what the process looks like if a sitter is unwell on the day, runs into an issue during the booking, or needs to reach you urgently. A proper agency will have a backup plan and a clear point of contact, rather than leaving you to sort out a last-minute gap entirely on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important question to ask a babysitter? Whether they’re DBS checked or background verified, since this is the clearest indicator of basic safety and accountability.
Should I ask for references even if I’m booking through an agency? It’s still reasonable to ask, though a reputable agency will already have completed thorough vetting and reference checks on your behalf.
How do I know if a sitter is experienced enough for a baby? Ask directly about their experience with the specific age group, including feeding, sleep routines, and soothing techniques for younger children.
What should I do if a sitter can’t answer my questions clearly? Treat vague or hesitant answers, particularly around safety checks or emergency procedures, as a reason to look elsewhere.
Is it rude to ask a babysitter detailed questions before booking? No, a professional, experienced sitter will expect and welcome these questions, since it shows you’re a parent who takes preparation seriously.
Does Babies Care Hub answer these questions before every booking? Yes, our team is happy to confirm vetting, experience, and emergency procedures for any carer before you commit to a booking.
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