# Babysitters and who may care for the child

**Who do we trust to babysit our child?**

Who may look after your child when you are out, and how soon you start, from regular sitters to family only.

In short: Parents choose between 4 main approaches: Regular sitter from early on; Occasional once routines settle; Family only; None in the first year. Evidence: your call. No outcome evidence picks a winner. Preference, culture, money and logistics decide. Best settled: 0–6 months.

- Area: Childcare and early learning
- Evidence: Your call
- Best settled: 0–6 months
- First published: 2026-10-03
- Last updated: 2026-10-05
- Page: https://www.raisingyourchild.com/topics/childcare-and-early-learning--babysitters-and-who-may-care-for-the-child

## Babysitters and who may care for the child: what are the options?

1. **Regular sitter from early on**: You have a regular babysitter from the first months.
2. **Occasional once routines settle**: You use a babysitter sometimes, once feeding and sleep are predictable.
3. **Family only**: Only relatives look after the child.
4. **None in the first year**: No one else looks after the baby in the first year.

## Babysitters and who may care for the child: what does the evidence say?

**Your call.** No outcome evidence picks a winner. Preference, culture, money and logistics decide.

No outcome research found

## What else is worth knowing?

Parents differ in how soon they are willing to leave a baby with someone else, and with whom. It affects how much time you get as a couple. Agree on who is acceptable before the first invitation arrives.

## Questions to ask each other

- Who would we trust with our child, and what do they need to know?
- When would we feel ready for a night out?
- What rules would we give a sitter?

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General information, not medical advice. Two parents can each answer this and compare: https://www.raisingyourchild.com/explore?cat=childcare-and-early-learning&topic=childcare-and-early-learning--babysitters-and-who-may-care-for-the-child