update:what to charge for babysitting a newborn

[weare6travelers]

Thank you to all who gave me their opinions. I callled around yesterday to other people in my area who babysit children. The price per week ranged from $100 for toddlers to $220 for infants. I feel asking $150.00 is fair. The parents are very against day care and are thrilled to have their baby with me. I have no plans to babysit other children. The parents are coming over Friday so we can sit down and hash out all the details.

 

[kdibattista]

I'm sure they will think it's more then fair as well.... best of luck!!!

 

[PaulaSue]

Hope all goes well!
Thanks for the update!

 

[Jennifer S]

I think it is so worth it to have one on one care. I'm sure they are thrilled. Just remember to hash out all the details now. Pick-up time etc. I babysat for a good friend and never in a million years did i think she'd take advantage of me but she did. Not sure she even realized it but it has changed our friendship.

Good luck!

 

[keenercam]

Please also set the rules for what happens if you are sick or if the baby is sick, as far as whether you get paid for those days. Also, what about vacation time -- theirs and yours -- do you get paid? How much notice do they need to give if they want to terminate your employment.

My aunt does in home day care as a profession and I had never realized all the issues that need to be covered. For example, she has off a week in July and the week between Christmas and NY and gets paid for those days. Also, do they expect you to take the baby to doctor appointments, etc. and who pays for the gas. Will they supply all diapers, formula, blankets, port a crib, etc. or do they expect you to supply that stuff.

Good luck!

 

[crz4mm2]

I have to agree with hashing out the details such as pick up and drop off times. If you do not do that ahead of time, you may be sorry. I babysat years ago and sometimes, the parents would not pick the boy up until much later than they were supposed to. Really cut into my family time and we had agreed to a 'per day' rate.... well, I would not have done that had I known sometimes I would have that kid for 12 hours or more!! You have to understand that sometimes parents don't intentionally break the rules, but maybe just don't think that an extra 1/2 to one hour is not a big deal... But it is when you are the one waiting.
That's just some advice from someone that has been there.