Babysitting is one of the best first jobs for teenagers, especially for 13-year-olds who want to earn money while learning responsibility. Many parents prefer hiring responsible teens for short babysitting sessions, making it a flexible way to make money after school or on weekends.
Today, finding babysitting jobs is easier than ever thanks to babysitting apps and websites that connect parents with sitters. These platforms help teens discover local babysitting opportunities, set their hourly rates, and build trust through reviews.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How a 13-year-old can start babysitting
- How much babysitters earn
- 14 babysitting apps to find jobs
- Tips to get hired quickly
- Safety rules every teen babysitter should know
Let’s get started.
Can a 13-Year-Old Get Babysitting Jobs?
Yes. In many countries, teenagers can begin babysitting around age 12–13 depending on maturity and local rules. However, the age requirement may vary by state or region.
Parents often hire young babysitters for:
- Short evening babysitting
- Watching children while parents run errands
- Helping with homework
- Playing with younger kids
Most babysitting jobs are part-time and flexible, which makes them ideal for teenagers balancing school and other activities.
However, parents usually prefer babysitters who are:
- Responsible and trustworthy
- Good with children
- Comfortable handling emergencies
Taking a first aid or CPR course can increase trust and help a young babysitter get more jobs.
How Much Can a 13-Year-Old Make Babysitting?
Babysitting can pay surprisingly well for a teen job.
On average:
- $14 – $23 per hour is a common babysitting rate in the United States.
- Babysitting multiple children can increase pay by $1–$2 more per child per hour.
Example monthly earnings:
| Hours Per Week | Hourly Rate | Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | $14 | ~$220 |
| 6 hours | $15 | ~$360 |
| 10 hours | $15 | ~$600 |
Some experienced teen babysitters can earn even more, especially for weekend babysitting or overnight jobs.
What Do Babysitters Actually Do?
Babysitting involves more than just watching children. Responsibilities may include:
- Playing games with kids
- Preparing simple snacks
- Helping with homework
- Reading bedtime stories
- Keeping children safe
- Cleaning small messes
- Following parents’ instructions
Every family has different expectations, so babysitters should always discuss duties before accepting a job.
14 Babysitting Apps for 13 Year Olds
Technology has made it much easier to find babysitting work. These apps connect families with trusted babysitters and often include ratings and reviews.
Here are 14 babysitting apps and websites where teens can look for babysitting opportunities.
1. Bambino Sitters
Bambino is one of the best babysitting apps for teenagers.
It allows parents to find babysitters recommended by friends and neighbors. Some teen babysitters can join starting at age 13, making it a great option for young sitters.
Key Features
- Find babysitting jobs nearby
- Set your availability
- Receive payment through the app
- Parents leave reviews
2. Babysits
Babysits is a popular platform used in many countries to connect families with babysitters.
Parents can view babysitter profiles, experience, and reviews before hiring.
Benefits
- Large international network
- Free account option
- Messaging with parents
3. Care.com
Care.com is one of the largest caregiving platforms online.
Families use it to find babysitters, nannies, tutors, and other caregivers.
Pros
- Huge job database
- Multiple caregiving opportunities
- Flexible schedules
Some features may require parental help if the babysitter is under 18.
4. Sittercity
Sittercity is another major babysitting platform that connects parents with caregivers.
The platform lets parents search for babysitters based on experience, availability, and qualifications.
5. UrbanSitter
UrbanSitter allows parents to book babysitters directly through the platform.
It also includes reviews from other families to help parents choose trusted sitters.
The service began in San Francisco and now operates in multiple U.S. cities.
6. Bubble Babysitting
Bubble is a popular babysitting app used mainly in the UK.
Parents can quickly find available babysitters for last-minute childcare needs.
7. Sittr
Sittr is another babysitting marketplace that connects parents with verified babysitters.
It focuses on safety and background checks.
8. Helpr
Helpr provides on-demand childcare services.
Families can request babysitters quickly through the app.
9. SeekingSitters
SeekingSitters is known for its strict screening process and background checks.
This helps parents feel confident hiring babysitters.
10. Juggle
Juggle helps parents find childcare providers in their community.
Many babysitters use it to find flexible jobs near their homes.
11. SOSSitter
SOSSitter focuses on connecting families with reliable babysitters for emergency or short-term childcare.
12. Sitters
Sitters is another platform that helps parents hire babysitters for part-time childcare.
13. BabySittersNow
BabySittersNow allows parents to quickly find available babysitters nearby.
14. Nanny Lane
Nanny Lane is designed for families searching for babysitters, nannies, or childcare providers.
Babysitters can create profiles and apply for local jobs.
How to Start Babysitting at 13
Getting your first babysitting job might seem difficult, but these steps make it easier.
1. Ask Family and Friends
The easiest way to start babysitting is through people you know.
Try asking:
- Neighbors
- Family friends
- Teachers
- Parents’ coworkers
Many teens get their first babysitting job this way.
2. Create a Babysitter Profile
On babysitting apps, create a profile that includes:
- Your age
- Babysitting experience
- Skills
- Availability
- References
Adding a friendly photo can also help parents trust you.
3. Get Babysitting Training
Training can help you stand out from other babysitters.
Helpful courses include:
- First Aid
- CPR
- Babysitting safety classes
These certifications show parents that you take the job seriously.
4. Start With Short Babysitting Jobs
If you are new to babysitting, start with simple jobs such as:
- Watching kids for 1–2 hours
- Helping during family events
- Babysitting while parents run errands
Once you gain experience, you can take longer babysitting jobs.
Tips to Earn More Money Babysitting
Want to increase your babysitting income? Try these strategies.
Babysit Multiple Kids
Watching more than one child usually increases the hourly rate.
Offer Extra Help
Parents may pay more if you also help with:
- Homework
- Light cleaning
- Meal preparation
Babysit on Weekends
Weekend babysitting often pays more because parents go out at night.
Build a Good Reputation
Parents often recommend babysitters they trust.
Positive reviews can lead to repeat babysitting jobs and higher pay.
Babysitting Safety Tips for Teens
Safety is extremely important when babysitting.
Always follow these rules:
1. Inform Your Parents
Always tell your parents or guardian where you will be babysitting.
2. Meet the Family First
Try to meet the family before your first babysitting job.
3. Know Emergency Contacts
Ask for:
- Parent phone numbers
- Emergency contacts
- House address
4. Understand House Rules
Ask parents about:
- Bedtime routines
- Food rules
- Screen time
This helps avoid confusion.
Skills That Make a Great Babysitter
Parents look for babysitters with certain qualities.
Important skills include:
- Responsibility
- Patience
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Creativity with kids
Playing games, telling stories, and helping children learn can make babysitting more fun for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best babysitting job for a 13 year old?
Short evening babysitting jobs or helping neighbors with childcare are usually the best starting jobs.
Can a 13 year old babysit legally?
In many places, teenagers can babysit at 12–13 years old depending on maturity and local laws.
How do I get babysitting jobs quickly?
- Ask neighbors
- Join babysitting apps
- Post on community groups
- Get recommendations from friends
Do babysitting apps pay well?
Yes. Many babysitters earn between $14 and $23 per hour depending on experience and location.
Final Thoughts
Babysitting is one of the best jobs for 13-year-olds who want to earn money while learning responsibility. It offers flexible hours, valuable life skills, and the chance to build trust in your community.
By using babysitting apps, asking neighbors, and gaining experience with children, teens can quickly start finding babysitting jobs that pay well.
With the right approach, babysitting can become a steady source of income and a great first step into the working world.
