Hiring an overnight babysitter: 7 tips to make it a success
An overnight babysitter can be a saving grace, with just a little prep work
Leaving your children with someone else overnight can be a nerve-wracking experience, even for parents accustomed to leaving their kiddos in someone else’s care during the daytime. So when it comes to hiring an overnight babysitter or nanny, preparation is crucial.
As a professional nanny agency, we understand the concerns that parents have and we are here to guide you through the process. Here are 7 key considerations to keep in mind when hiring someone for an overnight shift.
7 key considerations when hiring an overnight babysitter
Experience and qualifications
The first thing to consider is the experience and qualifications of the babysitter. It is important to ensure that they have experience in taking care of children overnight and have the necessary qualifications and certifications, such as CPR and first aid training. Ask for references and contact them to get feedback on the babysitter’s performance during previous overnight shifts.
Comfort Level of your kiddos
Another important consideration is the comfort level of your children with the babysitter. One way to help your kids feel more comfortable with the overnight shift is to do a few trial runs with the sitter before the actual overnight stay. This way you can ensure that your children are comfortable and at ease with the person who will be taking care of them. This will also give the babysitter or nanny a chance to understand the children’s routine and any specific needs they may have. Let them spend fun, daytime playtime hours together as well as the night time routine, to help both you and your kids feel secure with the sitter.
Duties and Responsibilities
Be clear about the duties and responsibilities that are expected from the babysitter or nanny during the overnight shift. These may include preparing meals both at night and in the morning, helping with homework, bedtime routine, and dealing with any emergencies that may arise. Make it clear what the sitter is to do in case the child wakes up in the middle of the night. Putting it all down on a list may make it easier for the sitter, especially if it’s their first time working overnight for your family. Also specify the shift hours, so they know what time in the morning you will be back.
Compensation
Compensation is closely tied to the duties and responsibilities of the shift. Discuss the compensation for the overnight shift beforehand and make it very clear how the sitter will be paid. Some families will pay a regular hourly rate for the hours when the child is awake, and then a lower rate overnight while both the child and sitter presumably are sleeping. Some families will pay a blanket overnight rate that includes compensation for any wakeups during the night.
Safety Measures
Ensure that the babysitter or nanny is aware of all the safety measures that need to be followed in your home. This includes knowledge about emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and emergency contact numbers. Let them know if there is a specific hospital they should take them to in case of an emergency. If your child has any allergies or takes any medications, write these down. Also, make sure that they know the location of the first aid kit and how to use it.
Communication
An overnight shift requires more tact when it comes to communication. You don’t want to be disturbed mid-slumber about a non-emergency question that could have been cleared beforehand, for instance. But you may also not want to go 10 hours without hearing anything about how things are going. Establish a communication plan with the babysitter for the overnight shift. Decide how you would like to be updated about your children – whether it is through text messages, phone calls, or any other means. Additionally, make sure that the babysitter or nanny has all the necessary contact numbers, including yours, your partner's, and any emergency services.
Preparing your kids
Preparing your children for the overnight shift can really be the game changer in making the experience smooth sailing. For younger kids, having spent time with the sitter beforehand will definitely help make them feel more at ease, especially if they love the sitter. For babies, hiring a sitter who has loads of infant experience and won’t be frazzled by middle-of-the-night cry fests will be the way to go. If your kids are older, encourage them to ask questions and express any concerns they may have.
Preparing helps you, too
The first time you leave your kid in the care of someone else can be so hard on the heartstrings
Hiring an overnight babysitter or nanny can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and consideration, it really can be a smooth process. Dare to trust your own instincts, both when hiring and while you’re away. If something does not feel right during the interview or trial run, it is better to find someone else. If you get nervous during the shift, reach out to the sitter and get an update! Especially the first time you leave your kid in the care of someone else can be so hard on the heartstrings, so just acknowledge that and get a little boost in confidence with a happy picture or an “everybody is sleeping” text.
With these considerations in mind, you can ensure that your children are in safe and capable hands while you are away. And if you are looking to work with the best of the best, reach out to us at Smart Sitting. We’ve helped connect families like yours with absolutely stellar sitters, who have the experience, know-how, and delightful approach to childcare that will have you breathing a big sigh of relief from day one.