Setting a minimum babysitting hours policy means defining the shortest amount of time you’ll work for any babysitting job. Maybe you’re hoping to become a babysitter, or maybe you’ve been a nanny for years. Either way, creating a minimum hours policy helps you hit your income goals on a schedule that works for you.
Here’s how to set your minimum babysitting hours and communicate them clearly.
Here’s how to set your minimum hours and communicate them clearly:
1. Determine your minimum hours
Throughout your child care career, you may be asked to work for a range of hours. From 30-minute errand coverage to extended weekend babysitting, it’s up to you to decide how long you want to work. If you’re using babysitting apps or websites, you’ll need to set a minimum hours policy. Think of your policy as a guidepost to help you grow your child care career.
To determine your minimum hours policy, start by considering:
- How long you’re willing to work for each babysitting job
- How much money you’d like to earn per babysitting job
You can also consider:
- Travel time to and from the job
- Personal commitments and other jobs on your schedule
Many sitters let their budget inform their minimum hours policy. Take the time to understand how your minimum hours and hourly rate policies work together. This way, you can avoid babysitting for less time and money than you find worthwhile.
2. Review your minimum hourly rate
It’s helpful to evaluate your hourly rate when setting your minimum hours policy. These policies work together to boost your earnings.
- Review your hourly rates every 3-4 months
- Set babysitting rates that reflect your experience, expertise, and the market value for babysitters in your area
- Don’t forget to adjust for multiple children.
3. Communicate your minimum hours to families
When discussing babysitting jobs with parents, be clear about your minimum hours upfront.
Don’t be afraid to be direct if a job is too short. You can say something like:
"I’d love to work with your family, but I have a minimum of 3 hours for each babysitting job. Is that something you could consider?"
If a parent requests a shorter job duration, politely explain that your minimum is set for practical reasons.
Many babysitting platforms—like SitterTree—display your minimum babysitting hours policy on your profile. This takes away the guesswork for parents and provides clarity upfront. Be sure to keep your policy updated!
4. How to handle special requests
If a family requests a job shorter than your minimum hours, you can make an exception. But we recommend being firm about your boundaries:
- Communicate that you’re making an exception—this is a favor because you enjoy the family!
- Express gratitude, even when making an exception. Bring along your babysitting kit to show the family you’re still excited and eager to work.
If you’re using a babysitting app, you may need to adjust your settings to accept a shorter job. On SitterTree, you can simply change your minimum hours policy to accept the job, and adjust your policy again afterward.
5. Adjust your minimum babysitting hours when needed
Keep in mind: your minimum hours policy isn’t set in stone. It may change with your babysitting experience and availability—and that’s OK!
Set a reminder to review your minimum hours every 3-4 months. Consider whether your current minimum hours are meeting your financial and personal goals. Adjust as needed.
Why set minimum hours?
Setting expectations is important for any job, especially babysitting! Set your minimum hours to get on the same page with your babysitting family from the start. Plus, enjoy these added benefits:
Consistency
Avoid babysitting for too little time.
Fair Compensation
Get paid fairly for your time and effort.
Professionalism
Respect your time and the family's needs.
Average babysitting hours
We collected 5 months of historical data from SitterTree to help you understand how your hours fit into the larger picture.
- Most single babysitting jobs are 3 hours long.
- The average single babysitting job is 5 hours. That means there are plenty of jobs under 5 hours, and plenty over 5 hours.
- Single babysitting jobs range from 30 minutes to 95 hours.
- 30 minute jobs may be coverage for a quick errand.
- Jobs over 8-10 hours could include helping out with weekend trips.
Based on this data, a 3-hour minimum policy is a great place to start for most sitters.
Current as of Jun 1, 2025.
Looking for your next babysitting gig?
If you’re wondering how to get babysitting jobs, rest assured—it doesn’t have to be a challenge!
- Create a profile on one of the best apps for babysitting jobs.
- Then, search for a family and schedule that fits.
- Connect with families on social networking websites or through word-of-mouth.
- Sign up for SitterTree—where you’ll connect with tons of quality families in your community. Your babysitting rates and minimum hours policies are displayed on your SitterTree profile, so families know what to expect right away. On SitterTree, you have all the tools you need to grow your child care career.
Ready to find babysitting jobs that meet your needs? Create your profile at the link below to browse jobs.