How to become a babysitter: A Rocket House guide
Babysitting is one of the best ways for young people to earn money, grow in responsibility, and gain trust from their community. It can start small, but lead to big things like glowing references, stronger communication skills, and even long-term childcare work. If you’re kind, responsible, and good with children, babysitting might just be your perfect first job.
At The Rocket House, we know what it’s like taking those first steps. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you learn how to become a babysitter, even if you have zero experience. Whether you're 14 or 18, living in a city or a small village, we’ll walk you through what to expect, how to get started, and how we can help you launch your journey.
How old do you need to be to be a babysitter?
There’s no official minimum age in the UK, but most parents will expect you to be at least 13 or 14 before trusting you with their children. That said, your first few jobs might come from people you know: family friends, neighbours, or relatives who already trust you.
If you’re under 16, remember there are limits on the hours you can work and the times of day you’re allowed to do so. For example, evening babysitting might be fine on weekends, but not during school nights.
At The Rocket House, we only work with adults (18+) who have at least two years of childcare experience, so once you're older and more experienced, you’ll be ready to apply and connect with local families through our platform.
How to become a babysitter without experience
No experience? You’re not alone. Everyone starts somewhere, and the truth is, you don’t need loads of childcare hours under your belt to begin. What you do need is trustworthiness, maturity, and the willingness to learn.
Here are a few ways to gain early experience:
Start close to home. Offer to watch your younger siblings, cousins, or neighbours’ kids while an adult is still in the house.
Volunteer. Help out at a local creche, kids' club, or summer camp. Even if it's unpaid, it's real-world experience.
Shadow someone. If you know an older sibling or friend who babysits, ask to tag along or help during the job.
These early steps show parents you’re committed and responsible, even if you’re still learning. It also helps build your confidence so you’ll feel ready when it’s just you and the kids.
What skills or training help?
To stand out, it helps to know what parents are looking for. While you don’t need formal qualifications, there are some key skills and training options that can give you an edge.
First Aid and CPR: A paediatric first aid course can be a game-changer. It shows you're prepared for emergencies, and parents will take notice.
Basic Child Development: Knowing what to expect from a toddler vs. a school-aged child can help you plan appropriate games, manage behaviour, and communicate effectively.
Soft Skills: These matter a lot. Being patient, calm, responsible, and communicative will make you more appealing than someone who’s simply "available."
Some babysitters also create little activity kits to take with them, think colouring books, quiet games, or storybooks. It shows initiative and helps kids settle in quickly.
How much Does a Babysitter Make?
In the UK, babysitting rates vary based on location, the babysitter’s age and experience, and the number of children involved. Here’s a rough guide:
New sitters: £8–£12 per hour
Experienced sitters (with references and training): £16–£12 per hour
London rates: Often higher, especially for short-notice or late-night jobs
London Rates: These are often higher—especially for short-notice or late-night bookings—and typically range from £12 to £22 per hour, depending on experience
Many London-based babysitters are also professional nannies or qualified teachers, offering a higher level of expertise and care.
Even if you’re just starting out, don’t sell yourself short. If you’re reliable, show up on time, and create a safe environment, that deserves fair pay. At The Rocket House, we help set clear expectations with parents, so no one is left guessing.
Creating a standout profile
Once you’ve got a bit of experience (even informal), it’s time to build your profile. This is where you show families why they should trust you with their little ones.
Here’s what to include:
A friendly photo: Choose one that shows you smiling and looking approachable.
A short bio: Mention your age, any childcare experience, hobbies, and why you love working with kids.
References: These could be from teachers, neighbours, or family friends. Even if you haven’t babysat professionally yet, character references go a long way.
Your availability: Be clear about when you can work, weekends, evenings, school holidays, etc.
The Rocket House makes all of this super easy. You can create a professional-looking profile with helpful prompts, so you never feel like you’re starting from scratch.
Why join The Rocket House?
We know taking the first step into babysitting can feel overwhelming. That’s why we built The Rocket House, a safe, supportive place for new and experienced sitters to connect with families.
Here’s what makes us different:
Trusted environment: All sitters on our platform are vetted, and we work with families who value clear communication and respect.
Professional profiles: Stand out with a polished, trustworthy presence that helps you get hired.
Fair pay: You’ll never have to haggle or guess what to charge. Our platform supports clear, competitive rates.
Fair Pay: You’re in control. Sitters set their own rates on their profile, so there’s no need to haggle or guess—just choose what feels right for your time and experience.
Support as you grow: Whether you’re asking "how do I become a babysitter" or you're ready to expand your client list, we’re here to help at every step.
Plus, our sitters bring more than supervision. With at least 2 years of experience, they prepare meals, manage bedtime routines, read stories, and ensure children feel safe and happy while parents enjoy a night out. Many of our babysitters are qualified teachers or professional nannies, bringing an extra level of care, confidence, and expertise to every booking.It’s not just a job, it’s a role that builds trust, responsibility, and pride.
Ready to begin?
So, if you’ve been wondering how to become a babysitter, you’ve already taken the most important first step: being curious and willing to learn.
Whether you’re looking for your first job or want to build up your childcare experience, babysitting is a fantastic way to earn money, grow your skills, and make a difference. At The Rocket House, we’re here to guide you through the journey, with real support, great families, and a platform that celebrates what you bring to the table.
Candidates can apply using the details in the footer of this page. Create your profile or explore more resources to get started. We can’t wait to see you shine!