the Cost of Baby Sitting

The service was babysitting our two boys (ages 5 and 8) for an evening out. It was a full evening of dinner, a movie, and some drinks at the bar after the movie. I would say it was from 6pm to about 12:30 a.m. We use the same sitter that we are happy with, a neighbor who is a college student. $40 is our typical payment to her for a "full night" out worth of babysitting.

We were pleased, and usually are, with our regular sitter. It is amazing how high babysitting prices seem to have gotten. But I think $40 is pretty fair, and she does a good job. Never had any problems or have had to really worry about much. She also keeps them active and they seem to enjoy playing games with her, so that is a positive. The only thing we don't like is when she is unavailable and we have to take our chances with somebody that we don't know!

My tip would be to find somebody you trust and use them regularly. You can usually get better "fair" deals that way too because a first time sitter probably expects more. When they get regular service and get used to the kids, you start getting into a routine and saving money. Works out well for trust and for finances!