Looking for a side hustle that’s flexible, rewarding, and occasionally requires convincing a toddler not to eat Play-Doh? Babysitting could be your perfect match. Back in the day, babysitting was my go-to way to earn extra cash while lending a hand to friends and family.

Babysitting is also a fantastic option for stay-at-home parents who want to earn extra income without stepping away from their own kids. The best part? You can do it all from the comfort of your home! If you’re already a pro at managing chaos, why not let your parenting superpowers pull double duty? With no commute and flexible hours, babysitting is an ideal way to pad your budget while staying present for your little ones.

What makes babysitting even better? The low start-up costs, the high demand, and the chance to work while watching Ice Age for the 10th time. Not only is it a great way to earn money, but it also helps you build valuable life skills (and a whole lot of patience).

How to Get Started as a Babysitter

1. Develop the Right Skills

To succeed as a babysitter, you’ll need patience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to convince a 5-year-old that vegetables are, in fact, delicious. Bonus points if you can help assemble Lego.

Many parents prioritise babysitters who have First Aid and CPR certifications, and for good reason! These qualifications not only demonstrate that you’re responsible but also reassure parents that you’re prepared to handle emergencies—like that inevitable moment when little Timmy decides to see if a crayon fits up his nose.

If you’re thinking about signing up with a professional childcare service, a First Aid certificate will likely be a requirement. Plus, having these certifications can set you apart from other babysitters and help you build trust with families looking for someone dependable and capable.

2. Build a Network

Start close to home—ask friends, family, or neighbors if they need a babysitter. After all, who better to trust with their kids than someone they already know and like? Plus, kids are way less likely to test your patience if their parents are just a phone call away.

3. Advertise Your Services

If you’re ready to expand? Consider:

• Local Facebook Groups: Post about your babysitting services (and throw in a picture of you smiling while surrounded by kids—you know, for credibility).
• Babysitting Apps: Platforms like Care.com or Sittercity connect you with families looking for reliable sitters. The cost of signing up to babysitting websites varies – some may charge a monthly membership fee or take a cut of any earnings. You may also be charged for a background check.
• Community Boards: Libraries, supermarkets and schools are great places to advertise. 

When advertising, don’t forget to highlight your certifications, experience, and unique skills. “Expert in bedtime storytelling and hiding veggies in mac & cheese” will definitely catch some attention.

3. Understand the Job Responsibilities

Babysitting is more than just plopping kids in front of the TV while you scroll TikTok. 

(I learned that the hard way. Take your eyes off them for just a moment, and the toddler you’re looking after will have dumped 2 kilograms of flour all over the kitchen floor.)

Typical tasks include:

• Meal Prep: Cooking kid-friendly food (translation: chicken nuggets and cheese sticks).
• Engagement: Playing games, doing crafts, or answering 57 questions about dinosaurs.
• Homework Help: Explaining math homework when you barely understand it yourself.
• Cleanup: Tidying up toys, washing dishes, and pretending the house was spotless all along.

If you want to impress parents, offer light household chores like folding laundry. Just don’t sign up to “help out” unless you’re ready to face that mountain of mismatched socks.

Pros of Babysitting as a Side Hustle

• Flexible Schedule: Babysitting lets you choose when to work, which is great unless you’re stuck watching Frozen for the 100th time on a Friday night.
• Steady Demand: Parents always need sitters—kids don’t take vacations from being kids.
• Low Start-Up Costs: Apart from a First Aid/CPR certification and some gas money, your biggest expense might just be stocking up on energy for chasing toddlers.
• Skill Development: Babysitting teaches patience, multitasking, and negotiation—skills that might even rival those of a diplomat.
• Potential for Upselling: Offer tutoring or meal prep to increase your hourly rate. Just make sure you actually know how to cook before offering gourmet meals.

Cons of Babysitting as a Side Hustle

• Low Base Pay: Unless you’re sitting for celebrity kids, the pay won’t buy you a yacht. You’re most likely being paid minimum wage. But hey, it’s better than nothing and it’s guaranteed.
• Irregular Hours: Babysitting gigs often happen when you’d rather be out with friends—or sleeping.
• Stressful Situations: From tantrums to mystery spills, babysitting keeps you on your toes. (Always carry wet wipes.)
• Unpredictable Work: Families might only need a sitter once in a while, so income can be hit or miss.
• Responsibility Overload: The weight of keeping kids alive and entertained for hours is no small feat. It’s basically like being a camp counselor, chef, and referee all at once.

My Experience

Babysitting is the side hustle that’ll have you saying, “I’m not getting paid enough for this,” while simultaneously discovering your inner superhero. My first babysitting gigs were for family, and let me tell you, nothing prepares you for the sheer chaos that comes with it. I learned pretty quickly that “watching TV” means managing snack requests, endless “Why?” questions, and convincing a toddler that no, flour does not belong on the floor. The best part? The flexible hours. I could babysit in the evenings, make a little extra cash while also studying for uni. But babysitting isn’t for the faint of heart. Luckily I never had any emergencies. But there’s always that one kid who loves to spill juice everywhere. But, between the Lego assemblies and bedtime stories, it’s actually a pretty rewarding gig. If you’re looking for a side hustle with low start-up costs and high potential for chaos (and cash), babysitting could be the answer.

Rating Babysitting as a Side Hustle

• Start-Up Costs – 8/10: As above, minimal costs are required.
• Time Commitment – 6/10: It’s flexible, but evenings and weekends are prime time for babysitting gigs, so say goodbye to some Netflix marathons.
• Income Potential – 6/10: The pay won’t make you rich, but offering extras like tutoring or cleaning can add a nice boost.
• Fun Factor – 8/10: If you love kids and don’t mind hearing the same knock-knock joke over and over, babysitting can be a blast.
• Flexibility – 9/10: You get to decide when you work, and you’re free to say no to gigs involving 3am. wakeups.

Final Rating: 7/10

Babysitting is a great side hustle for people who enjoy working with kids and want flexible income. While it won’t make you a millionaire, the low start-up costs and steady demand make it a solid option. Plus, where else can you get paid to colour and play hide-and-seek?