What is the age limit for babysitting?

Most U.S. states do not have laws regarding a minimum or maximum age limit for babysitting. Per WebMD.com, experts agree that most children are capable of staying home alone or looking after younger children for short periods during the day between ages 10 and 12 and a year or two older at night.

According to WebMD.com, experts believe parents should decide when their child is old enough to babysit or stay home alone. Factors to take into consideration include the area of residence, its crime rate, the availability of friends and neighbors in case of emergency, the child's maturity and how responsible the child has proven to be over a period of time.