How old do you have to be to work as a babysitter?

There is no minimum age requirement for babysitters, primarily because local labor laws do not apply. According to the Public Legal Education Association, the decision as to what age a babysitter should be rests solely with the parents who choose to hire someone for the job.

As there are very few rules regarding babysitters, it is up to the parents and the babysitter to come to an amicable arrangement. Babysitters are not entitled to a minimum wage or holiday pay, so these issues can be negotiated. The University of Michigan Heath System suggests that it may be a good idea to offer a babysitter a "trial run" to see how she copes with the demands of the job.