When determining the appropriate rate for babysitting, it can be challenging to determine the appropriate amount to charge. There are several factors that should be considered in order to ensure that the rate is fair and reflects the value of your time.
How much to charge for babysitting twins? If you’re going to babysit twins, there’s no set amount to charge that works for everyone. You need to consider the age of the twins and if they are the only kids in the home you will be responsible for at the time. You also need to know what the parents expect from you when they ask you to babysit.
Babysitting twins can be a challenge, so you want to make sure you choose a rate that truly honors all the determination it takes. Knowing what you’re getting into up front allows you to set a rate that is reasonable.
Babysitting Rates for Twins – Factors To Consider
Before you decide exactly what you should charge for babysitting, you need to ask yourself some questions. This will ensure your rate is fair to both you and the people asking you to babysit.
1. Current Rate for Babysitting
Right now, going rates for babysitting land anywhere between $15 and $18 an hour if it’s just one child. For twins, that rate can climb to $20-$22 an hour.
If you’re babysitting twins plus other siblings in the home, then you have to decide what the total charge should be. Some sitters add $1-$2 for each additional child.
2. Age of Children
Taking care of an infant is a lot different than babysitting a 7-year-old. Most people charge more when a child is too young to communicate or needs constant supervision.
When you factor in constantly supervising twins, the age of the children can make a huge difference in what you decide to charge.
3. Total Number of Children
How many kids you have to watch will help you decide how much to charge. The more kids you’re babysitting, the higher your rate.
Some sitters feel more comfortable having a second sitter on hand if the number of children goes over four.
4. Certifications You’ve Acquired
It’s wise to take a CPR class and a babysitting course before you start offering babysitting services. These certifications can up your pay rate, and they can also help you handle any emergencies that come your way.
5. Duties Expected of You
When you’re asked to babysit, you need to know what all that involves. Will you simply be taking care of the twins or are you expected to prepare meals and take the kids to appointments? The more duties you have, the higher your rate.
6. Ordinary Rates vs. Holiday Rates
Overtime pay is real, and when someone asks you to babysit during the holidays, it’s fair to ask for a higher rate of pay.
Holiday rates make sure to compensate for the time you are spending babysitting instead of celebrating a holiday with your friends and family.
What Is a Reasonable Price for Babysitting Per Hour?
A reasonable price for babysitting depends on where you live. Different states report different averages, with most coming in somewhere between $15 and $20 an hour.
What Is a Reasonable Price for Babysitting Per Day?
How much you get paid per day will depend on how many hours you babysit. If you simply multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you’re expected to babysit, you will have your daily rate.
When To Charge More for Babysitting
There are circumstances when you will want to charge more per hour. Babysitting twins is one situation where most babysitters increase their rates because there are two kids involved.
If you are babysitting more than three kids at a time, you might also want to increase your rate. Any extra duties a parent expects you to perform can also add to how much you can expect to get paid.
When To Say No To Babysitting
Being a babysitter doesn’t mean saying yes to every job you’re offered. If a situation feels unsafe or you simply don’t feel equipped to take on a certain job, don’t.
You may feel uncomfortable if you are being asked to babysit too many kids at a time or if you’re being asked to stay overnight.
Some people are comfortable babysitting preschool kids but do not want to deal with infants. Only take on jobs you feel you have the skills to do.
Related Questions:
How Much Do Unlicensed Babysitters Get Paid?
Babysitters with no CPR certification or babysitting certificate can expect to get paid less than someone who is licensed. Parents will pay the premium to know the person watching their child knows how to respond in an emergency.
Unlicensed sitters can expect to make at least a few dollars less an hour than licensed babysitters.
How Much Should I Pay a Babysitter for 8 Hours?
Most people will pay a babysitter an hourly rate, so they would simply multiply the hourly rate by eight.
However, if you have a sitter who comes over on a regular basis and stays eight full hours, you might want to increase the rate from the regular hourly pay.
If a babysitter has you scheduled into her calendar several times a week for a whole day, they should be paid extra for the security of knowing you have childcare.
How Much Should I Charge for Babysitting an Infant?
You may want to charge more to babysit an infant because of the regular feedings, poopy diapers, and occasional wailing. If you are babysitting twin infants, it’s a good idea to increase your rate to make it worthwhile.
Closing Thoughts
How much you charge to babysit can only be decided after you consider the unique situations you’ll be facing. If you’re babysitting twins, it’s normal to charge a higher rate.
Kristy is the mother of four, including identical twins. With a background in education and research, she is constantly learning more about parenting and raising multiples. When she has spare time, she enjoys hiking into the woods with a great book to take a break.