Babysitting for the wedding/reception

tanyaanddrew · August 2010

We've decided to hire a sitter for the wedding/reception, mainly for my 2 year old nephew that is just too young, and FI's 2 year old and 6 month 2nd cousins.

I don't have kids, and I haven't babysat in about 15 years, so I don't know the etiquette on how much I should pay.

The sitter will have two 2 year olds, and a 6 month old, she'll be at the church play room with them, and then in a hotel suite with them. I may also give the option of some of my cousins to let them have their 6-10 year old kids go up to the room at the reception, if they get bored. The parents are responsible for transporting the kids to and from each of these places themselves.

Both are out of town guests, and staying for a few days, so neither will just leave the kids at home.

The sitter is our best mans little sister (she's 19). We'll need her from about 2pm - 10pm.

If you've hired sitters, how much did you pay?

strlzfan11 · August 2010

I would say at least $10/hour plus food. How much experience does she have? Does she feel comfortable with that many little ones? Will there be an extra set of hands available to help if any more kids that will need attention show up? If an emergency comes up how will she get in touch with the parents?

By 19 I had a lot of babysitting experience under my belt, but ended up in a situation that could've turned out really bad. My aunt & grandma took a week-long trip to San Francisco so I volunteered to go and help my uncle with the 5 kids (who were 14, 11, 9, 7, & 4 at the time). His company picnic was at a local amusement park and mdiway into the day he left me with the 4 youngest and $20 for about 5 hours by myself in the park. It was interesting to say the least. Thankfully nothing bad happened but there was a lot of potental for chaos. My aunt was not thrilled with my uncle after she got home and now we laugh about it, but at the time it wasn't something to laugh about.

Lylad · August 2010

I've never hired a babysitter, but I've done my fair share of babysitting. For 3 small children, I'd say $10/hour would be the absolute bare minimum. If you can afford it, $15 an hour would be much more appropriate. 8 hours is a long time to watch young children who aren't your own - especially if there are no breaks.

As pp mentioned, if you think more children will be joining, it might be good to have someone else available for part of the time.

missy68 · August 2010

I would say $10 - 20 an hour, and she should have basic infant/small child CPR training between now and then if she doesn't already have it.

tanyaanddrew · August 2010

I actually thought of her becuase she works for the YMCA in childcare program, so she does have the experience with toddlers (not sure about infants, other than her own neice).

I'm thinking that you're all right about the extra set of hands, I'll ask her if she has a friend from the Y that would be willing to.

The sitting will take place in the same location as both the ceremony and the reception, so if a child becomes too much to handle they'll be able to call the parents to come get them.

So $10 - $20 plus food. If I hire 2, and I pay each girl $100 for 8 hours plus provide food for them, would that be good, too little, too much? Chances are they will only have 3 kids, but the 3 kids will be 2 toddlers, and a 6 month old.

[Deleted User] · August 2010

I've babysat all my life... your pay scale is perfect- $100 per girl for 8 hours plus food. Maybe a $10 tip each too at the end of the night or send them a thank you with a little something in it after the fact.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown · August 2010

I was going to suggest $100/8 hours, plus food. Seems perfect.

jnic0319 · August 2010

I would do $15 an hour ($5/kid) I wouldn't let the older ones go up there, even at 19 two 2 year olds and a 6 month old will be more than enough for her to handle on her own. Also, don't be surprised if the 6 month old stays with the parents.

Edit: Just read PP, two girls are better than 1 and you can let the older one's go up if they want. I agree $100 + food is good.

kebmtm071605 · August 2010

I'd say $15/hour, plus food. That's a really long day with two 2-year olds and a 6 month old infant. I personally wouldn't let someone who I do not know watch my children (no matter how well you know them/how qualified you think they are). Make sure you consult with the parents on this plan if you haven't already.

And don't allow other kids up there if it is only the one sitter. She will have her hands full enough already.

Assuming the parents of these children are okay with the plan, there are some other things to consider. You will need places for these children to sleep. I imagine the parents will be bringing pack n plays...those should be in the suite so the sitter can put them down. Places to feed the children...i.e., a table and portable high chairs. Also, you may need a fridge/microwave to prepare the children's meals. What does the baby need for bottle prep? These are all just things you need to iron out with the parents beforehand.

tanyaanddrew · August 2010

Those are things I didn't even think about (as I said, i don't have kids, and haven't dealt with babysitting in about 15 years). Both parents know I'm doing it, so I'll work on the details with them. Thanks!

sasha625 · August 2010

I had two sitters and paid them each $6 an hour/per kid. So it was $36 an hour for each of them. Every parent who had a kid LOVED it though! I only had it for out of town guests, as local guests can use their own sitter. But it worked out great!

I just sent out a little info about both sitters, the parents all trusted me anyway, and the kids were in a hotel room, so the parents could just drop them off. I got juice and pizza for the toddlers and the infants obviously had their own food.

Babysitting for the wedding/reception

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