Babysitting rates - New Year's Eve

freebiequennie

I am a qualified childrens nurse and am in east midlands and have lots and lots of varied experience and have always said triple rates with a min of 4hrs booking/pay as not been keen to babysit new years eve and have been booked.

I think maybe double rate or time and half depending how desperate for money you are.

kavics17

My rate is £15 per hour through agency, if it's private than £20 (for up to 3 children, even if it is 3 families together). Wouldn't do 5, my liability insurance wouldn't cover it. I'm in London and have my own transport. My usual rate is £8 an hour for a min of 4 hours.

Lunar_Eclipse

downshifter wrote: »

thanks, yes you are right in your supposition, sorry if I wasn't clear. The people have left it up to me to give a price, but insist they pay more than normal rate (£7), however have now said that there may be a couple of other children, same age who don't know me so it might be trickier, as they may have friends staying. So poss 5 children, between 5 yrs and 16 months. That changes things a bit, am beginning to think double might be nearer the mark as it's now 2 families, so 2 lots of parents paying.

thanks for all the advice.

Personally I think that changes things a lot. I'm not sure I'd be happy with five children up to the age of 5 without major financial incentive, although I suppose they could all be sleeping (in theory.)

I was going to suggest time and a half, on the basis of supply & demand - you will be booked on NYE if you turn them down.

But for five children, I think double time isn't unreasonable. And at least triple after midnight, on the basis that double time after midnight is often the everyday norm and you're sitting for two families. Make sure you're happy with that though; I'd ask your regular family how easy the other children are and if they sleep well. Don't be scared to say no with lots of advanced notice.

Having said all of that, I do also think babysitting is a cushy number! We pay £6.45/hour for Saturday nights through an agency. I have to be honest and say that I wouldn't pay double time though. Realistically four hours is the absolute minimum for NYE (8.30-12.30 say) which would work out at over £50.

downshifter

Lunar_Eclipse wrote: »

Having said all of that, I do also think babysitting is a cushy number! We pay £6.45/hour for Saturday nights through an agency. I have to be honest and say that I wouldn't pay double time though. Realistically four hours is the absolute minimum for NYE (8.30-12.30 say) which would work out at over £50.

I don't have a problem with 5 children under 6, though it concerns me that the other children won't know me so might be frightened if they wake up and find some strange granny gazing at them - well you would wouldn't you!!

I think babysitting can be cushy but rarely is, the children generally wake up, especially the babies. Older ones wet the bed or can be sick or have bad dreams. You need to have good experience to set bedtime routines so teeth, wee, story, cuddles/arm stroking etc all gets done in the right way to help them feel secure and happy with you - as well as stopping them from trying it on with you!! Parents often forget to leave you coffee etc out and I hate rooting through cupboards, the house can be a tip, the dog needs to go out and in and out and in and out and in, the heating timer is set to go off at 9.30 (please parents, please check this one, it happens so often!!) so you can freeze by the time they get home. I often feel guilty charging even £7 an hour as that can add £30 or so to their night out and so many young parents can barely afford a quick pint in the pub. On the other hand, you're entrusting someone with the most precious things you have (your kids, not your house!!) so you need to pay to get good quality care.

Anyway, with the additional children I've told them it will be double time (incl petrol), they're absolutely fine with that.

FairyShazza

I think asking for double when sitting on such a busy night of the year especially with other children to look after on top of the norm is perfectly acceptable

treetrunks

FWIW you sound like an excellent babysitter

roadiegirl

I'm not a registered babysitter, just do it for family members and close friends, and in past years for doing NYE I have been paid about £60 for looking after two children, from 9pm till 2am, which I thought was really good. The best year I had was on New Years Day Eve, and was given about £150 for looking after 5 kids! Absolutely amazing for a 17 year old!

Lunar_Eclipse

downshifter wrote: »

I don't have a problem with 5 children under 6, though it concerns me that the other children won't know me so might be frightened if they wake up and find some strange granny gazing at them - well you would wouldn't you!!

I think babysitting can be cushy but rarely is, the children generally wake up, especially the babies. Older ones wet the bed or can be sick or have bad dreams. You need to have good experience to set bedtime routines so teeth, wee, story, cuddles/arm stroking etc all gets done in the right way to help them feel secure and happy with you - as well as stopping them from trying it on with you!! Parents often forget to leave you coffee etc out and I hate rooting through cupboards, the house can be a tip, the dog needs to go out and in and out and in and out and in, the heating timer is set to go off at 9.30 (please parents, please check this one, it happens so often!!) so you can freeze by the time they get home. I often feel guilty charging even £7 an hour as that can add £30 or so to their night out and so many young parents can barely afford a quick pint in the pub. On the other hand, you're entrusting someone with the most precious things you have (your kids, not your house!!) so you need to pay to get good quality care.

Anyway, with the additional children I've told them it will be double time (incl petrol), they're absolutely fine with that.

You need to come and babysit for me! The kids (touch wood) have never wet the bed or any of that other stuff you mentioned once they turned 1.

I always leave the heating on until we get home and set up a drinks and snack area in the kitchen with everything you could possibly want, plus a 'make yourself at home and help yourself to anything you find in the cupboards if you wish' comment.

I also put out a pile of recent magazines, DVDs and fleecy blankets.

I was so touched when a friend did this for me when I first babysit for her (as a favour admittedly) that I continued it with friends and paid babysitters. It takes such little effort to leave out a supply of drinks, including wine and some nice nibbles and chocolate (people rarely eat much!) but is really appreciated.:)

footballmanagerwidow

Hi all. I don't suppose any of you work for the agency Sitters do you? I was just wondering what their rates are for NYE and it doesnt say on their website. Cheers!

undercoverblonde

I would suggest double, especially given there are more children than usual