At Apiari, we’ve matched thousands of families with vetted nannies, babysitters, and newborn care specialists. We've sat through a lot of interviews — good ones, awkward ones, and ones that saved families from a bad hire.
Here are 10 questions worth asking before you commit. These aren't gotcha questions. They're the ones that actually tell you something useful in a 20-minute phone call.
10 Questions to Ask Potential Babysitters
1. What did you do before working as a sitter or nanny? Look for a pattern of people-focused work — tutoring, camp counselor, daycare worker, after-school program leader, or customer service. This demonstrates a genuine interest in working with others.
2. What do you like best about childcare? There are many ways to earn money, so why childcare? This question reveals whether they genuinely enjoy being around children. If they can't name a single reason, that's a red flag.
3. What ages of children have you cared for? This helps you understand the depth of their experience. If you have a 1-year-old and are looking for a long-term provider, make sure they have experience with children up to at least 5-7 years old.
4. What are your rules for screen time? Ask when they think it’s OK to be on their own phone while they’re working, and how they handle screen time for kids. You want someone who’s paying attention to your child, not their feed, and whose screen rules match yours.
5. What kinds of activities do you enjoy doing with kids? The answer tells you how creative and engaged they'll be. It also helps you assess whether your child would enjoy their style — and whether you'll need to plan activities yourself.
6. How would you handle a temper tantrum or challenging behavior? Their answer reveals whether their approach aligns with your parenting style. If it doesn't, ask whether they've adapted to a parent's specific method before and how that went.
7. How would you commute to our home? If the commute is long or complicated, ask how they've handled delays in the past. Reliability starts before they walk through your door.
8. Do you have experience with [specific need]? Fill in the blank — potty training, infant care, special needs, food allergies, sleep training. Don't assume. Ask directly and make sure their experience matches your child's specific situation.
9. Are you comfortable helping with homework, meal prep, or light tidying? Some providers will; others won't. Be clear on your needs upfront so there are no surprises on either side.
10. What other commitments do you have outside of childcare? This one catches people off guard in the best way. You're not being nosy — you're assessing reliability. A provider juggling three other jobs, a full course load, and a side hustle may struggle to show up consistently when you need them most. You want someone whose schedule has room for yours.
Next steps before you hire
Run a background check, or ask if they already have one.
Call two references. Ask whether the sitter showed up on time, how they handled a tough moment, and whether the family would hire them again. Listen for any hesitancy or tonal cues that may suggest a less than enthusiastic response
Agree on pay. Decide how you’ll pay: cash, Venmo, check or a payroll app. IBe mindful of household employer taxes: federal Social Security and Medicare, and in New York, state unemployment insurance. Even a part-time sitter can count, so budget for it.
Still searching? Skip the interview marathon.
On Apiari, every provider has already passed background checks and live reference checks before you even speak to them. Get matched with pre-vetted babysitters and nannies near you, or browse providers in our directory. Free to search and interview, no subscription or agency fees.