How old should a babysitter be?

I just got a recommendation for a babysitter who is a senior in HS. Do you think that is old enough to watch an 11month old?

Re: How old should a babysitter be?

It depends on how much experience she has. I would probaby have her babysit a few times while I was there (more like a mother's helper) and then see if I felt comfortable leaving her alone.

Re: How old should a babysitter be?

a senior watches my friends twin girls and they were 13 months.

Re: How old should a babysitter be?

Depending on the maturity level of the high school senior i say yes.

I watched a 2 year old and an 10 month old when i was 16 and then went on to watch 2 more from the same family by the time i was 18. I was watching 4 kids 4, 2, 1 and newborn.

Re: How old should a babysitter be?

We have a high school babysitter. She is mature and responsible. One thing that sold me on her is that she has taken the Red Cross babysitting class.

Re: How old should a babysitter be?

I think a high schooler is definitely old enough, if comfortable---when I was a junior in high school, I watched a family consisting of a 1 month old, a 2 yr old and a 5 yr old. I was comfortable with children and had been babysitting since 11 yrs old. Try her out for an hour and go from there! Having babysitters is necessary and wonderful!!!!

Re: How old should a babysitter be?

If you think this person is mature and responsible, I would say yes. Do you know her parents?

It seems crazy now, but I was babysitting a baby about DCs age and his older sister when I was 12 and 13--for entire days a good part of the summer! That seems way too young to me, but we were fine.