Paying a babysitter

[tgray99]

Hey ladies, I really have no idea about this and of course thought of asking y'all since you're my best source of info about things like this!

I'm in class one night a week so I take DD to my friend's for babysitting. I take her over around 3 and pick her up around 10 (sometimes before). She plays with her (she has a daughter about the same age), feeds her, bathes her, gives her a bottle and puts her down to sleep. I supply the food, diapers, and formula. I'm wondering how much I should pay her? I don't want to ask her how much I should pay her because knowing her she'll say don't worry about it but I know it's hard work and she's earned her money! Help!

TIA!

[Winter Biscuit]

It's nearly impossible to answer this question without knowing how long your friend will be watching her. You mentioned you are in class one night a week and that you drop your DD off around 3 and pick her up around 10. But how long is your class (how many weeks)?

It sounds like your friend watches your daughter 7 hours/day. If this is a semester long class (10 to 15 weeks), it sounds like your friend would be watching your daughter anywhere from 70 to 100+ hours total.

I think it also depends on what area you are in. In my area, babysitters are about $6-$7 per hour for one child (and the parent obviously provides the diapers, food, formula/EBM, etc.), but the rate might be higher or lower in other areas.

If I were in your shoes and paid my friend the going rate in our area, I would be paying her around $42 to $49 per night. If the class met more than a few times, I'd definitely pay her more than $150.

[firefly]

I watch my neice for free for sil. she's the same age as my oldest (they are 8 weeks apart) that makes everything a little bit easier because they are the same age.

That being said if it wasn't a relative I"ve heard that an evening with everthing supplied goes for around $20-30 (ya know excluding valentines day. new years etc) expecially since dd will be sleeping:o

like the pp said though is that per evening your wondering about or per the whole time you are taking the class?

[firefly]

whoops hit send to soon. that being said if she 'refuses' payment gift cards are always nice. my sil every so often brings me a starbucks coffee or a bath and body works card or new outfits from gymbo for my girls. just little things to let me know i'm appreciated. (and that I make it possible for her to work f/t ;)

[IrisHope]

I pay my babysitter $10/hour. I would give her $70-$80 a week.

[Regina Phalange]

I charge $10/hr for one or two children. So I'd say 70$/week.

[IrishMeg]

I'd say $50. Since your a friend and I would benefit from it by having a playmate for my child, I wouldn't expect more than that.

[marchfamily]

The going rate is $10/hour here. It's around $15/hour for big event nights and closer to the city. I'd say a minimum of $50/night.

[IrisHope]

I'd say $50. Since your a friend and I would benefit from it by having a playmate for my child, I wouldn't expect more than that.

I think it would be best to offer the going rate and have the friend say it could be less. Assuming you're helping out your friend by them watching your child is a bit of a stretch to me.

[mia's mama]

We pay $11/hour for our babysitter, and I'm going to bump that up to $13/hr this summer when baby #2 arrives. Since it is a friend though, and you are taking DD to her house, I would pay a little less. Sounds like DD will also be sleeping for several hours of her stay. I think $50/night is a fair amount if it seems fair to your friend.

[tgray99]

Thanks for the input so far, y'all. My class lasts until May so about 10 weeks if that changes anything.

[IrisHope]

Have you asked her what her thoughts are?

[tgray99]

Not yet. I hate bringing money/business up with friends. I told her when I asked her that I'd pay her and she knows that I'm waiting on DH's first paycheck so she hasn't mentioned it since. I'm thinking $300/month or $75/night. Do y'all think that sounds fair? I'll also do something like a Gymboree giftcard or something like that.

[magdesilver]

I think $50 a night is good. Part of the time (at least a few hours, I am thinking) your DD is sleeping and you are bringing your baby to her house as well. I think $50 a night or $200 a month is a good amount.

[IrishMeg]

I think it would be best to offer the going rate and have the friend say it could be less. Assuming you're helping out your friend by them watching your child is a bit of a stretch to me.


<shrug> I just wouldn't charge a friend as much as I may a stranger, that's all. I'd even exchange childcare for childcare instead of money with a friend. I hate mixing money and friendship.

[berry]

I don't know what the going rate is in your area. But I babysit for 3 friend in NY regularly. I get $15/hr which is quite typical here.

My sister babysits back home in Ohio and makes between $10-13 an hour.

I'd offer your friend $75 and see what she says. She may say she'll take less or she doesn't want anything. But as someone who watches friend's kids regularly, she'll appreciate it if you offer her the higher end of what you are able & willing to pay.

[tgray99]

I'd offer your friend $75 and see what she says. She may say she'll take less or she doesn't want anything. But as someone who watches friend's kids regularly, she'll appreciate it if you offer her the higher end of what you are able & willing to pay.
I think this is what I'm going to do. Now, if the Army would only pay us!! ;) Thanks everyone for the great advice, you're all a great help.