We get to acknowledge the people who offer the essential service of caring for our children on National Babysitter Day, which happens every Saturday before Mother’s Day. Babysitters, nannies, or au pairs have been in business since the 19th century when it was suggested that the word “sit”, in this context, originated from hens caring for the eggs by “sitting” on them. Safety Whys Babysitter Training Company invented this day in 2003 to honor the individuals who commit to looking after our children when we can’t.
History of National Babysitter Day
As a parent, children are your priority and their safety is what you value most. We place our kids in the hands of our babysitters, while they give us one less thing to worry about from our places of work or while out taking a break.
Our babysitters play a crucial role by providing reliable services when looking after our children, and that’s why the choice of caregiver isn’t taken lightly. The role of babysitter either falls on a family member or is recruited from an agency or through a referral. Either way, the person should ideally be trained in first aid including how to give C.P.R. and manage emergencies, in addition to meeting the legal babysitting age depending on the state.
Outsourcing babysitters began with wet nurses in the 1800s. Wet nurses were nannies hired by high-income families to see to a child’s upbringing, often including breastfeeding them. Nannies in colonial societies spent their entire work life taking care of their master’s children and raising them from one generation to the next.
The term babysitter first appeared in 1937, after the vast popularity of the role. It came about as a way to teach teenagers responsibility in the 1920s, gaining importance in suburban America in the 1950s and 1960s. These days, babysitters are expected to have undergone the relevant training. One of the companies that certify individuals in the field is responsible for the creation of this day — Safety Whys.
Safety Whys is a Babysitter Training Program for youth. It was established in 1989 in Helotes, Texas. It aims to set quality standards for youth tending to younger children, and does so by covering various safety topics through different teaching methods, including role-plays. They founded National Babysitter’s Day in June 2002, and the day was first observed on May 10, 2003.
National Babysitter Day timeline
Women in high-income homes begin hiring nurses to cater to their children’s needs.
Teenagers gain popularity as caretakers for younger children.
The term ‘babysitting’ first appears in the “American Heritage College” dictionary.
National Babysitter’s Day is first celebrated.
National Babysitter Day FAQs
Is there a National Babysitter’s Day?
National Babysitter’s Day is on the Saturday before Mother’s Day. It was created by Safety Whys in 2003. The day is aimed at appreciating the reliable efforts of our children’s caretakers.
How much should you pay your babysitter?
Hourly pay for babysitters depends on several things such as age, certifications, experience, and the number of children to be looked after. Typically, part-time babysitters may charge $20-$30 per hour or more for the care of one child, whereas more experienced nannies may charge rates closer to $35.
How old should one be to be a babysitter?
There is no legal age for a babysitter however, the general consensus is that children from the age of 12 are reliable enough to babysit.
National Babysitter Day Activities
Give a tip
If you outsource the help of a babysitter, today is the perfect opportunity to leave them some extra pay. Babysitters are very attentive to our children’s needs and this is one way of showing your appreciation.
Make a video
Record a personalized video and send it to your babysitter to show your gratitude. Have your little ones participate too.
Give a referral
Another great way to make your babysitter feel acknowledged is by referring them to someone in need of their services. This will open them up to more opportunities and ultimately add to their experience.
5 Facts About Babysitters You Should Know
Your children are in safe hands
Only 4.2% of all criminal offenses against children under six were carried out by babysitters.
It wasn’t always called babysitting
Babysitting used to be called ‘bratting’ a very long time ago.
Early teens can babysit
The Red Cross suggests that teenagers can babysit from the age of 13.
They are quite pricey
The average hourly rate for babysitting in the U.S. is about $18.
They are mostly female
Only 2.9% of babysitters are male.
Why We Love National Babysitter Day
We appreciate the alone time
If you’ve ever enjoyed some time to yourself because you were able to rely on a babysitter, today is a day to be grateful for that. Babysitters give us a break from our busy schedules and children to have some dinner, go out and have fun, or just enjoy some quiet time.
We appreciate the attention
Work is often so demanding that it leaves us with little or no energy left to engage meaningfully with our kids. Babysitters give our children the attention they need when we can’t.
We appreciate the effort
It takes a lot of effort to raise a kid and cater to their needs 24/7 and parents need a helping hand sometimes. Babysitters help with homework and give younger children the playtime they need.
National Babysitter Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 7 | Saturday |
| 2023 | May 13 | Saturday |
| 2024 | May 11 | Saturday |
| 2025 | May 10 | Saturday |
| 2026 | May 9 | Saturday |
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