What is the minimum age you will accept in a babysitter?

Crista Said,

I have a hard time finding a babysitter in my area for the occasions where I need to be good for a couple hours in the evening. One neighbor girl just turned 13 and offered to babysit but I am unsure if 13 is old enough (my son is 14 months), what do other parents think?

Clarice Said,

I guess it depends on the babysitter. Sometimes you will find that a younger teenager does a better job than an older one. Will the teenager's mom be home when she babysits? That would be a comfort to me if that is the case, another adult ready to come over if there is a problem.

I have one 13 year old (I guess she is 14 now) that babysits occasionally and I know her mom checks up on how things are going once or twice an evening. That makes me feel good to know that.

TrailMix Said,

One idea you can try is have her "babysit" while you are home so you can see how she interacts. I work from home sometimes in the office and have gotten a babysitter for the occasion so I could work uninterrupted.