My teen, never. Their own child, sure. My child, maybe but I doubt I'd leave my child that young.

Y'all realize that teens took care of newborns for several millennia in human history right?

Never a newborn. When my aunt was 20 and a nursing student, she and a fellow nurse had night duty in the maternity ward nursery. It was not a NICU or anything. This was in the 1960s. Women and babies without any complications regularly stayed 4 or more days before being discharged. One night, a baby died in its little bassinet. They only noticed because all of the babies were bottle fed on a schedule and if still sleeping were flicked on their heels.

Never. They just don't have the maturity to handle a baby that young.

For an hour or two? Sixteen, probably. I have a teenager who is a bit of a perfectionist and while that’s an issue, she is a very responsible babysitter.

Now would I allow my newborn to be babysat by a teenager? No. I don’t think we ever had a babysitter for a newborn, unless you count my MIL rocking them while DH and I slept.

Nope.

Anonymous wrote:A mature 16 year old with babysitting experience. If I were the parent hiring the sitter, I’d go for an adult.

Baby must be 3 months or older. That was my rule. I nannied for a summer with 3 kids - ages 5, 3 and 3 months - before I went to college. I was 17, but had lots of experience at the point with babies/toddlers. I was also very responsible.

Being a mother myself now, I really can’t imagine leaving my baby with a 17 year old. But it was a different time back then.

I personally would only ever leave my newborn with a professional nanny or someone who has had her own kids, not a teen.

Probably around age 16 but only if he/she had significant prior experience with babies.

How newly born? When I was 12 I was caring for 6 month olds.

Although I can’t imagine my 15 year old DD caring for a baby. She’s responsible, she just doesn’t like babies or toddlers.

I wouldn’t unless they’d spent lots of time around babies and toddlers.

Teens and babies do not mix. If the teen can't handle the babies crying they may throw the baby. I've heard it happen.

A mature 16 year old with babysitting experience. If I were the parent hiring the sitter, I’d go for an adult.

Newborn? How little? I don’t think I would want my teen watching a baby in general. 1 yo or older, okay.

Hi, At what age would you allow your teen to babysit a newborn? Thanks in advance for any opinions, trying to form ours.....