Anonymous wrote: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.

How often are you hearing a baby is thrown by a teen babysitter because the baby was crying? We all hear stories of abuse when a baby won’t stop crying, but I don’t think it’s just teens or mostly teens doing it. It’s very often a parent, significant other, or step parent.

It’s isn’t rocket science. Newborns are easy and is human instinct for the most part; caring for them. Teens are even mothers to newborns. I would be ok with 15-16 if my newborn was typically “easy” and didn’t have special needs (colic, bad reflux, difficulty taking table). I’d have them over ahead of time for an hour or so (paid) to go over newborn care, specifically how I want things done, what to do if baby stops breathing, won’t stop crying, explodes out diaper, won’t fall asleep, projectile vomits, etc.

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

I wouldn't allow anyone to babysit my newborn, regardless of age. IIRC, we waited about 6-8 weeks before even considering it.

Anonymous wrote:When I was 13, the family I babysat for had a new baby (they already had 4 children, this was baby 5.) I started keeping the new baby (with the others) within weeks.

I was exceptionally good with babies and children though and this was apparent to the family. I'd already been babysitting for them and other families for 2 years. I was in high demand!

Similar, but the new baby was child 3. I’m guessing he was maybe 3 weeks old when I started sitting for him. As a parent myself I cannot fathom leaving a 13 year old with a weeks old baby, let alone a 5 year old, and a 7 year old to boot.

We only left our kids with family or a sitter from the daycare they already knew until they were 3 or 4.

Anonymous wrote:Experience is more important than age. If she’s been around new horns and knows what to do it’s good. Also must know infant CPR.

This! I was absolutely capable as a teen, as are both of my DD's. But in my family we are "baby people." I'd wager my 16 year can handle herself around a newborn better than many new mothers with little to no prior exposure.

When I was 13, the family I babysat for had a new baby (they already had 4 children, this was baby 5.) I started keeping the new baby (with the others) within weeks.

I was exceptionally good with babies and children though and this was apparent to the family. I'd already been babysitting for them and other families for 2 years. I was in high demand!

My mom left me (11) home with my infant sister all the time!