"The truth of the matter is there is no legal age to babysit in most states. Although there are regulations governing babysitting in a few states, an age is not specified. Some common sense guidelines are that it is probably wise to not let someone babysit until they are at least 13-15. Children of 11 or 12 have been used to babysit for short periods of time when an adult was nearby and could
. periodically make sure things were okay. Also, if the child had a problem, they could easily get the adult's help. These type situations are usually looked at as normal and acceptable. The key is asking how long you will be gone, what the sitter will have to do (how many children will they have to care for and what ages), and how far away will you be. For a young infant or toddler, it would be best to have an older teen or someone more experienced with babies, since much more can go wrong with infants and toddlers. Also, pay attention to how your children act. If your child typically misbehaves when there is a sitter and is quite a handful, placing them in the hands of a 13 year old might be more than he or she can handle. If you are unsure as to how things will go, do a trial run. Call for a sitter and only run a few short errands and return home unexpectedly to see how things are going. If you feel it will not work, go with someone older and more experienced.http://www.thelaboroflove.com/articles/what-is-the-legal-age-a-teen-can-start-babysitting/"
