What age?

IMO it has a bit more to do with the individual child’s maturity level and how “difficult” the baby is. Also want to make sure they have quick access to someone close who is able to drive in the event of an emergency. I was babysitting my small siblings at 12.

Apparently some states have a legal minimum age - who knew! https://www.thebestbabysitters.com/articles/legal-babysitting-age

@Lexie yes I totally agree with those points. I’m uk but will be interested to read that anyways out of interest X

Like 14/15. If they were watching a 4 year old I’d say 12

Only a grandparent, so maybe 60 haha. Truthfully I don’t think a young adult can look after themselves so I don’t think it’s right for them to look after a toddler. I’d say 18 maybe. I know young mothers exist but I’m assuming this young adult doesn’t have children so I think it’s an exception

I’d say 15/16 depending how mature they are. Also depends how well behaved the 2 year old is and if the other child was happy to take that on

15/16 depending on the person, some of them are more reliable and mature at that age. Would only allow it for a few hours though

16-18, depending on the maturity level of the teenager and how much of a handful the 2 year-old is!

I wouldn't put this on a child tbh. I'd get a babysitter or not go out.

My 15 year old never. Depends what you mean by evening and how long. An hour while you go to parents evening or out until 11 at night as well as maturity and how they get along.

My Mums friend used to use me as a babysitter for her two kids when I was about 14-15 years old, and I was not really capable of doing so. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, so I would definitely say older and dependant on maturity level.

I have a niece that’s 12, and I have a 5yr old and a 2yr old! I wouldn’t mind her looking after the 5yr old, but as much as I trust her and she’s so good with them both, I wouldn’t let her be on her own with the 2yr old! So I’d say maybe at 16yrs old? It really depends on the person, the relationship they have, and if they’d be willing to help with nappy changes/potty etc, comfortable getting them snacks/food etc. There’s so much to think about.

16+ especially with my 2yo son🤣

I think it depends on the kids. I've left my younger ones with my 16 year old for short amounts of time like running to the store or an appointment but I don't think I'd do a whole evening.