2026-05-03 · 6 min read
15 questions to ask a babysitter in Jamaica before you book
Hiring a babysitter or nanny is one of the most consequential decisions a parent makes. A 30-minute conversation up front saves you from months of stress later. These 15 questions are pulled from interviews with experienced Jamaican parents and caregivers across all 14 parishes — they're the ones that consistently surface the best information.
Ask in person if possible. Over WhatsApp video if not. Over a phone call as a last resort. Avoid hiring anyone you haven't at least heard speak.
1. Can I see your JCF Police Certificate, and when was it issued?
Why ask: Valid for 3 months. If it's expired or they don't have one, that's a red flag.
2. What ages of children do you have the most experience with?
Why ask: A great toddler-sitter isn't automatically a great newborn-sitter. Match the experience to your child.
3. Are you CPR or First Aid certified?
Why ask: Not a deal-breaker for older kids, essential for infants and toddlers.
4. Can I speak to two parents you've sat for in the last 12 months?
Why ask: Recent references matter most. References from family don't count.
5. How would you handle a child throwing a tantrum?
Why ask: You're looking for calm, patience, and specific techniques — not threats or yelling.
6. What would you do if my child fell and hit their head?
Why ask: Look for: stay calm, check responsiveness, call you, then 110 if needed. Specifics show experience.
7. Are you comfortable with our routines? (e.g. nap times, screen rules, food)
Why ask: If they push back on basic routines now, expect more friction later.
8. Do you have your own transport, or how would you get here on time?
Why ask: Especially important if you're in Liguanea or Barbican and they're coming from Portmore or Spanish Town.
9. What's your hourly rate and minimum booking length?
Why ask: Get this in writing. Some sitters charge a 3-hour minimum even for shorter bookings.
10. How do you prefer to be paid — cash, WiPay, bank transfer?
Why ask: Most prefer cash or in-app payments. Bank transfer can take 24+ hours.
11. What's your availability for the next 3 months?
Why ask: If you want recurring care, make sure they can actually commit.
12. What would you do if my child refuses to eat or go to bed?
Why ask: Looking for: calm negotiation, not bribes or punishments. Asks you about house rules.
13. Are you comfortable with [specific situation: pets, allergies, school pickup]?
Why ask: Don't assume — ask explicitly about anything that matters in your house.
14. How do you handle screen time?
Why ask: Their answer tells you a lot about how engaged they'll be vs. how passive.
15. Why did you become a sitter?
Why ask: The answer tells you whether they're a vocation-driven caregiver or just doing it for the money.
One thing to also do — verify independently
Even great answers don't replace verification. The JCF Police Certificate is the single most important document. References should be people you've actually spoken to. And — controversially — checking a sitter's social media is fine. You're trusting them with your child.
On CareLink Jamaica, every sitter's Police Certificate is verified by AI before they're listed, and community vouches from neighbours, school parents, and church members give you a second layer of trust no global platform offers.
Skip the search. Find a verified sitter in your parish in 60 seconds.
AI matching, JCF Police Certificate verified, vouched for by your community.