2026-05-03 · 6 min read
15 questions to ask a babysitter in Jamaica before you book
CareLink Jamaica
Trusted care, close to home · All 14 parishes
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.
Looking for a sitter now? Start with verified babysitters in Jamaica — the four checks are already done before you meet her.
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, bank transfer, or Lynk?
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 goes through four checks: government ID against her face, her JCF Police Certificate, references telephoned by our team, and an interview. Each profile shows which checks are complete, and a sitter whose certificate is still processing is marked Vetted, not Verified. That is a depth of checking no global platform offers.
Skip the search. Find a verified sitter in your parish in 60 seconds.
AI matching, JCF Police Certificate verified, references personally telephoned.
Prefer to talk to a person? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll help match you with a verified sitter in your parish.