The function of a babysitter is to supervise children for a couple of hours following the parent’s instructions for snacks and bed schedule while they go out. 

A babysitter might or not be sympathetic to children and she might or never become a nanny. An inexperienced babysitter will supervise the children for a couple of hours following the parents' written or verbal instructions. She will expect the parents to order food for her and the kids usually pizza.  After reading a book or two she will tuck the kids in bed.  Then she will simply relax with her phone or watch TV while waiting for the parents to come back. The hourly fair to hire a babysitter ranges from $15.00 to $25.00.

A babysitter with moderate experience will supervise children for a couple of hours following the parent’s verbal or written instructions for snacks and bed time. She will play with the children with their favorite toys keeping the children entertained and having fun before going to bed. She might order pizza or give the children a light dinner or snacks. After reading a book or two she might or not brush teeth before tucking the kids in bed.  Then, she will keep monitoring the children while using her phone or watching TV. The hourly fair for a moderate experienced babysitter ranges between $15.00 to $25.00.

An experienced babysitter embraces caring for children. Her function is to supervise the children following their parents instructions for bed, snacks and possibly a bath. The babysitter might arrive to work with a fun project planned for the kids. She might or might not bring the materials to use for the activity, possibly a wooden tower, a tree with apples, paint shirts an ornament etcetera. She reads a book or two and tuck the kids in bed after brushing their teeth. Then she will probably relax with a book or her phone continually monitoring the children. The hourly fair to hire an experienced babysitter is between $15 to $25.00.

Parents with nannies usually give priority to their nanny requesting in advance, or, at the last moment, to stay after work or to babysit on a weekend day. Nannies have the choice to babysit after work or not.

Employed nannies know how to keep the children safe, entertained and having fun. Time permitted they might go out for a walk or to the park. They know the meals children eat and the children's bath and bed schedule. They usually don't need instructions from parents, which is a great advantage. After reading books, brushing teeth and tucking the children in bed, she will carry the baby monitor with her at all moments. She might want to leave the kitchen wiped and clean and the toys put away. She might strengthen the living room and play areas. She might still have some time to sit with a book or to use her phone until the parents arrive. The hourly fair for a nanny to babysit usually matches her normal pay; between $15.00 to $35.00.

A nanny career might have started doing short babysitting jobs. An experienced nanny might or not be a parent but she loves and genuinely cares for  kids. Nannies make themselves available to babysit. In fact, their ability to babysit is the secret pocket they rely on to supplement their income.