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Welcome to the *Gransnet Café. This is a non-judgemental space for you to pop in for a cuppa with some virtual friends, seek out advice for a particular problem, or share an update on your life - important or trivial. Feel free to have your say and chat about your day, but please leave any arguments at the door. If you're struggling to find someone to talk to in real life, or are simply looking for a bit of a chat, this is the place for you.

Babysitting (the old .25¢ and .50¢ an hour days)!

(7 Posts)
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Grannypanties Sat 13-Dec-25 21:30:49

I spent my entire teen years babysitting (1970's, through to the early 80's). Daytime, evenings (lots of evenings), and when I got older, overnight stints, too.

Times were different, I earned my hourly rate, every penny of it.

Things I remember from my babysitting days...

- Glass baby bottles (warming them on the stovetop in a pot or shallow pan of water)
- Drop-side (railing) baby cribs
- Rubber crib sheets
- Homemade baby food & formula
- Cloth diapers & rubber pants (complete with diaper pins)! OUCH!
- Stinky plastic diaper pails! Pee-ew!
- Gigantic baby buggies/carriages with large rubber wheels

For those that babysat back in the day, what was your hourly rate, and what sorts of things do you remember having to do (and use) when babysitting?

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RosieandherMaw Sat 13-Dec-25 22:03:14

You sound like a new member Grannyp - welcome.
US or Canada?

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keepingquiet Sat 13-Dec-25 22:04:43

I never saw the kids I babysat. They were in bed when I arrived and slept until their mum got back, only once did I have to put a sleepy child back in bed.

I don't remember what I was paid but it was money for old rope and my boyfriend sometimes came along and we'd get up close and personal on the rug!

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Grannypanties Sat 13-Dec-25 22:05:18

Indeed, a new member I am.

I'm from the Great White North!

Thank you for the welcome, Rosie!

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Grannypanties Sat 13-Dec-25 22:06:55

Oh yes, Keeping, I remember occasionally have the same happen to me, too, where little ones were tucked in for the night when I'd arrive.

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Witzend Sat 13-Dec-25 22:17:31

I had a very cushy babysitting job when I was in the 6th form (so late-ish 60s.). Being permanently skint, I’d put a card in the post office window, offering my services.

The couple were well off, with a lovely house, and went out a lot. They had one little boy of about two, who was always asleep when I arrived, and never once woke up. They used to leave me plenty of very nice snacks, and the dad often drove me home in his E-Type. 🙂

I used to be paid about £1. 10 shillings, or £2 if they came home after midnight. In those days it was a lot!

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Grannypanties Sat 13-Dec-25 22:19:21

Now that's what I call a dream babysitting job, Witzend!

Brilliant idea leaving your card in the post office window!

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