Babysitter Sleeping on the Job? TikTok Mom Sparks Debate

Part of the stress of being a first-time parent is figuring out what’s normal. Do other parents worry about this? Should I make a change? Am I overreacting? These are all questions new mom Danielle Mitchell had when she returned from her first parent’s night out since giving birth to find her babysitter asleep.

Like many new parents, Mitchell took to TikTok to see what others had to say. In the video, Mitchell was quick to preface her story by saying that the babysitter only went to sleep after putting her 10-month-old down, but still expressed her concern over the situation.

“We were only gone from 6:30-9:30pm, but when I checked our cameras (Mitchell had let the babysitter know about the cameras), she was asleep on the couch,” said Mitchell. Adding, ”Internally, I’m kind of starting to freak out. She’s watching our kid, but she’s asleep, but he’s also asleep, but he’s only 10 months, and I don’t know if she would hear him if he woke up and started crying.”

After finishing her story, Mitchell asked the key question, “Is it normal for your babysitter to fall asleep when watching your kids if you are back by 9:30?” The response was overwhelming. Since posting the video over 2.1 million people have watched it and over 16,000 have chimed in.

Commenters were split on whether or not it was okay for the babysitter to sleep when baby was sleeping. A dad of five shared his popular opinion saying, “Unless your child has some at-risk medical condition, it’s fine for the babysitter to sleep,” with another mom adding, “Definitely a first-time parent overreaction, and that’s okay. He was asleep and safe. We all take a bit [of time] to wake when asleep, even parents.”

Babysitters rushed in to give their opinions on the contrary. One caregiver added, “As an experienced babysitter, unless you’re staying the night, then definitely don’t fall asleep. Especially if you’re only there till 9:30.” While another said, “Used to babysit a lot as a teenager. I would NEVER sleep at someone’s house while on the job. And that’s even when the kids are older.”

Many other parents interjected with caveats like “The sitter can sleep, but the monitor should be on loud” or “If you didn’t go over expectations before leaving, it’s not her fault.” Amid all the opinions, TikTok star and new mom Elyse Myers brought the focus back to Mitchell, adding, “You’re the parent, so you get to decide [what’s normal].”

Whatever team you are on, if you are looking for a reliable babysitter, check out The Bump’s 10 Best Babysitting Apps and Websites to Find Trusted Childcare.