What's the going rate for babysitting??

I have now become the official babysitter of my friend's 10 month old son- who not only is adorable, but is put to bed by his mother before she leaves for the evening(easiest job I've eer had!).
My friend also is insisting on paying me, bless her.  She just briefly mentioned it the other day, but mentioned no amount.  Not that I'm going to haggle with her (those of you who know the story about the chocolates, I am NOT going to argue with her!), but I was just wanting to get an idea of what the rate is these days, since I haven't babysat since, oh, I was about 12.


Does it work like salaries?  If it's in the main part of London, it's automatically higher?

The teenager in this house got £20 on Saturday night for about three hours.      I don't know how typical that is though. 

The teenager in this house got £20 on Saturday night for about three hours.      I don't know how typical that is though. 

Mindy, if she is not available I can do it   (Seriously  )

£20 for three hours is in line with what we pay.  My wife and I decided on £7/hour, but we came up with that somewhat randomly...I have no idea what the expected "going rate" is in Britain.  I'm curious to know.

     ~ Mark

You guys are certainly kicking the Minimum Wage's ars*

£7-10 per hour, in a nice house, watching tv, while baby sleeps, ready to stick a dummy/pacifier in his mouth just in case he might wake up crying... and free food?!

I'm so there.

You should charge extra if he poops.

And definitely charge extra for a D.P. (Dirty Protest)

Oh, no kidding.

I've made it pretty clear I don't do diapers.  So she makes a point of (not - is what I meant initially)leaving me alone long enough.
But that would definitely double the price.

My mom didn't even change our diapers.  My dad did it.

WOW. I get $10/hr for picking up/taking to activities/make her dinner and entertain her, help w/ hmwk etc...just about everyday after working full time. She's 8.

I've babysat babies as young as a few mts up to 11yr olds.

I thought I could do it while in uni this next year too, but when I posted about babysitting ages ago I got no response. I have tons of experience and would love to continue to do it b/c it's tax free. Anyone need a sitter in the leeds area?

oh and diapers don't bother me 

oh and diapers don't bother me 

Me either!!!!  Though not my favorite thing

Well good for you.
I can't handle someone blowing his/her nose next to me.

It's diff babysitting for a relative. I babysat my niece since she was born and didn't want to do the diapers b/c I was new to babysitting (hadn't done it since I was a teenager) and wasn't as into as I am now. I am now doing it as my second income to pay off debts before coming over and that means I will put up with a lot b/c I really need the extra income.

It never occurred to me that a babysitter wouldn't do nappy changing. Do you mean to tell me if the poor kid poops, they have to wait til the parents get back from their night out??