Paying for babysitting

[BabiHapus]

My mother has looked after our baby on a few occasions, once for me to attend a KIT day at work, once for us to go out socially for a few hours, and twice for short medical appointments.

I’ve never had a baby before so I’m not sure whether I should pay her or do something else to show my gratitude. Usually in the past if she has looked after the cat for us to go on holiday we would get her something as a thank you. I know baby is different from popping in to feed the cat a few times a day!

Do you have any arrangements in place as a thank you for family baby sitting??

I always get my mum just a little something maybe a small box of chocolates for her to enjoy or a book she's been wanting just to say thank you as she always did the same when I help out with younger siblings

I wouldn't pay parents for baby sitting. They want to do it and spend time with their grandchildren. We try to make sure we get them nice birthday presents or might invite them for a meal every now and then to say thanks. But ours wouldn't accept money off us for looking after them as they love it and know that we need the money more to mainly spend on the kids. But suppose every family is different.
It's not just baby sitting really it's spending time together. Like I am on maternity leave now and don't need my in-laws to look after my eldest 1 day a week but they still do as they would be gutted if I took that away from them and they didn't see her much.

We would never pay family unless it was a regular thing (like all week 9-5 while we worked). In fact, both our mums would be massively offended by the offer. Just make sure they have everything they need in the house to be comfortable (food, drinks, etc) and make sure they aren’t inconveniencing themselves to do it (regularly cancelling other plans to help you out).

I wouldn't pay my Mum, Dad, sister or brother (and nor would they expect it) but I would pay my niece/nephew.

My MIL & FIL can't wait for me to go back to work so they can look after my LO two days a week!

They wouldn't take money of us even if we offered. They'd probably be offended if I did!

I wouldn't pay but would make sure that there was plenty to eat and drink so that your mum can help herself. My friend quite often babysits her grandson for several hours and is quite hurt that nothing is left for her. If your mum was there over lunchtime I would leave her something that she would like and that is easy to prepare whilst looking after the little one.