If you’re a parent in Southern Maryland—whether in Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s, or Prince George’s County—you might be wondering: How old does a child need to be to babysit in Maryland? The answer isn’t as simple as a single number. Maryland law doesn’t set a hard-and-fast rule about babysitting age, but it does give us important guidelines—especially when it comes to leaving children unattended.
Let’s break it down.
No Specific Babysitting Law—But There Is a Guideline
Maryland has no statute that says, “A child must be X years old to babysit.” However, the Maryland Department of Human Services recommends that a child be at least 13 years old before they babysit other children. This is a guideline, not a law—but it reflects what the state considers to be a reasonable minimum for maturity and safety.
Keep in mind: Babysitting is a big responsibility. While 13 might be the baseline, many families choose to wait until a child is 14 or even 16 before letting them watch younger children—especially infants or toddlers.
Maryland’s “Unattended Child” Law
While there’s no “babysitting law,” there is a Maryland law that applies when children are left alone—and it’s important for both parents and young babysitters to understand it.
Under Maryland Family Law § 5-801, known as the Confine Unattended Child statute, it is illegal to leave a child under the age of 8 years old unattended in a:
- Dwelling,
- Enclosed space,
- Vehicle, or
- Building
…unless the child is under the supervision of someone who is at least 13 years old.
That means if you leave your 7-year-old at home with a 12-year-old sibling, you could be violating the law—even if it’s just for a short period.
This law doesn’t just apply to parents—it also applies to caregivers, guardians, or any adult responsible for a child’s supervision. Violating this statute can lead to criminal charges, fines, and even investigations by Child Protective Services.
Maturity Matters More Than Age
Even though 13 is the minimum age mentioned in state guidance, not every 13-year-old is ready to be a babysitter. The key questions you should ask as a parent or guardian include:
- Can the child respond calmly in an emergency?
- Do they know how to call 911?
- Have they completed a babysitting or CPR/first aid course?
- Can they handle conflict or discipline issues if they arise?
If the answer to any of these is “no,” your child may not yet be ready to take on the role of babysitter—legally or practically.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
If a child gets injured or left unsupervised, and an underage or negligent babysitter was involved, the supervising adult or parent could face legal consequences. That’s especially true if the situation triggers a CPS investigation or a charge under the Confine Unattended Child statute.
As criminal defense attorneys in Southern Maryland, we’ve seen how quickly something that starts as a parenting decision can escalate into a criminal matter. That’s why it’s so important to understand your legal responsibilities ahead of time.
Bottom Line for Southern Maryland Parents
So—how old to babysit in Maryland? While the legal minimum to supervise a child under 8 is 13, that doesn’t mean every 13-year-old is qualified to babysit. There’s no statewide babysitting license, but you can protect yourself—and your kids—by following best practices:
- Stick to the 13+ guideline
- Know the unattended child law
- Train your child or babysitter in first aid and safety
- Use good judgment based on your child’s maturity
And if you ever find yourself facing legal questions—or worse, criminal charges—related to child supervision, you need an experienced defense attorney on your side.
Have Questions About Child Supervision Laws in Maryland?
If you’re being investigated by CPS or charged under Maryland’s Confine Unattended Child statute, don’t face it alone. Call Southern Maryland Criminal Defense today for a free consultation. We represent parents and guardians in Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Prince George’s Counties—because one mistake shouldn’t define your future.
