Fair hourly rate for experienced regular babysitter/part-time nanny in SF Bay Area?

[Heather Lyn]

I have an 11 month old and I'm considering hiring a part-time nanny/babysitter to watch him about 4 hours per week while I do some part time work. 

She charges $12 per hour, but the market/going rate for nannies in the SF Bay Area is more like $18-$20.  Is it appropriate to tell this lady that I think she is undercharging, and offer to pay her more?  And if so, how much more?  It's only a few hours a week so I want it to be worth her time.  I'm on a budget but I really value childcare work and I don't want to underpay her.

Thoughts?

[Peony]

I've had a sitter previously that I didn't feel charged enough. And granted, I did want to pay her a little more so that she might be more inclined to sit for me over her other families when I needed her... I never said anything but when I paid her, I would always pay her "extra" so that it would be more in line with what someone of her skill set should charge in my area. 

[proudMoMmy2634]

Follow her charge, but give the Extra when you have the budget. Or you can simply pay her $18/hour.

[rdehoff-us]

Has she ever watched your baby before? If not I would pay her the minimum requirements $18/hour to begin with and then give her a raise so to speak if you feel comfortable with her as nanny/sitter at some point.