How Much Should You Pay a Babysitter?

271 Responses to “How Much Should You Pay a Babysitter?”

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1. 151
   J Says:
   May 8th, 2011 at 12:53 am

   We pay our sitter $160(non-taxed) a week to watch our 2 year old son for about 7 hours a day, 5 days a week. We do not ask her to clean up anything more than the mess created by her daughter. She has a daughter a few months younger than my son, so does that mean I get a reduced rate? Also she get’s to feed herself and her daughter (sometimes her 15 year old son) from our food supply. Do I get a reduced rate?

   Why do I feel that I was getting a better deal when I was using a daycare? Maybe because I knew I’d have a tax write off or the fact that we could drop him off at 6am and pick him up at 6pm if we needed.

   Am I crazy to think that I could get a better deal or is $8-$15 an hour really what is the norm? Between my wife and I we could never afford that and continue to work.

2. 152
   Jennifer B. Says:
   May 10th, 2011 at 1:49 pm

   Just started looking up babysitting jobs in my area (Tennessee) and so far I’ve seen people offering the following:
   -$25/day for 2 kids ages 3 & 5 for an 8hr period (averages out about $3/hr)
   -$5-6/hr
   -$15/day for 4.5 hrs (averages out to about $3.33/hr)
   -$20/night (not specified how long a ‘night’ is)
   Where are the $10/hr jobs at? I’d love to make some extra income but averaging $3-5/hr isn’t really worth it.

3. 153
   Adi B Says:
   May 11th, 2011 at 11:02 am

   I put my neighbor girls on the bus and thats about 20 mins in the morning and then I get the girls off the bus in the afternoon and that’s 45 mins there. Then when one of them is sick I’m watching that girl all day. I get usally 40 a week n if I watch one of them all day I get 50. I’ve been looking at these other rates and wondering if I’m getting paid right or not, whenever I do babysit one of them all day I provide my own food for me and my son, does it truely sound like I’m getting ,so to speak, screwed over? If I am how would u suggest I speak to them about getting paid the right amount? Oh n just to be clear I do this ever day, every week.

4. 154
   Sophia Says:
   May 12th, 2011 at 1:47 pm

   I get payed $75 to watch an 10 year old boy for 5 days a week from 6a.m. to 5p.m. I feed him with my food each day. They are now wanting me to come pick him up from his house and take him back to mine,because he wants to sleep in. I live on the other side of town than him. I think I am getting cheated here.

5. 155
   zem Says:
   May 26th, 2011 at 1:35 pm

   i was looking after 3 children ages from 3-10 from 8am-9pm and being paid £70 pere week i had a bed to sleep in as i stayed most of the week and i could eat with the children i had to tidy the mess created by the children and myself i had weekends off

6. 156
   Steph Says:
   May 26th, 2011 at 2:05 pm

   I charge $3 an hr. I find that my rate is low. Should I raise it or keep it the same? I only babysitt maybe 4 or 5 times a month.

7. 157
   Awsome L Says:
   May 26th, 2011 at 3:21 pm

   I babysitt for these people kind of often. They have to kids. One is 7 the other one is 6. I get payed about $12.00s a hour. Is that good?

8. 158
   Milfred Says:
   June 4th, 2011 at 6:43 pm

   I babysit whenever someone gives me a call (one of my main jobs is working at a church nursery though – getting paid 8$/hour). However, I had one woman give me 80$ for 9 hours (almost 9$/hour) and another woman paid me 30$ for 6 hours (about 5$ an hour).
   Because my main job is not babysitting, I let them pay me whatever they desire, but I also note in my head about how much they charge. Sometimes if they ask me to babysit and charge around 4-6$/hour, I turn them down because it just isn’t worth my time to deal with several young children and only get paid a bit. Just my opinion though. I’ve always thought minimum wage was acceptable (8$ here).

9. 159
   Monica Says:
   June 7th, 2011 at 12:19 am

   I make $100/week watching 2 kids under the age of 2 for about 25 hrs a week. So that’s about $5/hr. It really depends on how far you live from the family (gas), how many kids there are and how well you work.

10. 160
    Reonna Says:
    June 12th, 2011 at 5:23 pm

    I am going to start babysitting one little boy, the age of 6. I will be babysitting him for two days a week and 6 and a half hours a day. 8am-2:30pm.& im not quite sure how much to ask for per week.. any help?

11. 161
    Emma Says:
    June 27th, 2011 at 1:08 am

    I get paid $10 an hour no matter who I babysit for. That’s my rate as a college student, and I find that parents are happy to pay whatever it takes for a responsible and dedicated babysitter who loves kids and can drive.

    Thus, when I babysit overnight for a week (stay over at the house with the kids while parents are away) I make about $100 a day and end up with $700 by the end of the week.

    All the other prices sound sooo low! Maybe it’s just the area I’m in… people are willing to pay a lot.

12. 162
    Megan Says:
    July 1st, 2011 at 7:50 pm

    I am new at babysitting! I am babysitting a 2 year old and I am thinking about asking for $5. Is that a good amount?

13. 163
    Dana Says:
    July 1st, 2011 at 9:03 pm

    I babysit in the subs of philly in a fairly wealthy area. I am 18, graduated from private high school. I provide a background check, as well as previous references. I have two siblings who are 2 and 4, so I have a lot of experience. I have never stated a price off the bat. I allow parents (within reason), to pay what they feel is appropriate. For example, I regularly sit for a family with a 4 year old and a 1 year old where I get about $15 an hour. I recently started sitting for a family with twin 1 year olds and a 4 year old. They pay me $10 an hour, even though this is way more work than the other family. I have never been paid less than $10prh, never more than $20prh.

14. 164
    Sam Says:
    July 9th, 2011 at 6:05 am

    I live in Ontario, I’m a second year uni student with experience working at a day camp, as well as with younger siblings and relatives. I usually charge $8/hr for 1 kid, and raise the price $2 for each additional child (2 children= $10/hr, 3= $12/hr etc.)

15. 165
    Ariel Says:
    July 11th, 2011 at 4:15 pm

    i babysit my sisters 2 year old dauughter from 6:30 am to 9:pm 5 days a week plus clean the whole ahouse for her everyday ..it comes with the job she said.. and she paysme 600 dollas a month but she is always late on paying me..really late and i have to drive 30 mins every morning just to get to her house.is this ok of a payment since is my sister im working for?

16. 166
    Rose Says:
    July 16th, 2011 at 11:14 am

    I babysit (when asked) a very active 2 year old girl. I never told the mom any kind of rate I just let her give me what she thinks I deserve. Sure enough I got 30 dollars for a 3 hour period!!! That’s 10 dollars an hour for 1 kid and I can’t even drive!!!!

17. 167
    kk Says:
    July 16th, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    I’ve been babysitting for 4 years almost and i was just asked to babysit for a family of Four they have twins that just turned 1 and a boy that is 4 and a daughter that is 7. How much do u think i should charge hourly? and I have to drive a half hour there and back!

18. 168
    Amber Says:
    July 18th, 2011 at 9:11 am

    First I want to reply to Adi. Are your own kids getting on and off this same bus? If so, then that is something I wouldn’t even charge for and would consider my neighbors as being generous for giving me pay for something I am doing anyway which is something I would take into account when charging for a full day of babysitting. I would charge them less if they are giving me money for something I would do anyway.
    Second is a reply to Megan who wants to charge $5/hour for her first babysitting job. That would be dependent on where you live. If you are in a big city (like Chicago, LA, etc) then that is probably a fair price. If you are in a smaller community you probably won’t get many call backs for future jobs. I personally probably wouldn’t hire an inexperienced babysitter for my 2 year old anyway as 2 year olds (and younger) tend to be a little more work. As an inexperienced babysitter I would probably start my prices at $3, and $1 for each additional child. Is the child going to be 3 soon? If so, then I would stick with that rate, if he/she just turned 2, I might bump my price up by 50 cents to a $1. These rates go on the assumption that you are also CPR & First Aid trained in case of an emergency.

19. 169
    Katie Says:
    July 25th, 2011 at 12:59 pm

    I think the best thing to charge is 4-5 dollars an hour for one child. It’s cheaper than most, but if your a good babysitter and babysit often, that won’t be a problem.

20. 170
    Tami Says:
    July 30th, 2011 at 10:37 am

    I think no matter how many kids you babysit, it is a job that doesn’t require a college education so I believe no one should get more than minimum wage.

    Child care providers should also take into consideration wether it is tax free or not. So if you you are getting $8.00 per hour but not having to pay taxes, well now aren’t you lucky?
    40 average hours worked per week x $8.00= $320
    or
    40x $8.00= $320-21% tax(average single person deduction= $253 or $6.32 per hour.

    are you reading to the kids, playing with them, teaching them…..etc? or do you have them off playing with toys while you study for your final, read a book, watch tv, text your friends?

    Just saying………..

21. 171
    Kate Says:
    August 22nd, 2011 at 9:40 am

    I nannied for a family 50 hrs/week and was given $500 plus health insurance.
    Daycare is cheaper than a babysitter because at daycare your child is sharing the sitter with other children. The daycare provider can afford to charge $3 an hour because there are 6 other children there, therefore bringing in a total of $21/hour. Ask yourself, would you do anything for only $5-6 an hour? Maybe a middle school child would see that as a lot of money, but you won’t get anyone qualified for that, unless they are a close family friend and are doing you a favor (in which case, you should be ashamed of yourself for taking advantage of this person).
    Mothers who watch your children in their homes (who have children of their own) can afford to charge less because they would be at home with their children anyways – adding your child to the lot doesn’t put them out at all.
    Basically, if you are asking someone to be in your home, watching only your children, you need to pay them a lot more, particularly if this individual is an adult.

22. 172
    Sarah Says:
    August 25th, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    Some of you are getting paid ridiculously low amounts. $3/hr are you serious? That’s nowhere close to minimum wage. I babysat a lot while I was in college and I would never get less than $10/hr. Nowadays I charge $12/hr.

23. 173
    Ryan Says:
    August 26th, 2011 at 6:31 pm

    Ican’t beleive how low some of these are…I hope you guys can make more or pay more. I pray you get payed what you deserve….$3 hr is really nothing….I feel unless there extenuating circumstances like a loved onne or someone who is desperate that this is way to low.

24. 174
    Jess Says:
    August 28th, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    I am 25 years old and have over 12 years of babysitting experience and I was a full-time nanny for about a year. I have recently started my professional career in education, but still enjoy babysitting from time to time, as I do not have a family of my own.

    Last night I babysit for two 10 year olds for close to 5.5 hours and was paid $60. The mom said she usually pays $10 and asked if that was ok, and trying to be polite I said that $10 or $11 was what I was thinking, but generally I get paid $10-$11 for 1 child and $12-$13 for 2.

    And I have been trying to work with parents because I know the economy is tight, but I also only apply for babysitting jobs where parents say they will pay between $10-$15/hr, which is what this family said. I would have never asked for $14-$15 for 2 children (except maybe NYE or if it was only for 2-3 hrs).

    The parents both hold excellent jobs where they are making $150K plus together. I also had to drive about 18 miles each way. I just was surprised to hear the mom say she only wanted to pay me $10 considering my experience, education, and age. I guess as much as I don’t like talking pay with parents, talking about rates ahead of time is best.

25. 175
    Skylar Says:
    September 2nd, 2011 at 10:30 am

    I think that everyone is being extremely picky . I’m 19 and I have been watching a set of 2 year old twins since they were a week old . For free . I am just taking on the job as full time , And I am now getting paid . Being a mom who has to take care of her family is hard work and hey guess what , it’s expensive . If you have a family , and you are taking on a babysitting job , you should open a home daycare Figure out your cost per hour , if it’s local non local . So on and so forth . Babysitting is a job for those who don’t have kids or in school . If your babysitter is asking for 160 dollars and she eats the food in your house , you’re being screwed . The deal me and my friend worked out is , I get 125 a week , enough to take care of me and my boyfriend , I will work from 6 am till about 2 go home till 4 stay for the rest of the night . She will supply food for me the girls to eat . Or money for take out . Babysitting for me is my favorite thing to do , and with a set of 2 year old twin girls , it’s stressful . So when you talk wages with your babysitter , make sure YOU feel comfortable , if she’s a family friend agreeing to do it but is asking you an arm 2 legs a a finger as she eats yourfood feeds her kids with your food , you should probably look for a new babysitter because you’re being used .

26. 176
    Malorie Says:
    September 5th, 2011 at 9:25 am

    I am about to start babysitting. Im 13 and I’ve been babysitting my niece for about 2 years now since she was born. I’m well experienced. I babysat a 4 yr old And a 2 year old in the past, receiving 5-6 dollars an hour. For my new jobs I’m thinking of charging $7-8 an hour. What do u think?

27. 177
    Nicole Says:
    September 5th, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    I babysitt a 3 kids ages 4 months, 3 yrs, and 6 yrs and I charge a flat rate of $10 an hour. I start off at $6 for one child and add $2 for each additional child… most people find what I charge fair.

28. 178
    Tinkerbelle Says:
    September 5th, 2011 at 8:10 pm

    Right now i’m 11 and im being offered a babysitting job for when im twelve. I would be babysitting twin infants, a four year old, and a dog. im a first time babysitter and im wondering what to charge. The location is only a couple miles away and the parents and the four year old know me very well. What should i do? Please reply back

29. 179
    Tiffany Says:
    September 6th, 2011 at 11:48 am

    I’ve worked in daycare settings for over 5 years and now am a nanny. I take care of one year old triplets two days a week for 11 hours each day. I get $180 a week. If I watch them on the weekends or any other time during the week I get paid $10 an hour and will not except less than that. Another child I take care of I receive $15 an hour but I pick him up from school and take him places using my vehicle and gas. I used to charge $7 for 1 child $10 for 2 and $5 for each additional child. But that was normally taking care of several families at once. Now when I babysit I charge a flat rate of $10 an hour since a lot of people cannot afford more than that. Also I am CPR and first aid trained so I believe I am not charging too much.

30. 180
    ben Says:
    September 10th, 2011 at 2:28 pm

    I charge 4 dollars an for 3 kids and 5 dollar for any more you should charge less if they are not a american red cross babysitter

31. 181
    Alyssa Says:
    September 13th, 2011 at 12:02 am

    Hi, I’m 13 and tomorrow I will be babysitting a 1,3,5, and 9 year old. I’m not sure how much to charge per hour. Usually for 1 child I charge $4.00 an hour, but this particular family has four young children. I am thinking of charging $6.00 or $7.00 dollars. But I’m not sure.

32. 182
    Shauna Says:
    September 13th, 2011 at 4:25 pm

    Hello,
    I am an experienced babysitter with my own transportation, Years of experience, CPR and First Aid training, as well as Red Cross babysitting certification, I charge $9 an hour and $3 more per additional child. But rates vary based on experience, age of the babysitter, and ability to react to emergencies. Parents in my area are willing to pay a little more knowing I can truly take care of their child in any situation. I put up flyers about 3 weeks ago since coming back to college and I now babysit for 2 families a few days a week as well as an additional 4-5 jobs a week that are just for a day or so. I have begun to find other experienced babysitters at my school so I could almost expand it into a micro business.

33. 183
    Jennifer Says:
    September 22nd, 2011 at 12:12 am

    I think it is up to who you are babysitting for, just as a job you don’t get to pick your wage. If you don’t like the pay don’t do it. Not every parent has the extra money to pay a large amount. I plan to pay between 3-4 dollars for my two kids. I also live in a very small area and am sure someone in their teens will not mind especially for a first job or so. Do you get paid at a regular job for the ride to and from work? Its the same principle. These are just my thoughts, but If i am paying for your ride, shouldnt I also get paid from the company i work for for my ride?

34. 184
    Laura Says:
    September 23rd, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    I am a freshman in highschool. I take an Early Childhood Education class working in the preschool there. I am cpr and first aid trained. I worked with my sisters on their babysitting jobs when i was younger, so I was very well experienced by the time people would hire me by myself. I babysit for a family with a 1year old and a 4year old. Durring night jobs I bring my own food, make dinner for the child, and feed the baby. I also clean up after the kids whenever posible. They pay me about $7 an hour, which is very good considering how well behaved they are. For pay, I usually let the family decide, but if they would ask I would charge a base price of $5 plus $1 per additional kid. For those trying to figure out how much to pay their sitters, you need to know their experience. Are they one who really interacts with the kids? or do they just care for them when nesessary? are they certified in first aid? What’s their background working with children? You want to know this before you hire. you wouldn’t want to leave your kids with someone unreliable would you?

35. 185
    alliie Says:
    October 3rd, 2011 at 2:47 am

    I am an older adult, a neighbor asked me today if I would get 2 of their kids off the bus and watch them for about an hour or so… at my house everyday. I would have to provide food. I have a young child who goes half day in mornings, she does not get off the bus at same time as these kids. She wants to pay me $20 dollars a week. I am single mom, these 2 children have both parents working. I will not do this at all for $20 dollars. It’s full responsibility, takes my time away from my daughter and a lot of other things, ties my time up, may have to alter my plans. It’s just not really worth it at all. I would rather relax and spend time with my daughter or be free to do anything we want to do. Maybe if it was 75 dollars a week I would consider it that’s including me providing food. It’s normal kids always want a snack and drink when they get off the bus. To be paid $20 dollars a week I would be basically be babysitting for free because I am providing food. Its not worth it. Feel like I will be taken advantage of.

36. 186
    Gia Says:
    October 3rd, 2011 at 10:38 pm

    Hello All,
    A lot to read but all important. lol

    I am a single mom of a 3yr old. I was asked today by a complete stranger I met at the bus stop (as I was taking my little one to pre-school) if I would baby sit her almost 2yr old 9a-5p and pick up her 8yr old after school(15min walk from my house). I dont currently have access to a car. I take my boy to preschool/playschool Mo,Wed,Fri 830-1045A. The opposite direction 10-15mins by bus.
    I would be willing to give the 8yr old a snack after school. But ask that the 2yr old food be supplied for the day. Taking into consideration I have no access to a car. Although its a short walk I am concerned about the winter months and having to bundle a 2yr and 3yr to go meet the 8yr old. I would have to get my mom to cover me for that 15mins so I can get the 8yr old. So what would the going rate be for all of that?

    Luckily I have dealt with kids in the distant past but not my profession.
    3 girls (one at 7, set of twins from 2yrs) until they all turned 16 (back in the day 16yr olds were still kids lol)

    2yrs – Parks and Rec Supervisor kids 6-12

    And most recently my 3yr son to be 4. Who I have schooled at home and currently is reading simple books.
    And I can provide a background check if needed.

    I have a current check on hand because of volunterring to assist Long term care patients with feeding and entertainment.
    So what should I charge? oh ya I’m 45 but with the looks and energy of a 35yr old yeahhh me.

    Gia

37. 187
    Kristy Says:
    October 6th, 2011 at 11:46 pm

    Here is my snowball if ugh!

    I am a stay at home mother of 3, two of my children are special needs. Their ages are 5, 6 and 12. A few years ago I took on a full time babysitting job of 30 hours a week for a 2 year old. I was getting paid $200 per month by the mom and the state paid me $247 additionally because of assistance she qualified for. I then took on the cousin of the 2 year old who was 3 and his mom was having hard times. I charged her $2.50/hr because she insisted on paying me. I typically received about $160 per month from her. Fast forward to today, the boys are 4 and 5 years old. The 4 year olds mom got married and no longer qualifies for state assistance. She then asked if I would watch him hourly and I said yes. She then reduced his days to 3 days per week instead of 5 to save money and doesn’t get charged if she doesn’t bring him. We are a family of 5 on 1 income and I provide all food and don’t charge for late pick ups. Now I will be earning $180 per month, providing he is here everyday he is scheduled to be (even though I’m available and he sometimes does not show up). As far as the 5 year old goes, I watch him for about 3 hours on Mondays only now, still at a rate if $2.50 per hour and I’m responsible for feeding lunch and snacks. I don’t feel like these rates are fair, but since they are now family I feel uncomfortable charging or asking for more. My husband is upset and feels like I’m being taken advantage of and thinks I should charge $25/day for full day and $15/day for half day. Any suggestions?

38. 188
    Alex Says:
    October 11th, 2011 at 8:06 pm

    I am about to start a babysitting job for a 2 and 4 year old. i am 13 how much should i get paid?

39. 189
    Dian Says:
    October 21st, 2011 at 5:51 pm

    A neighbor wants to pay me 45 a day (8 hrs) to watch a 5 month old. Is that about right? I think its not enough.

40. 190
    Brittany! Says:
    October 27th, 2011 at 8:56 pm

    Hello!
    I am babysitting a 4 year old boy soon.. And I am wondering how much I should ask per hour..Any ideas??

41. 191
    Lidia Says:
    October 28th, 2011 at 12:28 am

    I take care of a 6 month old baby girl and I get paid $25 a day from 8am to 5pm the mom brings her and pick her up. I stay home taking care of my own kids and dive them to school, she is just like other daughter to me and I’m comfortable with what she pays me and she doesn’t really cares that I have to bring her with me everywere I go. Still I try to give her time to have her naps at home and give her her meals on time.

42. 192
    Ashley Says:
    October 28th, 2011 at 4:49 pm

    Im gana start working 5 days out of the week for about 8hrs a day im gana drop her off and pick her up from the babysiter and im taking her food. How much should I pay her

43. 193
    Kaeleigh Says:
    October 28th, 2011 at 5:12 pm

    Just for a point of reference:

    I’m 23, and have been babysitting both part and full-time for 11 years. I’m a semester away from having my degree, and I have two first aid certifications. I usually charge $8/hr for one child, $10-13/hr for two kids, and then it increases by about $5/hr per child after that. Tomorrow I’m babysitting for 6 kids under 7, and am getting paid $36/hr. It is however split between families, so each is only really paying me my usual $12. I live in Alberta, in a pretty wealthy town, and babysitting starts at about $8 an hour minimum here.

    Don’t pay your babysitters too little, your kids are important, and we have bills to pay!

44. 194
    UltimateSmartMoney Says:
    October 28th, 2011 at 10:49 pm

    I think you are generous. I know some kids get paid $5/hr.

45. 195
    Casie Says:
    October 31st, 2011 at 10:27 am

    I need to know how much more I should charge to watch the children I nanny over night.
    I am a live in nanny for two children ages 1 and 3. I watch them Monday-Friday from 8am.-5pm. for a pay rate of 130 a week. I get free room and board, free internet access and free food. The mom is going out of town for 4 days and 3 nights. Please give me your advice.

46. 196
    Nikki Says:
    November 3rd, 2011 at 5:10 pm

    I am babysitting a 2 and 4 year old, 40 hours a week and getting paid 75.00 a week. So that works out to be 1.87 an hour, I just haven’t found the right way to say “I quit” yet.

47. 197
    Nicole Says:
    November 6th, 2011 at 4:57 pm

    I am 21 years old and CPR certified and I am paid $12 an hour to watch a 19 month old child, and Im paid $13 an hour to watch a 3 year old and a 5 year old.

48. 198
    Hailey Says:
    November 7th, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    I’m 19 years old and CPR certified and a college student. I babysit for multiple families.
    First family: pays me $10/hour to watch their 5 year old daughter on date nights.
    Second family: pays me $10/hour and an extra $10 for gas when I pick them up from school, 2 boys (ages-5 & 7)
    Third family: $11/hour for 2year old girl, while mom sleeps (works night shift) and occasionally overnight.
    Fourth family: $15 an hour, for 2 boys (18months & 5year old). This is occasional whenever they need me.

    I live in Southern California, my minimum is $10 an hour but I leave the decision up to the parents mostly on pay.

49. 199
    Daniela Says:
    November 8th, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    I am a nanny for 2 girls. I work T, W and TH. 730-530
    I have been with this family for 3 years. (I originally worked 4 days a week.) They take taxes out.
    I am paid a salary. Appx $340 a week. It evens out to be a little less than $12/hr. They also give me $20/WK for gas and activities.
    I am looking in to a Monday and Friday nanny position for extra income.
    I’m not sure what to say my price is. My current employers are pretty dr’s.
    This job I’m looking at is for 3 boys under the age of 4/10 hours a day.
    Any suggestions on how much I should ask for?

50. 200
    Krisha Says:
    November 8th, 2011 at 5:57 pm

    I get paid 120 dollars for three days. 5.00 to 6.00 dollars is not enough, you should either get paid from 8 dollars an hour up to 20 dollars an hour. That is the perfect rate for babysitting because for one, it’s a lot of responsibility especially it is not your child. My past experience I’ve babysit kids from 13 up 15 dollars per hour but my pay rate will go up to 15 dollars an hour up 20 dollars an hour because that should be the right pay rate for a babysitters.

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