Babysitter guidance

[bostonmama1978]

So, we don't have a regular babysitter. We have family, but they all have their own kids so when they sit for us it is always at their home. That's not convenient due to distance and sleep matters.

We want to find and build a relationship with one or two (or three?) sitters we can use regularly.

I was on sitter city and found a few with the preferred qualifications. I plan to conduct background checks, reference checks, a phone interview and a meet and greet. From there we will take things slow. Maybe a short stay with B, working up to a regular date night.

Does anyone have any other suggestions on how to approach this? I'm such a freak about leaving her with anyone, especially a stranger. Thanks for any advice.

BostonMama=VegasGal

[kfran84]

I did this recently, but used care dot com. I followed the same procedure as you, but email interview, then had her come over and meet me, DH, LO, and showed her around our house and where to find everything. I was quizzing her on her qualifications and experience and gauging her personality the whole time. Then a couple of weeks later we scheduled a date night and had her come watch LO. I like to put LO down before we go out, so she basically only watches him sleeping. She's done this about 4 times now.

Now the most recent time I have had her come over, I had her come about an hour before bedtime so she could have some playtime with LO with me there and observe our bedtime routine. I still haven't left them alone together while he's awake, but that's only because I feel he would meltdown, not that she's incompetent. I need to just bite the bullet on that one. That's the only way he's really going to get to know and trust her.

Do you have any friends or coworkers you can ask for referrals for their sitters or older teen daughters? Your network might support this need and maybe you'd feel less like it was a stranger.

[wineallthetime]

We have a babysitter who will come watch our son while we're getting stuff done around the house (yard work, painting, etc). We are fortunate to have a lot of family who can watch our son for date nights and such so we've never left him alone with her, but it's a great way to get to know someone and watch their interactions. I'm sure we'll use her in the future for times we won't be home. Could be a good way to start if you're feeling nervous?

[LizInFL]

Sounds like you are on the right track. Kind of like what KFran and Wine said, you might feel more comfortable having a prospective sitter come to the house while you're there and just observe your routine, play with LO, etc.

If you have other mom friends (or are in a FB group for local moms, etc.) you could ask for recommendations.

I think the older our babies get, the easier it will be to leave them with "strangers". It's hard/scary when they're so young and can't talk or tell you if the sitter did something 'off' or made them uncomfortable or whatever.

Good luck!

[bostonmama1978]

Thanks ladies! This is helpful advice and good knowing that I'm headed in the right direction!