How Do I Find A Babysitter?

The best way to find a good babysitter is through word of mouth. Speak to relatives and friends who have been through the process before and may have some valuable contacts. Speak to others at mother and toddler groups , maybe you could set up a babysitting circle to help one another out. Otherwise, you might try approaching local day care nurseries, as trainee nursery nurses may welcome the extra income from babysitting.

What Qualities Should I Look For In A Babysitter?

basic childcare skills, such as how to change a nappy; feed, play with and comfort a crying baby or an ill child; or put an older child to bed.
ask yourself whether they seem mature and practical enough to cope in the event of an emergency.
previous experience. Particularly relevant is the age of the children looked after and the types of activities engaged in.
consider obtaining references from other families support the babysitter’s abilities
how the babysitter usually disciplines children. How do you feel about this?
note down their full name, telephone number, address and parents names where relevant.

What Do They Need To Know?

Ask your babysitter to arrive 10 or 15 minutes before you need to leave Before you go, take the babysitter on a quick tour of the house and show them where food, tea, coffee and soft drinks are kept.

Leave the following information in case of emergency:-

your mobile phone number, if you have one.
the name and address and phone number of the people or place you are visiting and roughly what time you expect to arrive home.
if you have tickets for a concert, play or show, write down the seat numbers so that you could be contacted more quickly in an emergency.
contact details of a relative or close friend nearby who would be able to help out in an emergency.The telephone number of your doctor and local hospital.

Communicating Expectations

Would you prefer the sitter to check on your child regularly once he is asleep or leave them unless they wake..

watch your child carefully while they are awake and be conscientious about safety.
lock the door once you have left.
not invite visitors around
not smoke or drink alcohol while you are out.
keep phone conversations to a minimum
stick to rules about watching TV, feeding your child and putting them to bed.
provide refreshments for your babysitter.
try to get home at the time you said you would. If you are held up call your babysitter and let them know.
when you arrive home, check how it went, were there any problems or concerns.
pay the agreed rate, without having to be asked. Generally, cash is preferable to a cheque.
talk to your child the following day to see how the evening went and identify any problems.

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