Tips for finding a babysitter

While spending time away from your young children may be difficult at first, as they grow it can become necessary to have a night out once in a while. Unfortunately, not everyone has family or friends close by that are willing or able to babysit so finding a great babysitter becomes a priority. In order to find a babysitter that you trust and you and your kids love, follow these tips:

Word of mouth

Referrals from parents at school or in playgroups can be one of the best tools in the search for finding a trustworthy babysitter. If other parents are happy with the performance of a babysitter, chances are you may like them too! Also, if a babysitter submits a list of references to you, don’t be afraid to follow up. Call the references and ask about their children, how they interacted with the babysitter and what their relationship was. If they just wrote down a handful of family members, this may not be a match for you.

Putting the word out

There are many different venues where you can post a help wanted ad for a babysitter that can result in a trustworthy sitter. Try one or a few of the following places:

• Your local American Red Cross (They give their own babysitting courses so you can trust that your sitter will have some Red Cross skills!)
• Babysitter wanted ads
• Churches, temples, and other religious organizations
• Early childhood education classes
• Neighborhood bulletin boards
• Job boards at nearby high schools, colleges, and universities
• Nursing schools
• Scout troops

Of course, always follow up with any candidate you get and check their credentials.

Online

There are many websites specifically designed to match babysitters with families. Many give background checks and have their own application process for sitters. Some websites that you can check out:

• Care.com
• Sittercity.com
• Babysitters4hire.com

Each website offers a different layout and abilities to search, some giving user reviews and all giving babysitter bios.

Ask someone you know

If your child attends a dance class, class at the Y, or goes to camp, don’t be afraid to ask their instructors or counselors if they would be willing to babysit. Many of these people are certified in first aid and have had background checks if they are working with children on a daily basis. As a camp counselor, I had to go through many background checks before I could work with three to six-year-olds every day and by the end of the summer, many of the parents asked if I would like to continue babysitting their child. This is a perfect way to find someone you know that already has a strong connection with your child and someone you can trust.

Working with your new sitter

Invite the sitter over before your night out! Have your prospective sitter spend some time with your child while you are at home. This way you can monitor the interaction that they have and then afterwards you can ask your child for feedback. If they didn’t like spending time with the sitter then you don’t have to make them spend a full night alone together. Knowing how they will interact beforehand makes a more enjoyable night for both you and your children.

Follow these few tips and have a fun and relaxing night out once in a while knowing your child is in good hands!

Kelly O’Hara is a senior at Bentley University studying Marketing and an intern at Mom Central. She has two nephews who she loves babysitting and spending time with!

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