How to Find a Good Babysitter

During the holidays being invited to a special event is inevitable so you'll definitely need to find a good babysitter if you don't have mom to help out.  So, if you're a new parent how do you find the best babysitter to take care of your children?  Here are some tips to help you find someone you're comfortable with and trust.

Babysitter Basics:

• The prime age for a babysitter is between 14 and 16 years old but you can find experienced sitters through various networks.
• Have a back up list of babysitters because a good one becomes very popular.
• Leave an emergency phone number list (doctor/hospital info, include a neighbor, friend or relative's number incase they can't get a hold of you directly).
• Leave a list of anything your child is allergic to, their routines and meal times etc.
• Check in an hour after you leave the house to see if your sitter has any questions.

Recruiting a Babysitter:

• Ask Around - Ask neighbors, friends, other moms if they know of a good babysitter
• The American Red Cross does not provide certified babysitter referrals however parents have several options to locate a babysitter in their area:

-  One option is to locate the nearest Park and Recreation center and ask if parents can post a notice looking for sitter. 
-  A second option is to take out a personal ad in the high school newspaper at the school located nearest you.  Check with the career counselor as parents can often place a notice on their job board.  Sometimes, this same option works well at the middle school level.
-  A third option is Sitter City. Parents can look at the number of sitters registered in their zip code area for free; but it will cost the parent to access the sitter information.

• Check Ads - Babysitters post ads on community boards in churches, libraries and sites like Craig's List
• Post an Ad - Use sources like Craig's List, Sittercity.com or go to your local college/university and post on their job opening board
• Prepare for the Interview - prep your list of questions.  Run a background check if the sitter has professional experience as a nanny.  Do reference checks.
   
• Arrange a meeting or practice babysitting session with the sitter and your children

Keeping a Good One:

• Be Flexible - try booking your sitter on off hours (eg. instead of a Saturday night do a Sunday brunch)
• Give Your Sitter Advanced Notice - No one likes to be asked last minute to do anything so be respectful and plan ahead
• Make Sure You're Paying Competitively - Don't nickel and dime your sitter.  Make sure you know the going rate and pay accordingly.
• Prepare for Your Sitter - leave your children's pajamas out, outline the bedtime ritual and offer snacks to the sitter.
• Return Home on Time After Your Event
   

RESOURCES

Great Books for Babysitters & Parents:

• The Babysitter's Handbook:  The Care and Keeping of Kids, by Harriet Brown, American Girl, 1999. Friendly, informative guide, particularly for younger beginners.
• The New Complete Babysitter's Handbook, by Carol Barkin and Elizabeth James, Clarion Books, 1995. Covers all aspects, including finding jobs and techniques for feeding, playtime, bedtime and more. Also covers newer ground, such as respecting a family’s values and children’s rights, as well as problem situations with parents.
• What to Expect Baby-Sitter's Handbook, by Heidi Murkoff, Workman Publishing Company, 2003. From the co-author of the popular “What to Expect” parenting series comes this practical guide covering feeding, first aid, time-outs, sibling disputes and more. Plus 61 of the most common questions babysitters ask.
• American Red Cross Babysitter's Handbook
  

Organizations

• The Redcross (offers CPR, First Aid, Babysitter certification course)
  
• American Safety and Health Institute (CPR, First Aid Courses)