Experiences with Sitter City?

princessmah

I am not sure what my work schedule is going to be after the baby arrives but I don't think I am going to need full time care.  I haven't been able to find any daycare or MDO in my area or nearby that will take infants part time.  I am very reluctant to use a Nanny because of the lack of oversight, but I am finding it may be the best option unless I want to pay a daycare for full time care when my child will not attend full time.

Has anyone had any experiences with Sitter City or with being in a similar situation?  Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

SkypekWithoutAC

I used Sitter City as a sitter while I was in college! I always took my boyfriend with me to interviews and had him wait in the car, so I did feel safe. I only had one bad experience - I had bad vibes from the mom to begin with and when my boyfriend got really sick and couldn't drive me to her house, she insisted I get a taxi. Her house was about 5 minutes to my college. I ended up bailing on her and taking him to the hospital instead.

 From what I saw as a sitter, it seems as though the best sitters get taken pretty quickly. I was a psychology student with great references, lots of experience, and CPR/First Aid certified and I would basically make my profile visible for a few hours, then have to take it down because I would get so many phone calls. I also saw a lot of parent profiles with sitters soliciting, which is NOT how it's supposed to work.

 So I think there are probably lots of people who wouldn't really be the most trustworthy/responsible/qualified, but I'm sure you could find someone who would be great with your baby, too. You just have to screen them really well, and I'd pay the extra to have a background check run.

Mr.&MrsS

I have never used Sitter City, but I did use Craigslist. When I first graduated from college I put an add out for part time child care and got a lot of responses. I would meet with the family, they called my references, etc. I found some good part time jobs that way. Now that DS is here, I found his new in home day care through Craigslist. I was nervous about it, but they are licensed by the state, they are AWESOME, DS loves it there, and it was the best move we ever made (he was in a center before). DS goes 3 days a week, and they were fine with that. Most of the kids they have go part time. Good luck!