babbysitter

manda16

We have never left DS  with anyone but family since he was born. Now it's time for him to be with other babysitters( DH was nervous). I've gotten them name of someone but not sure what to do. Do you set up an interviw or have them come meet the baby? Do you get refrences? Sorry super new to this. TIA

shoeboxx

***whoop whoop*** Ravens!!!

I found a list of question from baby center.  I would have the sitter to come over so she can interact with your LO and ask her questions then.  Certainly get references.

piccolina09

Try to go through family-friends-neighbor's recommendations first if you can.
We met our current babysitter last summer at a family friend grad party. She has been great! We also have another set of twins who live in our neighborhood we are going to call soon.

Mereou12

We have an awesome teenage babysitter that was recommended by a few friends. She watches several kids in our neighborhood, and helps her mom watch a toddler full-time (she's homeschooled). I had her come over one afternoon to chat and play with DS. I just watched her interact with him, and we chatted about her experience. Totally informal, but it gave me a good feel for her.

I didn't ask for references because she's a teenager and I had already gotten a few recs for her. If she were older, college age and up, I probably would've asked for references and such.

It's definitely nerve wracking leaving your LO with a non-family member for the first time...but I LOVE having a reliable sitter to call when I'm in a pinch!