Hiring babysitter etiquette

theuntaggablek

How long do you wait for a response for a babysitter request before moving to someone else? We need a sitter for a wedding this Sunday, and I requested our two fave go-to people a few days ago with nada in return. (usually they're quick to get back to me). I can't afford to wait much longer for a yea or nay. 

How late is too late to issue a babysitter request? 

onlymeggan

If it is time sensitive to within a week, I think 48 hours is more than enough time to allow for response. I'd probably start at least collecting references, getting contact info for new backups, or for ones you've used before, checking availabilities after 24 hours.  You can't leave yourself scrambling Saturday afternoon trying to find someone.

Strunella

If they normally respond promptly, I'd probably leave another message just to follow-up.  But for something like a wedding, I'd also ask someone to babysit well in advance before the date.

theuntaggablek

Yea, it was stupid not to get a sitter weeks ahead - but May was kind-of crazy with some family visits & graduations, and a trip out of town, and so I didn't get to it in a timely fashion. I think we may end up having to have just one of us go. Our best sitter finally responded, but doesn't get her work schedule until Saturday.