Anyone use craigslist for a babysitter??

smiling76

I have had great success with Craigslist for buying items, but never used it for services.  I wondered if anyone has had success or know anyone who has using Craigslist to find a babysitter.  I've heard such horrible things about dating and such from that site--so obviously when it comes to the safety of my children am even more freaked out. 

I saw an ad on there that truthfully would be a dream sitter.  Everything I'm looking for including some great experience with something very specific that I need.  I was thinking of reaching out--asking some questions via email and then asking if I could meet her for coffee to chat.  And then if all went well, have a play date for her to meet the kids and see how that goes.  And THEN maybe use her for an hour or so.  But the whole finding a babysitter thing is just so nerve-wracking to me. 

Any advice?

I'd use care.com but heard it costs $40 a month to actually be in contact with the available sitters. 

brazzale

I honestly think it's hit or miss & I wouldn't judge you for using it!  When looking for childcare for DS, I contacted one lady from CL, who never showed up to a coffee interview, but the childcare center we went with also posted on craigslist.&n

Huahine

Darbie914:

smiling7

Mustardseed2007

I agree that craigslist and care.com both have crazy people and that crazy people are every where.

Having said that, I was trying to imagine what I would do if I had no place to start looking for child care, and I can't really even imagine looki

gnrkrystle1

My husband and I just moved further away from my in-laws and we are in need of a baby sitter as well. i'd never even THOUGHT about Craig's List! I think it's a great idea, just so long as you meet with and do a thorough interview. I know a lot of parents

el25

We did and we love our sitter/nanny. She is really great with the kids.  We lucked out.

smiling76

Thanks!!  I thought I was really insane for even asking but sounds like some of you had luck with it.  I read through a bunch and like I said--only one really sounded "normal"--I look at grammar, spelling, etc.  This one was very nicely

Nel11

I agree with PP... it's more about being thorough with your safety checks, etc than where you find the sitter.  That said, I would first ask friends with young kids, or adults with high school/college aged kids for recommendations first.  Als

khanley1980

Never. ever. But that is because of my job and I know how insane people can be, so I will only trust family, a sitter a trusted one already uses, or a daycare facility with video monitoring. 

Unknown

Honestly, I would be afraid to use Craigslist personal ads. I had a friend get HIV and herpes from someone saying he was "clean" A lot of fishy people use that site. If you do, please be very careful.