Word of mouth. One of our sitters is a former co-worker of mine. Another is a daughter of one of my husband's friends. She is away at college and gave us her friend's phone number.
We only use family (we have many to choose from). However, if I were to search for a non-relative to watch my children, it would be from a referral or I'd use a friend who happens to be a nanny.
Re: Where do you find your babysitters/nannies?
sittercity.com
I love the background checks and how you can create your own "job" for nannies/babysitters to apply to.
BFP #1 11/07/2012 EDD 07/09/2013 M/C 11/22/2012
BFP #2 02/05/2013 EDD 09/19/2013 Arrived via c-section 09/27/2013