Choosing a sitter

• If possible, get recommendations from family or friends with children of the same age. They may have a trusted sitter they use and may be willing to share. The advantages of using a sitter recommended by someone you trust, is that you know the sitter has done a good job in the past and that they have experience
• Other places to look are the communities you are familiar with e.g. church, schools, sports clubs
• Once you have a person in mind make sure you check their references by calling parents of children she has looked after. When you contact families the sitter has worked for, ask the number and ages of their children and check that they did not have any problems with the way the sitter interacted with their children. Ask them if they would use this sitter again.
• When interviewing prospective sitters, ask about a sitter's experience caring for children. Ask whether he or she is certified in infant and child CPR and first aid, or has taken a babysitter course such as that offered by the American Red Cross. Interview the sitter at your home and observe how she interacts with your children. Try to think of a few scenarios to put to the sitter for them to answer eg - "What would you do if the baby wakes and cries?" or "What if Tommy says he won't go to bed". The answers given may help you to decide if you are comfortable having this person look after your children.
• Check whether they smoke or not and lay down the rules about smoking, drugs and alcohol up front.
• Don't forget to discuss what they expect to be paid and make sure this fits in with your budget

Leaving your children with the sitter for the first time.

• If your children are apprehensive about having a sitter it is a good idea to tell them exactly what will happen beforehand. Tell them a bit about the sitter, where you will be going and when you will be back. There are some great picture books about being left with a sitter that you may like to share with your children.
• The first time the sitter will look after your children you may want them to come an hour or two early (or for a visit the day before). This gives your children time to get to know the sitter and for the sitter to learn about your routines and home.
• Decide roughly how long you will be away and remember to have the right amount of cash to pay the babysitter when you return -unless you have made other arrangements.
• If you are happy with the sitter - pay them well - a good sitter is hard to find!

Information to give the sitter

• For suggestions about what written information to give your babysitter, read the babysitter information sheet.  If your handwriting is not so good, type the information and print it out. Have the baby sitter read the information before you leave to make sure she understands it,and so she can ask any questions. Place the written information in a prominent place and show the babysitter where you have put it.
• Give the sitter a tour of the house.
• Show them the location of burglar alarms, fire escapes, thermostats, flashlights, candles, and an extra set of keys.
• Show them the location of first aid kits and any medications your child may need.
• Show your sitter how to answer the phone and take messages - make sure you place paper and a pen near the phone.
• Include directions on when to answer the door and your feelings about the sitter inviting friends over.
• Explain how to operate appliances, such as the TV, DVD player, microwave, stove, and bottle-warmer.
• Explain the areas that are off-limits to the children and/or sitter. For example, you may not want your children or the sitter using the computer.
• Set the boundaries for what you expect the babysitter to do or not to do. Be clear about this. Tell them your expectations for interacting with your children. If TV is ok make sure you list child friendly shows or DVD's. You don't want to come home and find your 5 year old daughter has been watching re-runs of the OC. You may have a rule of no texts, mobile, computer or having sitters friends over and be clear that your children may not be left unattended.

Related Tips

• Babysitter information sheet (age 5)
• What information do you need to give your babysitter that will help keep your children safe and happy?
• more