Finding a Trusted Babysitter

Whether it’s date night, girls’ night out, or a doctor’s appointment, sooner or later a new mom will need a sitter to watch her baby. You might have an easy solution if you have family nearby just waiting to babysit your precious baby. But what if you don’t have family available or willing to help out? How do you find a sitter you can trust to keep your child safe? Keep reading for some tips on hiring and setting expectations for a sitter.

Debrief
·  Call during the evening to check in and make sure everything is going ok. If your children are old enough, you may want to ask them how the evening’s going.
·   After you get home, ask the sitter how the evening went and if she had any concerns.
·   If your children are old enough, ask their thoughts on the sitter. Be sure to take any concerns they express seriously.
 
Last Tips
It’s great to have a regular sitter you can call on, but it’s also wise to have a backup! Having a regular sitter keeps you from needing to research multiple sitters and allows you and your children to develop a relationship with your sitter. However, there may be times when she is not available, so having a trusted backup is a good plan.
 
What other tips do you have on finding a sitter you can trust? Let us know in the comments!
 
One by One provides mentors to pregnant and new moms. While our mentors cannot babysit your kids, they can provide friendship, support, a listening ear, and parent education as you experience the highs and lows and learn the ropes of motherhood. If you’d like a One by One mentor, apply here. If you’re interested in serving as a mentor, learn more here.