The Search for a Sitter: How to Choose the Right One

A lot of times people can get the term “babysitter” and “Nanny” confused. Nannies are often expensive. However they are available and willing to do extra work that a babysitter may not. Such as cooking, cleaning, running errands. Below are tips that can help you pick the perfect sitter right down to the T.

Before rushing out to place ads in the newspapers and hosting interviews, sit down and think what you want in a sitter. If your children are old enough to speak for themselves ask them what they would like in a babysitter.  Ask yourself if you want small housework done or to have the sitter spend quality time with the kids on their homework. Payment, availability, and educational requirements are all important. Making sure the sitter you choose is CPR recommended is crucial. Especially, if there are young children running around the house.

The next step to choosing a sitter will be to place an ad in the newspaper or look online for possible applicants. A newly online website called Sitter City is jam packed with tools to help you find anything from a sitter, nanny, housekeepers, senior care and more.  Sitter City allows parents to search through applicants close to or within their town.  Here you can view their qualifications and make sure they are a right match for you and your child. Parents can start off with a free 7-day free trial and then if they choose, they can choose from different payment methods starting out at $.9.99 a month.

When you do have a good candidate for a sitter, make sure to do a background check and an interview.  Be sure to do a thorough background check on the applicant. It will cost you money, but in the long run will give you valuable information you will need in order to make your decision. Such as if they have a history of violence, arrests, or any other crime.

See if the applicant doesn’t mind if you can have a session with the children. See how they act towards the children. Keep an eye out for how the child acts towards the sitter. Look for any signs of worry or stress from your child.  If the applicant is at ease and acting normally they will be at ease with the children. Their motions will be light and comfortable.

Remember to not be in a rush with your search. Making hasty decisions will only hurt you in the end. Take a few weeks to look through applicants and decide which one will best fit your needs. Make sure to thank them and welcome them properly into your home.