May 13, 2009 
By Jacqueline Bodnar
Even the most attentive parents need a babysitter once in a while. Finding someone you can trust so you and your partner can go out on much deserved Friday night date can be a daunting task. There are some steps you can take to make sure you choose the right person to invite into your home for a few hours while you get away. Read on for some tips on choosing the right babysitter.
Where to Look
Before you even begin looking for a candidate it’s important that you know what you would be comfortable with. Think about certain qualifications that you want the person to have. Knowing this will help ensure you hire the right babysitter. Make a list of what you prefer, including age, gender and location.
If you’re not quite sure where to start searching for a new sitter, you can’t beat word of mouth. Ask your friends, family and neighbors if they have any recommendations. Another good option is to find someone right in your neighborhood. There are benefits of doing this, including that they are familiar with the area and have their own parents nearby in the event that they need an adult. Also, check out the base Child Development Center (CDC) of a list of local babysitters, many who whom have been trained or already work for the CDC.
Interviewing
When you get a good recommendation set up a meeting to discuss their experience. If you have an infant it’s crucial that they need to know how to feed, change and care for a baby. One of the most important things you need to discuss is safety. Make sure they know what to do in case of an emergency and are familiar with basic first aid. It’s helpful if the candidate has had experience watching children and has taken a babysitter training course. Many of these courses are available through local organizations like the YMCA, American Red Cross and hospitals. If you are interested in this person and he or she hasn’t taken one, don’t hesitate to ask them to do so. If they have prior experience babysitting, ask if you can contact the person they sat for so you can inquire how well they did the job.
The Details
Before hiring the babysitter it’s important to go over what your expectations are to make sure that he or she is comfortable with them. Some important issues that you should address during this time include pay, advance notice requirements, cancellation policy and rules you would want followed. If you prefer that she not be on the phone or have a friend over, now is the time to make that clear to avoid any surprises later.
Hired!
Before the first time babysitting, invite the person over to tour your house and get an idea of how your family interacts. Make sure they know where a first aid kit and fire extinguishers are. Explain your child’s routine and if there are any things they are not allowed do. Leave a list of phone numbers in a handy spot that will include emergency contacts, your child’s doctor, a trusted neighbor or adult, and a way to contact you. Let the babysitter know if there are foods that are off limits due to choking hazards or allergies and any other specific rules that you may have. If your children are of age, have a talk with them to explain that they will be with the sitter and what behavior is expected of them.
This is also the perfect time to establish a guideline of what you feel is acceptable for the babysitter. The person needs to be aware of whether or not they can have a friend over, make personal calls beyond a quick message, use the computer, take the kids out of the house, or even smoke. After all, you are paying them to watch your children and you would like as few distractions as possible. Also, go over what food has been provided for that night, making sure there is something that can be prepared, if they are babysitting during a meal time, as well as snacks and beverages.
Relax
Now that you have done your homework and set the babysitter up for success, it’s time to enjoy your night out. The first couple of times you leave your precious one with a sitter will be the hardest. Keep in mind that this is normal. When you get home and see everything under control you will know you choose the right person. Then you can start planning your next special date with your mate.
Jacqueline Bodnar is a freelance writer living in Port Orange, Fla. with her husband and two children.