BellaOnline Forums Family Moms Hiring a Nanny or Sitter

What process do you go through when hiring a babysitter or nanny?

Hiring a Babysitter

After I had my first child - almost 11 years ago - I did a lot of research. Should I use an agency that does a background check? Should I hire someone who has experienced motherhood? What questions should I ask to make sure I'm getting a thorough picture of the potential childcare provider?

What about you? How do you approach finding childcare for your children?

I thought about hiring a nanny for my twins just once in a while, but I got scared to be honest, I felt that I would never feel safe leaving them with someone that I don't know. I love the questions that you have suggested and they are very through .. but I feel like something deep down still tells me it is still a stranger and I don't know what will go on when im out. My twins are now 14 months and I've never left them with strangers, if i need to go out I have to always make sure that a family member is available, if not then I cancel whatever I need to do. I guess it doesn't bother me too much because I work from home and leave everything when they need attention. But on the other hand like you said it is good sometimes to have another adult role model around, but I guess if I was to leave them with a friend I would feel bad for them, they can be a handful lol! What do you think? Am I being just too protective??

I think a mother needs to trust her instinct! While there are things you might be able to do - a background check, going through an agency, a nanny cam - for some people, even that is not enough.

It also sounds like you have family around to help out, and that's a great option.

As they get older, your feelings may change - or they may not. I have several friends who only leave their children with family members. It's just their preference, and I think that's ok.

At some point (school?), we need to leave our children in the care of someone else... but, when they are older - we can communicate with them differently, and you may feel more comfortable leaving them with someone else at that point.