Important Tips To Choose A Nanny or Babysitter

Most of us need the help of babysitters or nannies when we have young children whom we may want to leave when we hold a job or want to go for a date with one’s spouse once in a while. Many may have well meaning extended family to help out; otherwise we could engage nannies/babysitters accordingly. Find a nanny/babysitter who can be trusted to take care of your precious child.

Here are some tips for engaging a nanny/babysitter:

First get recommendation from family and friends to find the best person who can look after your kid/kids; it would be best to consult parents that have older kids than yours and those who raised well-mannered and well-fed kids.

Next pay a surprise visit to her place of work and check up how she behaves around the children and treats them. It would help to talk to the parents about her style of childcare. It would also help to assess if the potential nanny or babysitter is too old or young for the job.

It is best to be prepared to pay an expensive price for a well experienced nanny/babysitter than pay cheap for an untested and unreliable one.

Have a chat with the potential nanny/babysitter to know her background and how she plans to keep the child entertained; also ensure you ask her about the food, milk and toys and whether you need to supply them or just give her the money. Also find out if she has any help and what happens if she suddenly needs to go out; will she take your child along and if they will travel by car or public transport and if you need to pass her on the child’s car seat. Take along your toddler to watch how they interact.

Next discuss her hours and whether she can accommodate your daily schedule; also what happens on weekends in case you have to work and if you are late. Also find out if she needs time off and policy regarding school holidays. Some nannies/babysitters take a few weeks off every year. You need to know in advance so that you can plan your annual leave, if necessary.

Assess your nanny/babysitter's character; some experienced ones are stuck in their ways and not listen to your instructions, especially if you are a young mother. The well desired nanny should be one that listens to you as well as offers feedback and suggestions for the benefit of the child.

Check on the number of kids with the potential nanny/babysitter and ensure if she can handle one more. Also observe the children during playtime and lunch time to ensure if your child is safe in that environment. Are the children timid or rowdy; there could be something fishy there.

Go with your gut and select a nanny/babysitter that you are really convinced would be the best for your child. Though you may take a little longer to get the right one, you would also not be sitting at work worried about your child. You have every right to do the best for your precious child.  

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