How and when did you choose a baby sitter?

Question

My son is 8 months old now and I have been thinking about getting him a baby sitter for one night so my husband and I can have a date. We have not really been out alone since the baby was born. All of our family lives in the US and we live in Baja California Mexico. So I don't have family who can watch him.

I am so nervous about leaving him with anyone. How do I go about choosing someone to basically entrust with my life. My husband and I really do need to go out and have a night to ourselves (just a few hours) I just don't know if I could leave him. Then I was so dumb I was online and I started clicking on all these babysitter horror stories and scared myself even more.

How did you leave your baby for the first time? Was it a good or bad experience? How did you choose someone to watch him? And also how did your baby do the first time he was left with someone other then yourself?

Answer 1

I only trust leaving my son with family members (grandma, grandpa, etc.)

Answer 2

If you don't have trusted family members around, try using a nanny service.  We've always been blessed with family being around, but we are going to be moving away from them soon (sad!)  I won't be leaving my kids with anyone who hasn't had thorough first aid training and a criminal background check, as well as very good references.  Good Luck, and don't be afraid to be persistent in finding a really trustworthy person.  You need the time off, but it won't be relaxing if you can't trust the person your child is with!  Above all the other stuff I mentioned, trust your instincts and NEVER leave your child with someone you don't feel good about.  God gives us that sixth sense, I believe, as moms.  Enjoy your date!

Answer 3

We lived in a townhouse and became friendly with the lady next door.  Even though she seemed perfect I always insisted our son not be taken out of his home unless it was on fire.  The reason for this, and not her place, was simple....I went to Radio Shack and bought the equipment to monitor all activities while we were gone.  It was all for naught, but it was cheap insurance for our sons welfare and our peace of mind on those rare nights out when we wanted to relax.  Mean Mike

Answer 4

as a stay at home mom for awhile i babysat in my home for several babies and i feel your frustration. one mom was really bad and overprotective..not that it was a bad thing but it was hard for her to let go as he was her first too...she told me she had interviewed alot of people but when she met me she felt a sense of relief. i have just gone back to work myself and have felt the same thing. i have interviewed alot of people and i have found the perfect one too. it was just an overwhelming sense of peace and relief and my daughter went to her and she doesn't do that so i was convinced....so far it has been a wonderful experience and we are all so happy esp my baby...good luck

Answer 5

I know how your feeling, I don't have family close by to help either.  We left our son for the first time at about 7 months.   First, talk to other moms to find a good sitter.  If you don't know other moms go through or join an organization like MOMS Club International.  I actually found our sitter through a friend recommendation of a lady that worked in Church's nursery program.   So talk to the folks in the nursery at your church or day care and see if they babysit on the side.      

He's little so you probably won't want to leave him with a teenager.    I interviewed my babysitter.  She came to the house and we talked then I left my son with her and went into the other room, to see how he would react.  She was calm and great with the baby.  She made me calm.    

You deserve a break, you deserve a date night.  It is also good for the baby to get used to other people.  Good Luck!!!