Guidelines to hiring a babysitter
The best way to find a baby sitter is usually through word of mouth; friends and relatives may be able to recommend someone they know. You may want to place an advert in your local newsagents, schools, colleges or the free local paper. Private child care agencies also offer services where they will match up people registered with them with families seeking a baby sitter.
By Law there is no minimum age limit for baby sitters, but the NSPCC recommends that young people should be at least 16 years or over. If you decide to hire a baby sitter under the age of 16, you must be prepared to take some responsibility for anything that should go wrong in your absence.
When hiring a baby sitter, here are some guidelines to follow:
· You must be prepared to take responsibility for the care and safety of your baby sitter, including making arrangements in advance for their safe return home if they are not being collected by a parent or sleeping over at your home.
· You must never let a young baby sitter travel home alone late at night.
· You should always obtain 2 references for a baby sitter and check them thoroughly.
· Arrange for the baby sitter to visit your home and meet the child/ren they will be caring for beforehand.
· Take time to discuss with the baby sitter any rules you have in place e.g. the children’s routine, any preferences and if you would allow the baby sitter to bring a friend along.
· Make sure that the baby sitter knows where you are and how to contact you.
· Make sure that the baby sitter knows how and when to call the emergency services if it should become necessary.
· Make adequate preparations for your baby sitter, not only in terms of refreshments but also in giving them enough information to cover all eventualities; making sure they know where everything is.
· Agree the amount you will be paying your baby sitter beforehand. Cost can depend on the age and experience of the baby sitter as well as the time and day of the week (weekends often cost more).
The most important question to ask yourself before leaving your child/ren in the care of a baby sitter is:
Would they be able to cope in the event of an emergency? Fortunately, emergencies are rare, but you must be realistic, could your baby sitter manage in an emergency. You must let your baby sitter know at all times where you are and how to contact you. Leave contact details of a neighbour or a close friend in the event the baby sitter cannot contact you.