Has anyone used a drop-in type babysitting service?

Question

I have plans for the day and my regular sitter is unavailable. I am considering using a commercial sitting service, but we don't know much about them, and they would be strangers to us.

Answer 1

I have never used one and never will. These people are strangers, and even though the babysitting service does a background check, you never know what they have done in their past that was not found during the background check.
If you do decide to do this, I don't think you are going to have much fun while your out, most of your time will be spent worrying about your child.
My advice, check with family and friends and if your not able to find a sitter, plan your day another time.
Your childs safety comes first and foremost, and you obviously feel that way or you would not be asking this question.
Good luck finding a sitter you know and trust, and if you do enjoy your day.

Answer 2

We have a drop off place in my area (Tot Drop). I know many families that use them and some of the caregivers as well.I have never heard any complaints.

I think it depends on how your child would feel being left with strange children and caregivers. You can tell your child that he/she gets to go meet some other children and will have so much fun.

Go to the drop in service and stay for a bit to get a feel. Do you feel comfortable with it? Do the children seem happy? Do the caregivers seem happy and work well with the children? How is your child responding? Go with your gut and you will know what is best. Good luck!

Answer 3

You can never be to careful about who watches your kids. You may never know what they might do while you are gone. I had a friend that used one of them services and when she came home she found her baby in the crib dead because the sitter was on the phone and did not realize that the toys she gave the toddler was small enough for her to choke on.

Answer 4

I work at a drop-in day care,and our program is awesome. Of course I cant speak for all of them. But until I started working there and got to know the people well I would not leave my children. I personally would not fell comfortable with it, but Go with your gut and motherly instinct. Good luck.

Answer 5

I'm probably not the right person to answer this because I'm totally paranoid about leaving my child with someone that I don't know. She's three years old and has only stayed with my immediate family, never even stayed with a babysitter before.

I would have to say don't do it, you can never be too careful with your child's well-being and safety.

Answer 6

Yes, I have used one.