babysitter question??

Question

I am due back to work may 1. I have started my preliminary search for a babysitter...the people i called, i basically asked if they accomodate shift work...where they live and how much...I know these aren't the most important question...but these have helped me narrow my possibilities down to 2. I am getting ready to call these 2 women back...what questions are important to know when choosing a babysitter?? And, is it acceptable to ask to come to their place to meet them next week...to see how the baby reacts and make sure their home is well kept?? Any help with things to ask would be greatly appreciated...as this is my first child and the light of my life and want to make sure this is the right place for her to be spending her time while I am back at work.

Answer 1

Questions to Ask a Prospective Babysitter

Have you babysat previously? If so, please describe your experience.

Have you received any specialized training for child care (such as first aid/CPR, attended a babysitter course, or taken related school courses)?

Do you regularly work/volunteer with kids? If so, please describe (such as helping out with young dance classes, serving as a sports assistant, etc.).

Are your immunizations current?

Do you have any health restrictions that could affect your ability to babysit? (Yes, it really is okay to ask this question. For example, if you have three cats and the candidate is terribly allergic to cats, then this could be a problem. Or, if you have someone who can't access stairs but the kids' beds are on the 2nd floor, you need to know that before making a hiring decision.

Is there an adult or family member nearby in the event of an emergency whom you could contact? (This question is relevant if you are considering using a teenager or person who does not drive.)

Why do you enjoy working with children?

What activities will you plan with my kid(s) when I am gone? (Ask this question to determine whether the potential babysitter plans any games, crafts or child-friendly activities in your absence.)

What age children do you most enjoy? Least enjoy? Why? Which age group are you most comfortable/experienced with?

What are your overall child care philosophy? (Yes, you can and should even ask this of a teenage babysitter.)

Do you know how to change a diaper...and are you comfortable with changing even the really messy kinds?

Do you know how to administer medicine? (If your child has a cold, for example, and needs some medicine or is on oral antibiotics, you want to make sure the babysitter is comfortable in not only giving the proper dosage, but doing so safely.)

What will you do if the kids aren't getting along (or worse, fighting)? How will you handle separation anxiety (if this is a potential issue.) Ask these questions if the potential babysitter will care for more than one child and if "missing parents" is a likely concern.

What will you do if my child won't mind you or exhibits bad behavior such as biting? (This is an insightful question to determine how the potential babysitter processes the question and provides you with an answer. This also provides insight on disciplinary approaches.)

Under what type of situation would you call me? (Ask this to determine how a potential babysitter would rank a "need" or emergency.)

Are you comfortable being in my home at night or for an extended period? (Some people get nervous about being in someone else's home after dark, for example.)

Do you know how to prepare a simple meal? (Don't assume a person knows how to properly use an oven or microwave.)

Do you know how to feed an infant? A toddler? Do you know what to do if a child chokes? (You want to hear things like the sitter being knowledgeable about never to prop a bottle or heat it up in the microwave, or to feed a youngster uncut grapes, for example.)

What is your hourly rate of pay?

What hours and days of the week are you available to work? (Ask if there are any particular times/dates a potential sitter cannot work.)

What type of commitment will you provide me that you will honor our agreement to babysit and not cancel? (This question is particularly important if you are hiring a sitter for key holidays or busy times such as New Year's Eve.)

What babysitter qualities do you have that should make me want to hire you? (A good babysitter may talk about kid activities or art projects already planned, fun and games, a strong sense of humor, etc.)

What was your worst babysitting experience, and why? (See how the candidate worked through the problem.)

Do you have a list of references? (If you have not already spoken with someone about the babysitter beforehand, be sure you call and talk with references before entrusting a person to care for your child.)

What can I do as a parent to help make your babysitting experience with my kids a success?

My comment: After all of this is said and done....I'd get a Background check! Worth the $40 bucks.

Answer 2

Choosing the right babysitter for a young one is very important. Feel free to ask as many questions as you want. I think its a great idea to bring th baby over to the house to see how the baby reacts, and what the accommodations are for a baby! If this sitter is only watching your kid than great, she should get the full attention she needs. If not than I suggest you ask her how many other children will be there, and how she plans on watching more than one kid, none the less a baby! I do recommend getting a sitter that has kids of her own. You don't know what its like raising a child till you have one of your own. Best luck I know its hard!

Answer 3

I would definitely ask to come to meet where they will care for your child. You and your child should be spending time with both potential caregivers, possibly over a few visits, prior to making a decision. If they are not open to that, I would pass, and continue searching. You probably want to ask for references, as well - they should give them without hesitation. It is sometimes helpful to ask "scenario" questions, to see if they would react the way you would in certain situations. Don't be afraid to tackle the tough questions - she's your baby, and you have that right. It is really hard to leave, especially your first, and it is important that you feel good about who you are leaving her with. Best of luck to you!

Answer 4

I am a babysitter and it doesn't bother me if a parent wants
to come meet me at my place. This is the best place to
meet so that the parent can see that the place where their
child will be is very well kept. Clean and safe for the baby.
You may want to know if they have babysitting experience,
but most importantly a couple of references would come in
handy.

Answer 5

It is very resonable to see the condition of their home and meet with them after all your baby is going to be there without you you need to know these things.
Finding a babysitter you can trust can be a hard job (trust me I know i'm in the same boat) I would ask for references. ask how many kids they are currently watching their schedule for the day what people usually occupy the home while she is babysitting( does she have frequent visitors ect.) express your views on feeding disipline and so forth and see where you agree and disagree I hope this helps good luck

Answer 6

Honestly my babysitters I always stick with family. But ask them how much they are experianced with children. Get some refferences from them. Take a day to watch how they are with the child. Ask certain questions like if this happened how would you react...also make sure they are cpr certified. That is always a plus!!

Answer 7

Are there pets?
Other children?
Will she be making any trips while in her care?
Will they provide food/formula/diapers?
What her experience is and references.

It is MORE than acceptable to come to their place! You must. And let them know you may pop in here and there after they are hired. You need to do this once you pick someone; see how things really go while you aren't there.

What ever you want to ask ASK it.

Answer 8

Definitely visit their home and make sure it's up to your standards. Really you shouldn't feel uncomfortable asking them anything, because this is your baby you're talking about. You want to be sure you're leaving her in good hands!

Some other things to ask if you haven't already:

-What kind of babysitting experience have they had?
-Have they been trained for this type of job?
-Do they have references?
-Are they infant cpr certified?
-Will they be watching other kids at the same time?
-Will they have other people over when they are watching your kid?
-Do they have pets?
-Do they have a valid driver's license and good record?

That's all I can think of at the moment... but anything else you think of don't be afraid to ask.

Answer 9

Totally fine to ask to go to their place
and if it is a problem then they are not to be trusted.
As well as finding about their history with children and experience;
Ask alot of "what would you do if" type questions
to make sure that in any event it would be what you would want.
What would you do if they wouldn't stop crying and was hot?
What would you do if they cut their finger etc etc

Answer 10

I strongly suggest that you meet with them see how the baby will be cared for, if the place is clean and up kept, what how they are with the baby etc. Good luck