Finding a qualified babysitter that you and your child are comfortable with can be a challenge and will take some time.  It is a relationship like any other that starts slowly as you get to know one another and then builds to a trusted, dependable and comfortable relationship.

Where to start?
Ask your friends and family members for recommendations. You could also contact your local center of worship or the American Red Cross or YMCA. Ask potential babysitters for references and be sure to check them! Interview all potential candidates and be sure to ask your sitter if she has been certified in CPR or first aid. Babysitters should be at least 12 years old for toddlers and older children, and older if caring for an infant.  A good rule of thumb, the younger the child, the older the babysitter.

What next?
Bring the babysitter to your home while you are there. Give the babysitter a tour of your home so that they can become familiar with the surroundings.  Point out items the babysitter may need in an emergency such as a fire extinguisher, first-aid kit flashlight, extra keys and important phone numbers.  Explain how to operate a security system or alarm.

Review any special considerations, such as allergies or other medical needs, with your babysitter.  Explain your “house rules” to the babysitter and be very clear about your expectations.  Cover rules regarding TV time, meals, homework and bedtime. Talk with your babysitter about having friends over, using the phone or computer and other rules while they are watching your child. 

Have the babysitter meet and interact with your child while you are doing something else at home.  Try not to be in the same room with your child and the babysitter, but try to find a place where you can listen and observe the interaction of the babysitter and your child. Note the attention the babysitter gives the child and vise versa.  Is your child engaged by the babysitter?  How does the babysitter discipline your child?  This may give you an opportunity to see how your child reacts when supervised by someone else and also gives you a chance to give the babysitter some tips on caring for your child.

A night out
The first time you leave your child with the babysitter make sure you leave enough time to review your rules with the babysitter and go over any special instructions for that day or night.  Make sure you leave important contact information as well as your agenda.  Leave at least two additional emergency contacts in case the sitter can not reach you.  An important item – make sure your address, home phone number and the closest major intersection are written down and your babysitter can see it.  They made need to give this information to those responding in an emergency situation.

When you return, talk with both the babysitter and your child to find out about their experience.  Review any problems or questions the babysitter may have about how a situation should be handled.  Ask your child specifics about what they did with the babysitter while you were away.  Let your child tell you about their feelings about the babysitter and make sure your child feels comfortable being with the babysitter. 

Choosing a good babysitter can help you relax while you are away from your children and be confident they are safe and happy.