Would you ever consider using a nanny/childcare found on craigslist?

Just curious... obviously, after a background check and references are checked.

I'm trying to figure out an alternative to the system we have with DS right now (paying for FT daycare yet he rarely EVER goes b/c my ILs take him when they are here). Financially, it might make more sense for me to work something out with someone who is flexible (maybe guarantee a certain pay per wk and days beyond that would be an additional day rate or something). Anyway, I would hate to say I found someone on Craigslist - sounds so random, but unless I find someone thru word of mouth (which I've spread the word already that I'm looking) then I don't know what other avenues to persue.

Re: Would you ever consider using a nanny/childcare found on craigslist?

That is where I found mine and she has been with me for 2 1/2 years. I ran my own background and reference checks which is what you are paying for with an agency anyway.

Re: Would you ever consider using a nanny/childcare found on craigslist?

I recently asked a nanny that I know about finding someone on craig's list. She has been a nanny for 6 years, 4 years with her first family, and now 2 with her second. Super nice lady (too bad she is already employed ).


She said that she had gotten her first nanny job by advertising on craig's list 6 years ago when it was all fairly new. She was let go after 4 years b/c the mom had another baby and decided with 3 kids just to stay at home for a few years. Her second job she got a placement by working with an agency called Nannys USA. I asked her if she would use craig's list again and she said no. She said that from her own nanny's perspective there were too many "freaks" (her words, not mine) on there now. She knows people who interviewed nannies from craig's list and well, "escorts" showed up who were advertising as nannies.

Now, I'm 100% positive that there are very good nannies that are advertising on Craig's List. I am sure there are mommies on this site who have found wonderful caretakers by using craig's list. I, personally, am now more too nervous to look there based upon my convo above.

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when I was considering a nanny I was directed to the Irish Echo and thought it seemed pretty good to check out too.

Re: Would you ever consider using a nanny/childcare found on craigslist?

Sure, but I would also run background check, check references and be with the person for a week or so before letting her go it alone. I have nanny cams too, I found my nanny on sittercity.com.

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yup, that is where I found my sitter...she watches miki in her home and I love her, she is a godsend

Re: Would you ever consider using a nanny/childcare found on craigslist?

I would if I checked them out and interviewed. My best friend got her nany job on Craigslist and it worked out great for both parties.

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Re: Would you ever consider using a nanny/childcare found on craigslist?

I have a frew friends who put ads on craigslist, all said that they would rather stay home than leave their kids with the people who responded.

I do know one person who put an ad in her local town crier and that is how she ultimatly found her nanny.

I say it can't hurt to put the ad up, but I wouldnt expect much.

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I was found on craigslist. Employer is in love with me.

she took a lot of heat from her family for finding me on craigslist...but really, where else was I going to advertise?

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Re: Would you ever consider using a nanny/childcare found on craigslist?

I would definitely consider using a nanny found on craigslist. Like others have said, I would run a background check, personally speak to references and observe the nanny with my child before ultimately hiring her. My sister's best friend found her nanny on craigslist and loves her.

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Sorry to intrude (was posting on another thread) but I babysit for a family with 2 little boys occasionally and I was found through craigslist. And IMO (and theirs) I'm an awesome babysitter I've been with them for a year and half now and I just adore them

Re: Would you ever consider using a nanny/childcare found on craigslist?

Posted by azoodie

Sorry to intrude (was posting on another thread) but I babysit for a family with 2 little boys occasionally and I was found through craigslist. And IMO (and theirs) I'm an awesome babysitter I've been with them for a year and half now and I just adore them

Re: Would you ever consider using a nanny/childcare found on craigslist?

My day care advertises on Craig's list when they have a spot open. I have no doubt that you'd do your diligence. It may be worth a shot.

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I would and have. I did have a fruit loop liar come for an interview though. She was a college student, said she had a child of her own and said she went to daycare where Emma used to go. Knowing the asst. director at the daycare, I asked her if she knew of this person. Turns out the girl lied, the child was her little sister, not her kid. She was a slob too, food on her shirt, messy, etc. Obviously I didn't hire her and wouldn't have just based on her sloppy appearance, but I can't say it enough to really check them out. Background check, webcrims, etc.


FYI, Craigs List has implemented a new "security" policy. Everyone that posts in the childcare section must have a valid working phone number and they call to confirm it. I guess that cuts down on the creeps.

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we are using somebody I found on craigslists. She'll start in 2 weeks. I checked her out. Fingers crossed!!

Re: Would you ever consider using a nanny/childcare found on craigslist?

I found both my day cares on craigs list. Both are wonderful. I am sure there are lots of crazies, I haven;t met one yet. But I do a long phone interview before I bother to meet in person. Then I meet without child, and if that meets my satisfaction I meet with child.

Just be prepared with what you are looking for, and questions to ask. I went with people who were licensed, so I had the added releif of a child and family services record.

I know a girl I work with just found someone that charges hourly, and does not charge when the child is not there.

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I have alot of friends who found their nanny's on craigslist, and love them.

I found mine from a neighborhood website, where alot of people post when they no longer need their nanny, but want to help them find a new family.

If your around Parkslope brooklyn check this out: http://www.parkslopeparents.com/index.php (look under classifieds). If your not, see if your neighborhood has one... besides finding nannies that are recommended by other moms in the area, the sitter is familiar with your area, the activities it has to offer, other kids for playdates and so on. Makes for a nice transition.

Also, there are alot of people looking for nanny shares, which might work out perfectly for a part time situation.

Good Luck!

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When I was recently looking for a sitter I had a few appointments with people from Criagslist and canceled them all. I just couldn't do it. I know there are great people on Craigslist, but my personal comfort level made me automatically think that if something ever happened to DD while in that sitters care I would never forgive myslef. For me, it is not so much the actual sitter, but other people in their lives. Sure my sitter could check out with background checks etc, but I would always fear what if they had some crazy x that was after them or a wacko friend that could find them at work and bring potential harm. I know, probably crazy, but thats my honest feelings.

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Message edited 3/4/2009 2:25:17 PM.

Re: Would you ever consider using a nanny/childcare found on craigslist?

I found our sitter on CL and I love her. I went to a lot of the ones that the Child care of nassau gave me and I hated them. She was the only one I really loved and DS loves her too! She does it out of her home and she is relatively inexpensive.

Re: Would you ever consider using a nanny/childcare found on craigslist?