WAHM moms--Q about getting DC used to babysitter

So I've been PT WAHM since DD was 3 months old, but I've always had my mom or MIL come watch her. I've recently taken a new job that requires me to be in the office 2 days and wah one day. My mom and MIL split the in-office days and I hired a sitter to come on the at-home day. She seems really great and my 18 month loved her when she interviewed. Today is day 1 and it's been awful. DD is crying for me, clinging to me. At one point, I had them playing in my office so I could sit at my desk and DD could get acquainted with the sitter. DD is napping now. When she wakes up, should I just close the door and let them sort it out, even if it means letting her cry? Or, keep intervening until she gets used to this girl?

Re: WAHM moms--Q about getting DC used to babysitter

I would let her cry. She'll get distracted eventually and you going out there just makes it worse from my experience.

Our sitter used to take DS out for a walk in the stroller to calm him down when he would cry hysterically for me.

Re: WAHM moms--Q about getting DC used to babysitter

I WAH and have a sitter come 2x/wk. I found it hard when we started with a new sitter a few months ago because everyone had to adjust to figuring out who was in charge and whom they should be listening to more. For ex., the kids kept thinking I was in charge even though I was in another part of the house working, and in the beginning the sitter would say things that supported their thoughts: "Hold on, let me ask Mom." "Let's wait and hear what Mommy thinks."
I find it helpful to stick to a routine as best we can and then DCs have a better idea of what's expected throughout the day. When the sitter first gets here in the AM, she reads them a book/story while I finish getting ready and we call that their "Miss S Time" -- it breaks up the time with me from the time with her. I also make a big dramatic deal about going "to work": kiss everyone goodbye, tell them where I'm going and when I'll be back, remind them Miss S is in charge until I return, etc. I only interact with them at lunchtime or if there's something the sitter really needs me for.