Does this sound realistic? (r/t babysitting)

We're expecting our 2nd LO and will have 2 under 2. I currently work anywhere from zero to 2 days a week, on average 1 day a week though. MIL is our primary babysitter but she has said in the past that she won't be able to handle 2 kids, which I am in agreement with. I'm also very nervous about hiring a stranger and I know MIL enjoys her day with DD.

DH and I are thinking about looking for an outside person to come and help MIL babysit once #2 arrives. MIL would have the second set of hands she needs and I wouldn't have to be worrying if the sitter was treating my kids how I expect (I know, I'm being over the top but it's a big fear of mine).

I don't know how a sitter would feel about having to hang out with another adult all day while they watch the kids, but it would only be one day a week, probably 3 times a month, maybe 4 days max. Do you think this sounds like a possibility? Has anyone every done something like this? Also, where did you find your sitter? TIA

Re: Does this sound realistic? (r/t babysitting)

I think that sounds totally fine and reasonable. The only thing that I would be concerned about is that it may be hard to find someone to just work that little amount of time. Someone looking for a sitter job may need more hours to make more money and usually the type of people that could work such little hours due to the lack of pay would be high school kids and that wouldn't work for you during the school year. A college student may be willing to take on the job since they don't have such rigid class times.

Does this sound realistic? (r/t babysitting)

I used to help my grandmother babysit when I was in middle school (during summer or vacations obviously). I was too young to do it on my own and some of the physical stuff was to difficult for my grandmother. Maybe talk to MIL and see if she can think of someone she'd be comfortable working with. A stranger might be tough, but if she has a neighbor or friend that would do it I think it would work great. I was thinking a college student would work well also.

Re: Does this sound realistic? (r/t babysitting)

I think it is reasonable. I also think you can find someone 1 day/week if the days are consistent. However, if it isn't consistent it may be tough to find someone willing to do that.

Re: Does this sound realistic? (r/t babysitting)

Sounds like a mother's helper, and I think it's a great idea.

Re: Does this sound realistic? (r/t babysitting)

i think its a great idea...and maybe you can hire someone older and close to your MIL's age so maybe they can have something to relate to or talk about since they will be in the same house together and will have to be around each other weekly....and maybe do a "trial" before hiring that person so be sure your MIL and her dont clash...im lucky that my babysitter is a co worker (i am a preschool teacher) so i had the luxury of seeing my sitter hands-on with other children in the classroom... she is wonderful with my kids. Maybe ask a close friend or family member if they know someone who they trust or who is reliable to babysit. good luck!

Re: Does this sound realistic? (r/t babysitting)

I see two families at our local playground on a regular basis. One has twins and the other has twins and a baby. Both of them I notice have a grandmother and a nanny to help. It seems to make the grandmother's life much easier. If you could afford to do so - I would say go for it.