Hiring a babysitter

I have no family to watch my DS, and I need a night out every now and then.

I met a waitress at a restaurant who babysits and she seemed really sweet. She gave us her number and information, but what else do I need to ask for before hiring her.

I have never done this before, so for people who have hired nannies and babysitters, what was your process?

Re: Hiring a babysitter

I use the 22 yr old DD of a teacher at my kids daycare. I had her come over a few days before we needed her to have her meet the kids and so DH and I could watch her interact with them. We also made sure she was CPR certified. I would ask for references too...I didn't this time because her mom was my kids teacher, but if I hadn't met her that way I would have asked for some.

Re: Hiring a babysitter

I was wondering this too, does anybody do background checks? criminal records etc? Is that too extreme?

Re: Hiring a babysitter

I usually use a teenage daughter of one of my friends. There are a few people I'm friends with that have teenage daughters. Ask around or post an ad at a local college that has an early childhood program or at a dance studio, places that attract young people who are looking to make a few extra bucks.