I'm "interviewing" a potential babysitter

Just someone local in case DH and I want to go out on a Saturday night, or some other random night. Aside from getting references from her, what should I be asking her?

I know her mother who is a doula(she put me in touch with the woman we used as a baby nurse when DD was born). I also know that she (the girl) is a pediatric nurse at one of the local hospitals. She babysits on the side.

TIA!

Message edited 6/18/2009 6:51:11 PM.

Re: I'm "interviewing" a potential babysitter

bumping...

Has nobody ever interviewed a babysitter?

Re: I'm "interviewing" a potential babysitter

I *wish* I did have a babysitter toi interview

But it sounds like you have a good catch there...

You said she's a nurse, so maybe just ask her if her CPR certifivation is up to date, does she smoke? ( go over the rules for that), and verify her references...Also discuss availability, how much notice she requires and obviously $$$$

Re: I'm "interviewing" a potential babysitter

Posted by MrsRbk

bumping...

Has nobody ever interviewed a babysitter?

Re: I'm "interviewing" a potential babysitter

Re: I'm "interviewing" a potential babysitter

Will she travel to Bergen? I need a babysitter too!

Re: I'm "interviewing" a potential babysitter

Wow she sound like a catch!
I just went with neighbors daughter. The neighbor is also a teacher at a local school so I thought the daughter who wants to be a teacher was good and I liked that they lived local in case of emergencies and I was not able to get home fast her family was right there.

Re: I'm "interviewing" a potential babysitter

I don't need a babysitter, since I have my mom. But I used to babysit when I was in highschool. They always asked about references, how much an hour, how much notice I would need, if I had certain days I couldn't come at all.

I am, and have been CPR certified, I think that's important to find out. Also make sure they understand and will follow the rules you may have. ex. no smoking in the house, always having an eye on the baby and if they need to do something baby goes in the crib.

The most important thing to me I would think would be that they had experience with an infant. Just because she's a nurse doesn't mean she understands how nap schedules, feeding schedules etc. works.

Good luck!

Re: I'm "interviewing" a potential babysitter

Thanks everyone!

Randi/Kim...she just might! She lives pretty local to me, and works at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair. We were supposed to meet tonight, but had to reschedule. She sounds great, I just don't know what questions to ask.

Re: I'm "interviewing" a potential babysitter

Hey Michelle - I am heading to LI tomorrow and will make sure to ask my mom if she has any potential questions you should ask her. After you check her out you can add me to the list of peeps who could offer her additional work

Re: I'm "interviewing" a potential babysitter

Posted by Akajt98

Hey Michelle - I am heading to LI tomorrow and will make sure to ask my mom if she has any potential questions you should ask her. After you check her out you can add me to the list of peeps who could offer her additional work

Re: I'm "interviewing" a potential babysitter

I found this on What To Expect.com:

# No matter how mature your potential sitter might seem (and the younger your baby is, the older your sitter should be), make sure he or she has experience with infants, knows infant CPR, and has references (that you should definitely check!).

# If possible, invite the sitter over for a visit before you actually need their services (or at least 30 minutes before you need to leave). This way the two of them can get to know each other (and you can watch the sitter in action). Some babies love everyone at first sight, so if your baby is willing to be cuddled right off the bat, great. But if your baby is shy or skittish, take it slow: Make the introduction with your baby in your arms first, then put him in an infant seat or swing near the sitter, so he can adjust to another person in the room.

# Make the sitter's job easier with a quick round of show-and-tell. Show where supplies are located (diapers, first-aid kit, your stockpile of expressed breast milk or formula, the fire extinguisher, snacks…). Make sure you keep important phone numbers and addresses handy, as well as leave a signed consent form authorizing certain types of medical care. Next, dish the dirty details about your baby — the best way to soothe him, his favorite toys and songs, his sleeping and eating style (he likes to be rocked, he sleeps on his side…, he spits up easily, etc.) Also, don't be shy about giving instructions on how you'd like things done (e.g., how you want your baby fed, diapered, and cleaned).

Re: I'm "interviewing" a potential babysitter

From babycenter:

What questions should I ask a potential sitter?

After you've covered the basics, such as asking for references and discussing schedules and availability, you'll want to assess a sitter's level of experience and training in safety procedures. In addition to CPR, ask if she knows the first steps to take in case of infant choking or toddler choking and what to do in a fire or other emergency.

Next, move on to how she relates to children. Does she love babies and kids? (Obviously she'll say yes, so try to make your questions open-ended to get a more complete answer. Try queries such as "Why do you like working with children?" and "What do you like best about babysitting?")

If you have older kids, find out how interested she is in entertaining them with games and other activities. Is she up for kicking a soccer ball around in the backyard? You don't want someone plopping your child in front of the TV all night and chatting on the phone with friends.

Last, ask if she has any personal habits — like smoking or drinking — that you'd object to. If language is important to you, let her know you don't want her to swear in front of your child. And make sure you mention any restrictions, such as limits on TV time or not watching particular shows or listening to certain types of music when your child is awake.

Remember, there's no such thing as an irrelevant question when it comes to your child's safety and well-being.
How much should I pay?

Babysitting rates, usually hourly, depend on a lot of factors — from where you live to how many children you have to whether there's any cooking or driving involved. In different situations, rates can be anywhere from $5 to $13 an hour. Ask your neighbors and other parents how much they pay to get a good idea of the going rate. Your babysitter may also set her own rates, or her references may help you determine what to offer.

To see how much other BabyCenter parents pay their sitters, check out our poll.
How can I prepare my babysitter for the job?

The first time a sitter works for you, ask her to arrive half an hour before your scheduled departure. This will give her time to learn more about you, your house, and, of course, your child. You may even want to pay the sitter to come over and play with your baby a few times while you're at home. Use the time to take care of household tasks, knowing that if trouble erupts, you're only a room away.

Give her all the information you can, from emergency phone numbers to what's off-limits in the fridge. Show her how the door locks work (you don't want anyone getting locked out!) and make sure she knows where everything is. In particular, walk her through diaper changes and show her where you stash all the baby care supplies.

Let her know what schedule you want her to keep, and explain bedtime routines and bath and mealtime procedures. If she'll be cooking or heating up food, show her around the kitchen. And if she'll be feeding your baby expressed breast milk or formula, make sure she's well versed in the proper techniques. Tell her ahead of time what your baby can and can't do, and what's off-limits for older kids.

Remember to leave her your cell phone number and the address and phone number of where you'll be (especially important if you're going anyplace where you may have to turn off your cell or might not hear it ring). If you'll be some distance away, make sure the sitter knows how to contact neighbors or family members who live close by if she needs help. You may even want to call the neighbors and alert them that you're going out and have a new sitter, so they can assist her if anything comes up — and can be on the lookout for any sign of trouble.

Re: I'm "interviewing" a potential babysitter

From sitters.com:

Interviewing Adult Caregivers
Interviews with older or more experienced caregivers are likely to be more detailed, as these candidates will typically have a greater amount of information to share than teenage babysitters regarding their education and employment history. Be sure to obtain a list of references and other basic information about the candidate prior to or during the interview, including information you may need to perform a background check, such as: previous names and addresses, date of birth, driver's license and/or social security number, and anything else you want to know. You will already have most of this information if you found the babysitter on Sitters.com. Additionally, many babysitters put one or two references in their Sitters.com profile, allowing you to contact the references directly before you interview the babysitter.

The following are questions you may want to ask in an interview:
- Describe your babysitting and childcare experience. What are the ages of children you have cared for?
- Do you still babysit for any of your prior clients?
- Do you have any children of your own? If so, how old are they?
- Do you have any special training or certification? Are you trained in first aid or infant/child CPR?
- What do you like most about babysitting and being with children? What do you like least?
- Which ages are you most comfortable with? Least comfortable?
- What is your approach to discipline?
- How would you handle an emergency situation?
- What is the most difficult situation you have encountered while babysitting? How did you handle it?
- What kinds of activities do you enjoy doing with children?
- What are your personal and career goals? How long do you intend to continue babysitting?
- What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies or other jobs?
- How much do you charge and what hours are you available?

Re: I'm "interviewing" a potential babysitter

Re: I'm "interviewing" a potential babysitter

These interviewing resources are great. I'm a fan of college age or just out of college women preferably with a degree in either Nursing (pediatric of course preferred) or early childhood ed or even psychology. I like someone who will respect my wishes and accept new protocol rather than someone who feels they already know everything b/c of what they did with their own, but that's just me. They have to have recent work experience with the age group of your kids IMO.

I usually use one of my daughter's daycare teachers to sit for us when we want/need a sitter b/c I know I can trust her and b/c I know DD loves her. I would say that would be my advice... the person should want to build a relationship with you and help you trust them. My DD is in a different class in daycare now and I have to say I've been disappointed that her new teachers for the most part don't take the time to build my trust. I still use her former teacher for private sitting purposes. I think lots of people can have certifications and educations and even their own kids, but at the end of the day you have to feel good about the person. I know it's more of an intuitive answer than a concrete answer.