child care when you live OOS from family

Hi all!

We live OOS from family- we only live 1.5 hours away, but our parents don't come and visit often.

This past weekend, I had a really bad infection and had a difficult time getting family to come and help. I ended up in the ER today, but am feeling a little better. I have my 1.5 year old and a dog at home too. My hubby doesn't have anymore days off to stay home. Just wish we had more help :(

For those that live OOS and need a last minute babysitter, what do you do?

We have some friends here, but it happened that this past weekend the friends were not available and our normal sitter was not available either.

I have heard of Care.com, but I hear it's a lot of money? Anyone use it and like it? Also, other suggestions?

TIA!!

Re: child care when you live OOS from family

I would ask friends who they use to babysit their kids. Alternatively, call the high school to see if they can recommend a local kid. Ask your neighbors. We are in the same position as you.

child care when you live OOS from family

i would start by going to local playgroups at the library and look and see if there any mothers groups locally that you can join. Get to know your neighbors with kids too. they are usually a great resource for a local babysitter who is reliable. in a bind though i would see if a local daycare center can do one day care just to get a break.

child care when you live OOS from family

Same exact situation here. I have made wonderful friends in town through MOMS Club international. See if there's a local group by you. In fact just yesterday someone sent out a mass text asking to watch her youngest b/c her sons meeting got moved up. A few said no a few said absolutely. It's great having a community like that. I would also try and find more than 1 sitter. Right now I have zero and its driving me nuts.

I'm sorry you had to go through that. That's stinks that not one person could help you out. Ask others if they have sitters. It's a terrible feeling when you are in taht situation

child care when you live OOS from family

Look for drop in daycares. They aren't super popular on LI but are in other areas. Also I would have a few babysitters that you can call. That way if one can't do it you have others that might be able to.

Care.com isn't expensive its just a way to find sitters in the area....the sitters put their rates up on their profile.

child care when you live OOS from family

Our daycare allows us to drop the kids of anytime between 7 and 6. Also we use Care.com for regular babysitters. It's never ending though..we have daycare and 3 sitters and I still need another backup :/

Re: child care when you live OOS from family

When I was younger and babysat, I was on a list with a bunch of other good sitters from our local Church. My Church always kept a list of parishioners who babysit.

If you have a Church, you could call their office and ask.

child care when you live OOS from family

We have a place here that is a daycare for children who are sick and one for when you just need one-off care (drop in care).

For sick kids it was $25 to hold a spot, you call in and say My kid is sick and they have special areas depending on the illness and on staff nurses as well. They charge by the day.

If you have a healthy child but need care, then there are several drop off places. They have to be over 12m but you can just drop them off for a day or a few hours at least. So you have some relief. Again charged by the day.

I don't trust anyone in my house I haven't vetted. I know its dumb but its how I am. However, I guess you could call a babysitter as you are home as well.