Five Things to Look For When Hiring a Nanny or Babysitter

Five Things to Look For When Hiring a Nanny or Babysitter

By Lynn Perkins, CEO and co-founder of UrbanSitter.com

Finding and hiring the right babysitter can be unnerving for parents. While we’d all like to leave our kids in the kind and capable hands of Mary Poppins, the reality is that you’re not going to find a babysitter or nanny who “has it all.”

Take time to think about the skills, characteristics and “extras” that are most important to you, your spouse and your kids. Set up a formal interview with the caregiver, or try a “working interview,” where you can get tasks done at home while the babysitter or nanny watches your kids for the first time.

Here are a few things to look for when you decide on a new nanny or babysitter:

1.  Comfort & Safety

Do you feel comfortable and safe leaving your kids with them? If there’s anything about the nanny or sitter that makes you nervous or uncomfortable, then listen to your gut. He or she is probably not a good fit. Safety is every parent’s #1 priority, so make sure you discuss this with your caregiver. Do you want someone who is Red Cross-certified? CPR and first aid-trained? Does he or she know how to administer an Epipen if your kids have severe allergies? Do you have a pool, or another feature in your home that requires special precautions?

2.  Reviews From the Kids
Does the nanny or babysitter get good reviews from your kids? If your kids are too young to communicate with you, then this one is hard to judge. But, if they’re able to tell you that it wasn’t fun, then it’s probably not a great sign. Kids have pretty good sense, and at the end of the day, we all want to hear our kids sing the praises of their caregiver.

3.  Discipline Style
Are they able to follow your discipline style? If you have strict rules that you want your babysitter or nanny to follow, make sure they are comfortable with them upfront.  Some caregivers might not feel comfortable letting a child “cry-it-out” or  “do time” on the naughty step.

4.  Household Care
Who doesn’t want a nanny or babysitter who keeps the house clean and tidy? But what you need to decide is whether this is really a top priority – and it might be. But, if your candidate meets all your other expectations—and the kids are safe and having fun–then is 10-15 minutes of tidying up when you get home worth it? In short, if it’s very important to you, ensure your care taker is on board. Everyone has some expectations.

5.   Personality
Are they a type-A, just like you? If you like things just-so, then it’s probably good to find a nanny or babysitter who sees eye-to-eye with you or can follow instructions well. But, keep your expectations in check, not everyone is going to remember that the wooden knives don’t go in the dishwasher.

Just remember that no matter what your “wish list” looks like, communicating your expectations clearly is essential. Even when you think what you’re asking for is obvious, nannies and baby sitters appreciate clear instructions. If you don’t tell them what you expect, you’re just going to drive yourself crazy complaining about things like, “I just wish she’d pick up the toys at the end of the day” or “Why didn’t she take them out for some fresh air?” And don’t be afraid to write them down so that there is no mistakes about what has been communicated.

Once you make the hire, keep the lines of communication open. Give—and accept—both positive and constructive feedback to ensure you, your kids, and your nanny maintain a happy and healthy relationship!

To find and book great babysitters and nannies recommended by parents you know from parent groups, school and more, visit UrbanSitter.com.

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