Finding Great Babysitters

As we all know, you can't work (or get much else done) without good child care, preferably that doesn't cost a fortune. What's your best advice for finding -- and keeping -- good babysitters?

My two cents: Finding babysitters is a learned skill. As a new mom I was terrible and had to use babysitting agencies, which were expensive and not very good for finding occasional sitters (much better for finding full-time nannies). I've now learned to constantly be on the lookout for good sitters. Over time, I've found teenagers and college students to be the best. The right ones take babysitting seriously and appreciate the money. When I spot someone who seems friendly and eager to spend more time with my kids, I immediately ask for their number (although I never ask my friends' sitters -- no poaching seems to be the rule here in D.C.) I've found a lot of talent at my 9-year-old son's sports teams and summer camps. The young assistant coaches and counselors are eager for more (better paid, easier) work.

Paying well is key... I pay at the top of the scale, $12 per hour, plus generous tips (despite my husband's protests). As a result, most sitters return my phone calls quickly and are eager to come back again. I keep a spreadsheet of babysitter phone numbers, e-mail addresses and schedules, which makes it easy, too. I also informally trade babysitting with other moms in my neighborhood, especially during holiday vacations. I'll watch their kids for a few hours one morning, and they return the favor the next day.

What have you learned about finding -- and keeping -- good babysitters?

By Leslie Morgan Steiner |  July 7, 2006; 7:00 AM ET  | Category:  Childcare , Free-for-All , Tips
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