Babysitter Basics

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[x]   Transcript: Whether you're going back to work or just going out for the evening, finding and evaluating a new babysitter may feel a bit overwhelming. Sometimes, all it takes to find a new babysitter is to ask around! Often your baby's doctor, fellow parents, or relatives will have great sitter recommendations. You can also check the yellow pages for a babysitting agency, which connects parents with pre-screened sitters. Or, you could enlist the help of online babysitting services, like babysitters.com. Generally, both sites and agencies will charge a fee, which can range widely...from 40 to 400 dollars! However you find your sitter, though, ALWAYS ask for references-and then always call them! It's also smart to schedule an interview to discuss your candidate's previous babysitting experience and emergency training and how much he or she expects to be paid. Rates vary, but the average is somewhere between five and 20 dollars an hour, depending on who minds your child or children, and whether it's for a short time while you attend to errands. This cost rises to more significant figures for highly trained professionals with years of experience, who may be called upon to stay with the children for an entire weekend. Here are some of the main factors that affect cost: fees charged by the agency; number of children to be watched; regularity with which you'll require a sitter; nature of the duties to be performed; and payment method you'll be using. If your preliminary visit goes well, and you think you've found a good fit, request that your babysitter arrive a half hour early for the first day on the job. Use this time to prepare the sitter for the job. Show the sitter fire escape routes, emergency phone numbers, and how the locks work. Then, walk the sitter through your baby's schedule, from feeding times to your bedtime routine. Finally, show the babysitter exactly how to prepare your infant's food particularly if the sitter will need to mix baby formula. Once you head out for the night, you won't be able to monitor the sitter. So how will you know if he or she does a good job? The best way to evaluate a babysitter is to look at your infant! A well cared for baby will appear clean and content. Although accidents can happen, your baby should NEVER have multiple injuries. Your infant should also appear to warm up to the sitter over time and conversely, a good babysitter should appear genuinely happy to see your infant and a superior babysitter will make a point to tell you about what happened while you were gone. She should mention high points, like the use of a new word and concerns, like a decreased appetite. If you've found someone who fits this bill, cultivate a positive relationship with her. After all, you'll hopefully be working with this babysitter WELL past the baby stage!

[x]   Bio:

Dr. Marleigh Moscatel practices Pediatrics in Croton on Hudson, New York. Credentials: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin U-Med & ScienceMD , Medicine , 1994 — 1998Honors in Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Histology Activities and Societies: Alpha Omega Alpha (inducted in my 3rd year)University of California, Los AngelesBA , Psychology , 1991 — 1992 Activities and Societies: Golden Key National Honor Society, Magna Cum LaudeNorthwestern UniversityTheater, Pre-Med 1988 — 1990