How To Choose a Good Babysitter

Consult your local library, hospital, Red Cross, or YMCA for names of certified babysitters who’ve graduated from their childcare classes. They’ll only recommend their best students and you’ll know the person is trained to handle emergencies.

Ask the babysitter tough questions about her background and what she would do in tough, hypothetical situations—like if a fire started or if your child was choking.

Ask for references and call them. Be suspicious of anyone who can’t provide any recent employers who can vouch for her.

Make an excuse to leave the babysitters you are interviewing alone with your child for 20 minutes or so. When you re-enter the room, notice how your child is reacting to the potential sitter. Children are often more perceptive than adults.

The first time you use a new sitter, come home 30 minutes before you said you would. This will give you a true idea of how things are, rather than of what the babysitter wants you to see.