How to Find a Babysitter or Nanny Right Now
This is how to find a reliable babysitter or nanny when you need last-minute child care.
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Neighbors are also an invaluable child care resource when you need to run out to the doctor or grocery store and would rather not drag your kids along.
And with many area universities and colleges either closing or suspending in-person classes—including Hofstra, NYU, Rutgers, Columbia, NYIT, and St. Johns—there are plenty of college students who are more readily available for babysitting gigs.
Invest in Future Babysitters
Hire a pre-teen as a mother’s helper during school breaks or after school, which is likely when you need the most help. With NYC transit options aplenty, she won’t need a parent to drop her off. She will love the early babysitting experience, your kids will love the helper’s youth and energy, and your wallet will thank you for finding a less expensive option. In a few years, you will have effectively trained a full-fledged babysitter who can handle a multi-kid bedtime routine or adventure to Central Park.
Considerations when Hiring a Babysitter or Nanny
When hiring a child care provider, you obviously want to be very careful and thorough with your screening, both character and medical. It is important that you meet your potential caretaker with your baby, so you can see how he or she acts toward your child. If she is engaged with your infant and shows a sincere interest in your baby, that is a good sign. You'll also want to take the time to ask your potential nanny or babysitter questions to get to know them and their child care experience better.
These are eight characteristics that are cited time and again as to what is most important in their search for a caregiver:
- Trustworthiness
- Dependability
- Flexibility
- Warmth
- Friendliness
- Lovingness
- Good Communication
- Has Safety Training (Infant CPR)
In short, your ideal nanny or babysitter is someone that you click with, someone who will be your partner in taking care of your little one. The good news is what may have seemed like an overwhelming task in the beginning of the search, gets easier toward the end—and there is a child care solution at your fingertips if you know where to look. As with anything in parenting, the beginnings are a bit challenging, but with a little time and energy, we trust our instincts and find our way.
