AWBU to be nervous about using Sitters?

[Bogeyface]

I know a lot of people do as they have no choice but I have never had a babysitter that I havent been related to (mainly my 2 older children from the age of 16 as they were desperate for the cash!).

But we now have a week away, just H and me with DD who is 3. The others are with their dad for a holiday that week.

We would like to go out for dinner on our own once that week but have never used Sitters before. Are they really that good? Can we relax (har har, I know I wont!) when we are out? Are they really CRB checked to the max? We are both in two minds. Part of us is saying "They are checked, safe, DD never wakes for less than a direct bomb blast and it will be nice for us" and the other part is saying "What if something happens? Best not to risk it"

6 kids and this has never come up before!

She is quite stroppy and strong willed...no idea where she gets that from

You'll just need to luxe it up in the ASDA cafe

Well I love an all day breakfast me, so it wont be the disaster of the century if it comes to that :o

We've used Sitters for years and they've particularly been useful/good when we've been away from home. But then I don't understand this thing of only family looking after children - as long as carers are well checked and have relevant experience that's fine by me (and the DCs have always rolled with it!).
If you go for it, I'd recommend them arriving 20-30 mins before you have to leave so you can put your DD to bed but she still gets to meet the sitter. She (sitter not daughter!) would no doubt be happy to text updates if that would make you felt more relaxed: "Still sleeping!" etc

Listen to venice - she sounds sensible

In my defence, DS is only 18 months and DD is only 5 months. Because they can't talk, apart from barking and shouting "car" incessantly (DS only), I would be worried about leaving them with someone I didn't know.

Anyway, you've talked yourself into the ASDA caff now!

Generally the sitter arrives as the children are going to bed. We explain they're coming. Some pouting ensues. We explain it makes no odds to them as by the time they wake up we'll be back. The sitter arrives and either waves from the door or reads them one last story. We put them to bed and explain how the telly works. I text them around 9 to check all is well.

I've used them. They're great.

Like you op oor older dcs babysat the younger ones.

The older ones were sat occasionally by my parents/pil.

No one else. Personally I wouldn't use a sitter. I would rather stay in it take kids with us.

It wasn't for us at all.