How to find a local babysitter I can trust?

[osterleymama]

I don't really know where to start. I'm a SAHM and I work from home in the evenings and at weekends when DP takes my son. I'm also pregnant again with number 2.

All of our family live in another country, my friends who have children have all gone back to work and I can't afford to commit to a nanny/childminder arrangement but would love to be able to find someone to help on an ad hoc basis so I can attend antenatal appointments without toddler in tow, take my driving test and do an antenatal refresher course later in this pregnancy.

I fully admit to pfb syndrome with my son, my sister calls me a 'SMother' but I have real anxiety about leaving him with someone I don't know when he can't yet talk to tell me if there is a problem (which I know is unlikely)

How on earth do you find someone you can trust?

Would you be willing to accept references or recommendations from other parents? What about looking for CMs or primary teachers who are looking to earn a few extra pounds? I know one hotel I spoke to used the local Primary School teachers as preferred childminders if parents asked.

Also, there is nothing to stop you meeting up with the person in neutral territory and seeing how they get on with your child.

You'd have to meet someone first - preferably when they are already looking after a child or baby.

You could ask at a local Guiding unit? My daughter (17) is a Young Leader at a Brownie pack, and has found baby sitting jobs because of that - youngsters involved in Scouting or Guiding tend to "nice" kids, and teenagers are usually quite flexible. Sixth formers have quite a bit of free time in the day too, if you could arrange your appointments around their free periods.

Alternatively, we used to have an au-pair. that's a great system, if you don't mind having someone living in your house. Not expensive and very flexible - lots of websites where you can look into it.

What about asking around at a local nursery? We use 2-3 girls from DD's nursery on a regular basis.

We've also used an ex-work colleague's teenage daughter

When I was at school the head of sixth form held a babysitting list of any trustworthy sixthformers who were willing to do babysitting - I did tons.

You could also try a local college noticeboard (esp if they have childcare students)

Where do you live?

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm viewing a nursery for DS to start late September after he turns two and if it seems nice I might ask if any of the staff babysit. Although I am hoping for occasional daytime cover between now and September but I guess any contacts would be useful. I live in Osterley, West London (hence imaginative nickname)

There is an agency called likeminders that I have had recommended to me (I haven't used them yet) which cover London.

You're pretty close to me, I have a great part time nanny for my two baby twins who I would definitely recommend if you wanted a personal recommendation.

All babysitters I have ever employed have come on personal recommendation from friends.

Do any of your friends have an au pair, for instance?

you can start off by maybe meeting some nannies either via an agency or through nanny job or netmums and see how your gut reaction goes

word of mouth is good

ceeveebee - yes please! I'd love a personal recommendation, will PM you my email address,

www.sitters.co.uk

i have used them a few times and have been good.