Found a babysitter, what next?

[mummycat0]

Sorry I'm very new to this!

Just wondering what to do next really, I was thinking have her round once while I'm in the house to make sure dd gets along with her. Are there any questions to ask apart from CRB check to make sure it's safe for this stranger to look after my child!

I realise I'm being a bit paranoid but I've never left dd, 1, alone with anyone before apart from my mother and DH and I desperately need time to ourselves. Any advice appreciated.

When you say you've found someone what so you mean? Have you interviewed them or just got the contact details of someone who is interested?

Take up references as well as seeing the CRB plus any qualifications/training they have.
Ask some scenario questions about what they'd do if DD woke up crying/was sick/was misbehaving.
Before the first babysit make a list of emergency contacts, leave the red book (or at least vital info like dob, full address, any medical conditions in case of emergency) and write down useful info about the house - location of fusebox and matches/candles, where the water stopcock is etc. obviously they're not going to deal with a full on flood situation but getting a phone call saying a pipe has burst and they've turned the water off is infinitely better than one saying a pipe has burst and the house is getting soggier by the second, particularly if like me you wouldn't be able to describe where the stopcock is.
Similarly details about any special toys or routines are great to have as a handy reference guide.

Some of the above might sound overkill but better too much information than none, especially if you've just written down and taped to the inside of a cupboard and shown the sitter where that info is in case rather than going through a 50 page handbook.

I meant just found contacts. Thank you! There's obviously a lot more stuff I hadn't thought of. I honestly would have been scared to do full on interview lest the woman think I'm crazy!

Which area do u live in op

Teamsouth, I live in a small commuter town in the south east.

If you aren't going on recommendation I'd look for someone a bit older with own children - a childminder would be ideal as they'll already have crb/1st aide & references or go through an agency such as sitters (although will be more expensive). As the other poster said a list of emergency contacts & for the first fee times just go out locally for a couple of hours until you feel more comfortable with them - the first time is always nerve racking

Thanks Phoebe, she is actually a childminder with CRB etc. I was just wondering what would be reasonable questions to ask her to make sure it's safe to leave child alone with her. I'm sure it will be nerve racking!!

If she's a currently working CM and has children of her own then she will be as safe (if not more!) than you being there. Make sure she knows how you would normally sooth her if she wakes (lights off or no, music milk etc), give her your contact details then show her the kettle & TV remote and leave her to it as chances are DD won't even wake .

I'm a childminder and sit for one family that came to me specifically for babysitting & the only time I've ever seen the children (9mth & 2) once since they all came over to my house to meet me before I started sitting for her over a year ago.