I want to start socialising again, have you used an outside babysitter and if so how old was your dc?

[squinney]

My DD is 13 months old, my options for family or friends as babysitters are close to none. I need to get out, just to feel human again. Have you used an outside babysitter? What age were your dc when you did?

My DS is 13 months old too and I've only been for one night out since I had him! The only people I would trust him with are my parents, but I have to say when they have him I would much prefer to chill out at home and catch up on some sleep/rest at the moment.

My CM has said she would be prepared to babysit him when he's a bit older,.......

Ds was 15 months

eeer 6/7...lol...

I have had the odd night out maybe once twice a year but nothing regular.

I struggled with the fact his Dad wasn't safe to look after him so to ask anyone else seemed wrong.

If you are ready go for it..I feel a hundred times better for doing so

Is this your first dc? I'd be happy now with dc2 to leave with a decent babysitter at nearly 10 months but she's not clingy & a decent sleeper.

How about getting someone over for a trial where you have a mini night out for just a couple of hours & can come home easier if needed?

I think it's true that you're always more worried with the first but by gum it will do you good to get out-I'm feeling the need for it now!

Good luck x

Left DD with mum for first time at 8 months and first time with babysitter at 14 months.

Left DS for first time at 4 months, with babysitter. No family nearby and with two kids with 18 month age gap we needed a night out! Have left him four times since then (now 6 months) AND he's bf AND he won't take a bottle - revelation that it is still possible to go out!

(so long as you're not more than about ten mins away.....)

No, I wouldn't leave mine with an 'outsider' babysitter. But that's just me. I remember babysitting for couples with newborns and not much older when I was a teenager, and they didn't know me from Adam, they'd just asked around the housing estate we were living on if there were any teenagers wanting babysitting work.

If your child is at nursery, I wonder if any of the staff there would do babysitting in the evenings? Especially the trainee ones.

Fully - that's what we did: used one of the nursery workers at DD's nursery. It's a great source of babysitters who know her and I feel comfortable with.

Have you tried having people over when they are asleep? I had a dinner party last week and it was fab - kids asleep upstairs and a group of us downstairs dancing and being much louder than expected! You'd be surprised what they can sleep through!