How can i find a baby-sitter ?

[ambercat]

One of my new years resolutions is to do something for ME! .Ifancy an eveening course or joining a gym , dd ballet school are offering adult classes which i quite fancy.
Anyway ican't do anything until i can find a babysitter.DH works away and will be away for 3 mths in march, i have no local family and the friend who does help me out occasionaly is in a similar situation to me and has 2 ds of her own.

It would need to be someone with their own transport aswell as i would'nt be able to take them home without disturbing the kids.

any ideas how i can find someone?

where are you based?

I'm in taunton

eeerm maybe meet up with sumone on here that lives near by, you could both baby sit for each other??? Sorry not much help lol

Someone on here suggested advertising at the FE centre if they run childcare/nursery nurse classes. Or on the chid section of the notice board at your local GP/Healthcentre. Other than that it is a tough one. I resorted to paying extortionate amounts of money to an agency where I used to live as we were in a similar position and then only used them twice (!) Luckily I am now a member of free sittin circle. Still don't go out much though!

the problem is i could'nt babysit for anyone else as dh away.
anyone know if there are agencys that do babysitting( but not too expensive!)

x posts bootsmonkey!
might tryadverts though thanks

The one always mentioned on here is Sitters

sitters

don't know what they cost, but are reputable I believe. You'll have to check if they cover your area. HTH & good luck - great idea to get out - must try it more often!!

go through the mumsnet link for a discount

Do you go to any playgroups or anything cos worth asking there. Parents can be quite possessive of their babysitter and not want them to be poached but if you explain it's for a week night, rather than weekends (when they'll prob want them) they may be a bit more forthcoming.

In the past we have had babysitters that worked at our children's nursery. The pay is so poor they are often eager to supplement it. Added bonus of childcare experience and qualifications too. Good luck.

I got a great one in the next street from a card she put in the sweet shop window. You could put a card up in local shop and anywhere else with a notice board. Worth a try.

Also try www.thegumtree.com

I have just contacted a local teenager from an ad in the local newsagents. Like you we don't know anyone in our area and family live away. My new years resolution was to have more time away from home with my dh. Even if only for a couple of hours in the pub!
I'm meeting the girl later this week and have just been researching Mumsnet for tips and advice about payment. It's all very daunting!

Thanks for all your suggestions.
am putting acard in local shop window tomorrow.
agree it is a bit daunting ,the thought of leaving the kids with some one but i really need some me time so am determind to find someone i can yrusy.

You can start with some overlapping. Get her to come in for teatime/bathtime etc. Then go somewhere nearby for a short night out. Then, the world's your ochster!

Do you have any friends with older children? All my regular babysitters have been friends (or friends of friends') kids.

Ask at a local nursery, often the younger staff will help you out in the evening for a bit of extra cash.