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Parenting

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Original poster

Should I use "Sitters"?

15 replies

abituneasy · 22/11/2006 22:23

Dh and i would love to be able to have a night out once a month or so but have no one to babysit anymore. have looked at Sitters website but can't get away from the fact i'd be leaving ds with a complete stranger and if anything happened i'd never forgive myself - and it would all have been for the sake of a night out. Anyone else used them and if so, whereabouts are you? thanks for your help

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fransmom · 22/11/2006 22:24

are you in sw?

moonshine · 22/11/2006 22:31

We used them a few months ago (no family nearby and new to the Middlesex area). I was terrified at the thought but we got a nice young girl (20s I guess) who was also a childminder in her day job. We made sure the kids met her beforehand and it all seemed to go very well. I would use them again but it is comparatively pricey and we are such saddoes that dh and I just don't go out 'together' anymore.

mrsflowerpot · 22/11/2006 22:45

We use them. We first used them in Bristol but then I joined a babysitting circle so didn't need to any more. Then when we moved here (South coast) we didn't have babysitters, so we signed up again. I've always been very happy with them - I know what you mean though as I was very nervous the first time. I book about once a month and we have 2 or 3 favourites now - we always ask for them by name and it's rare that we don't get who we want (I tend to plan ahead though).

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lupo · 22/11/2006 22:56

God no, just wouldnt be happy to leave ds with someone i didnt know really well

Hermit · 22/11/2006 22:59

We have used them a few times. Have older children - 9 and 7 - who don't really like being left with anyone, but have always been really happy with the sitters 'lady'. Can thoroughly recommend them - professional, vetted and very nice!

MissLily · 22/11/2006 23:16

We've recently signed up for sitters and have found both sitters we have used very nice and friendly. Theyve obviously all been vetted and also have to have a professional childcare qualification and most have children of their own. i think its a great idea.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 23/11/2006 07:37

Have used Sitters for several years now (DS is now 8) and have always found them to be very professional and reliable. We tend to nowadays use the same sitter from them if she is available. DS has a good rapport with her.

Neena28 · 23/11/2006 07:43

Yes we do and think they are fab.

Have mostly had the same girl that is assistant manager at the local day nursery. Really great with the kids and her dd is same age as ours so understands us fretting soemtimes.

BUT our ds is nearly 6, very verbal and very bright and I don't think he would ever keep secrets or not say if there had been a problem with dd (17months) so I do feel slightly safer because of that. Not so sure I would leave a tiny baby unless i 'knew' the person they sent at least through other people. HTH

On the whole though fab service, useful texts to confirm everything and great sitters.

Tutter · 23/11/2006 07:44

yes, loads of times. the sitters are usually in their 30s/40s with kids themsleves. most are nannies/cms. always felt happy to leave ds with them.

Neena28 · 23/11/2006 07:54

Get boking though if you want them near chritmas always really busy. We've got them booked for about 6 things in the next few weeks.

There is an offer on MN somewhere I think. Maybe where the white company/gltc discounts are?

Neena28 · 23/11/2006 07:55

Booking and christmas...

carrie6120 · 06/04/2010 17:34

Hi,

I am an Ofsted Registered childminder based in Downend in Bristol who also does some babysitting if this would help anyone? I am CRB checked and can provide references for your piece of mind. (www.carriechildminding.co.uk)
I am quite busy but would be glad to help if anyone is stuck.
Carrie x

NK5c74826eX126faefc14d · 06/04/2010 19:59

We use them and they are brilliant! I don't think they fact that they are strangers makes it any more risky tbh. You could get to know someone really well and something could still 'happen'.

How old is your ds and what exactly are you afraid of happening with a sitter?

Lerato · 06/04/2010 20:41

We have used sitters for the last 3 years. They are great. Don't always get the same person as we tend to be a bit disorganised. Never had an issue. It is a bit pricey - eg having to book for 4 hours. An added bonus is that it is national so have booked a sitter when we have been away on holiday.

Karoleann · 07/04/2010 15:44

I've used them for nearly 4 years and they're usually okay. I don't tend to use them for anyting important though - birthdays, anniversary as I've had two occasions when they've cancelled at short notice (one was my birthday, the other our anniversary). All the sitters we've had have been great, we only had an issue with one who didn't speak that good english. I like the fact they've all been CRB checked

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