babysitters

[saphire]

My daughter is now 9 months. I would like to start going out again and be a "normal" person once more. The only thing is we don't know anyone with a teenage daughter who lives near by. The other mums with a baby don't really seem fussed about going out so are unwilling to start a babysitting circle. I've looked up the baby sitters website but it is £4 per booking and then £4.25 per hour on weekdays and a minimum of 4 hours. Before we even go out it will be £21. I was hoping for a regular weekly thing but we couldn't afford it. What have other people done?

We rely on family & friends...but not everyone has that priviledge.

I understand your problem Saphire. So far (DS 15 months) we have also relied on family only. However our nearest family is an hours drive away so not all that convenient. We go out about once a month at most but sometimes I wonder if its worth it. The arrangements always seem so complicated. But I suppose this way is better because like you we really could not afford that kind of money.

Is there nobody here in mumsnet that lives near you, who'd be willing to come to an arrangement where, say, you babysit for tham one night one week, and they do the same for you the following week?

Does your DD go to a nursery/childminder at all? They can often help. Also local colleges which offer NNEB/childcare courses might be able to help. You could meet the person first and check you'd be comfortable with them and they're probably a bit more child-competent than a teenager.

I use a nanny/babysitting agency and we have a regular weekly booking - mainly to force us to go out. However the prices you quote are about right.

It might be worth talking to your health visitor, or someone in your local Mums & Toddlers group to see whether there are any babysitting circles you could join.

I use two teenage sisters (18 & 16, they usually come together - the oldest one drives which is a real bonus!!). They were recommended through church friends & I met them first, & have also met their family. I pay £3 an hour.

I really recommend building up lots of local contacts - and once you find a good babysitter - treat her like golddust!!