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Original poster

Has anyone ever used a babysitting agency?

9 replies

jane313 · 02/07/2004 22:31

I live in west london and I see plenty advertised but have not met anyone who has tried them. I have only ever had one friend to babysit (not through choice but no one else has ever offered!) But I am planning to get married next year and although we are doing this whilst on holiday we may be having a sort of reception/party later to celebrate. I would want my friend to come so have though of using a service but leaving my son with a stranger that I haven't established a relationship with seems very odd. Anyone here done it. Was it ok? How much does it cost?

OP posts:

mrsflowerpot · 02/07/2004 22:41

We've used Sitters a bit and they were excellent. I know how you feel as I was massively stressed before the first time, but the lady who came to us came early the first time to see ds (who was only about a year old at the time) before bed and chat to us. She was so lovely (a mum of teenage children herself) that we asked for her whenever we used them. It wasn't cheap, but good for special occasions or when I felt we'd abused friend's good natures too much!

wilbur · 02/07/2004 22:45

We've been part of tha babysitting club of Annies Nannies for the last couple of years. It starts out and they give you five or six names that you can phone, chat to and ask to babysit. They are all checked and very experienced. The first time we went out I think we only went to a cafe about 5 doors down from where we live, just in case! Since then we have become good friends with two girls in particular and always try them first. When they can't do it and we really need someone, I call Annies and they sort someone out for me. We have always been very happy with the people they send - they are often NNEB qualified, or even mothers themselves. No stroppy teenagers anyway! HTH.

august24 · 02/07/2004 22:48

I use childminders. I moved from the USA and we didn't know anyone we cold ask to sit, so it was good to have vetted people to care for my girls when I needed to get my house, schools etc sorted. That said we have never had the same person twice even though I have requested people. Also we have had some sitters come from very far away(we live in North London and they sent people from the south) which is a problem if you want to stay out late and you have to worry about the last tube, or else pay for a taxi. All in all I think they are good in a pinch but ended up hiring a nanny, so now only use when said nanny is ill or away. But everyone we have had has been nice and honest and the girls have liked them all.

SofiaAmes · 03/07/2004 03:05

jane313,where in west london are you? I'm in Acton and could recommend two great sitters who are pretty regularly available in the evening. One is in Park Royal and is our children's childminder and the other is in West Ealing and is a good friend of ours (her day job is as a nanny).

Azure · 03/07/2004 11:29

I have used Sitters since DS was 4 months old. For the last year or so I have requested and got the same babysitter, which is nice as DS now knows her. The cost is £21 for 4 hours in the week plus a £4 booking fee, and there is a quarterly charge - but you don't have to pay for a taxi home. Check out the website sitters I think Mumsnet has a link to the site too with some money off.

Original poster

jane313 · 03/07/2004 15:33

the sitters website looked good thanks.

Sofia, I'mi n West Ealing!

OP posts:

PopsP · 03/07/2004 17:01

I have used Sitters several times and have always been very happy with the women sent. They have tended to be older ladies and we have never worried about leaving our children with them. They are expensive, but if you don't have local family members to rely on they are well worth the money.

calcium · 05/07/2004 21:09

I too have used Childminders and live in south london, they were good, I got the same lady each time and she had a car so no worries about getting home however it is expensive and you have to have them for a minimum of 4 hours which is fine for big evenings out but not much good for cinema trips or dinners locally. It doesn't stop you worrying though!

expatkat · 05/07/2004 21:20

Have also used childminders and was happy every time. I haven't used them in a year or two, though. If you have any friends who use a babysitter or nanny from time to time, it might make sense to establish a relationship with them, and ask them to babysit for the night. An agency like childminders requires an annual payment of I think 50 pounds, so it wouldn't be worth registering with them if you only plan to use the service once or twice.

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