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Sitters for Newborns
Finding the Right Babysitter for New Babies
By Katherine Bontrager
It's for this reason that Cooper started up MommyMixer in Austin, Texas, some five years ago. The company helps introduce college girls, who are typically busy and not able to reach out to those in need of sitters, with families in a safe and comfortable setting. Each Mixer lasts an hour and allows moms to personally interview a number of candidates and leave with a list of potential sitters. The response was so overwhelming that the company is now in 22 cities with more being added this spring.
Aside from nanny and babysitter services and companies such as MommyMixer, parents can turn to friends, neighbors, church groups, local schools and sometimes daycares as sources for babysitters. Your best bet are parents who have the same needs and concerns as you do, so talk to other moms and dads and find out who they trust with their newborns. Many hospitals also provide daycare services and may be able to pass on the names of trusted services where parents can turn. Obviously, a newborn has needs that differ from that of a toddler. For that reason, turn to sitters who have experience with little ones.
Cooper says that parents who are on the hunt for a babysitter should always, always start with references. "This will provide a great background on actual work experience with other folks' children," she says. "If Mom or Dad feels a background check is necessary and that they would feel more comfortable completing one, then absolutely go for it."
She also says that there are key questions every sitter should be asked before they're entrusted with your children. "I always ask about family and their previous experience with children," Cooper says. "Ask if they have experience or are comfortable handling babies, as some people are not. Ask how they would respond in an emergency."
