How to Use a Babysitter Service

The need for childcare has increased significantly in recent years, primarily due to new mothers returning to the workforce much sooner after giving birth. Almost 60 percent of mothers are back to work within a year of giving birth, and many use babysitter services to provide quality care for their children.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Search online for a babysitter service in your area. Every major city in the country has at least one such service, and can respond to your needs promptly. Among national services, VIP Babysitting Service is a good choice (see Resources below). The company serves more than 40 cities nationwide and can accommodate as many as 500 children at a single event.

2. Share a nanny with other parents to reduce costs. Some services allow parents to share a nanny if they can work out a schedule that provides adequate care for the children and doesn't overburden the nanny. Ask your selected service to see whether they offer this kind of arrangement.

3. Determine whether you are eligible for a tax credit. Depending on your income and qualifications, you can deduct 20 percent to 30 percent of your childcare costs from your tax obligations. Some states offer further deductions and credits for childcare, so check with a local accountant to see whether you qualify.

4. Make sure the service is licensed by the state, as this is a requirement of all daycare providers. Also, find out the nanny turnover rate, since this provides comfort in knowing that you'll be working with the same nanny on a consistent basis.

5. Conduct a thorough interview with your assigned nanny and make sure that you are a good fit. While nannies from babysitting services are almost always experienced, it is still important to ensure a stylistic compatibility between the nanny and method of parenting you use and prefer.

Tips & Warnings

• Babysitter services are among the most expensive ways to provide care for your children, so consider other options if your finances can't accommodate the $10,000 to $25,000 per year it may cost. Family daycare and center care cost significantly less, but you don't get the one-on-one care that a nanny provides. Also, expect to pay the babysitter service a fee up front to process your application and match you up with a nanny.
• Hiring a nanny carries with it many fiscal and legal responsibilities. Visit Parenthood.com for an article on the laws and regulations that apply to child care (see Resources below).

Resources

• Parenthood.com for information on employment regulations
• 4Nanny.com for information and classifieds
• VIPBabysitting.com for information and rates

[sheila325]

on 7/2/2009 Thanks for sharing this article. To find free nanny jobs, you can also check out Nannytoyou.com for free online database of thousands of nanny jobs. Hope this one helps.

www.nannytoyou.com

[sennamom]

on 7/9/2008 Don't use 4Nanny.com! It sucks! I signed up then changed my mind and canceled within 24 hours. They refused to give me any refund. They took my $99 and did nothing for me! DO NOT USE 4NANNY.COM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1