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Step 1
Ask people you trust, such as relatives and close friends, for their recommendations for a good babysitter. It should be someone they have had long-time experience with and know well.
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Step 2
Check your local Red Cross to find certified babysitters who have been trained in caring for children.
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Step 3
Look at newspaper ads and the telephone book for babysitting services. Always check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the business you plan to contact is in good standing.
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Step 4
Meet in person with potential sitters and see how well they interact with your kids. You will be able to tell immediately whether or not your child feels comfortable with them and whether they can easily relate to children. Make sure sitters you are considering know what you expect from them and what kinds of responsibilities they will have. Ask them questions about their experience and get references from others they have worked for as babysitters.
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Step 5
Do a background check on anyone you are thinking about hiring to babysit for you. There is no such thing as being "overly careful" when it comes to who you allow to be around your children. You certainly do not want to run the risk of using somebody who is abusive or who may molest your child.
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Step 6
Make sure babysitter candidates are certified in CPR and that they know what to do in cases of emergency.
