New to the world of babysitting, please help...

[ncg]

I have recently had a lovely new baby girl. She is now three months old and I have found myself looking for some babysitting help so that I can do some work for a couple of hours a week. I am very reluctant to leave her but I really need to do a bit of work :( Sadly I do not have any family locally so am starting the daunting task of trying to find a babysitter? I'm a new mum and don't really know where to start? Are there any pro mummies out there that could advise me on how to begin? Big thank you x

[redjam]

I think maybe your lack of replies is because 'babysitter' implies evening help, whereas it sounds like you need someone during the day? Broadly speaking you've got the option of a nanny, nannyshare or childminder, all of which you can advertise for on here in the classifieds section (or you can read adverts from prospective childcarers). The best recommendation is of course word of mouth - do you have any other mummy friends who might have nannies/childminders who are on the nanny network and might know of someone who needs a few hours' extra work a week? Alternatively you could try contacting Joanne Bleau ([email protected]) - she runs the Southwark Council service for people who need odd hours of childcare. We found our brilliant nanny through her as I only needed a few hours' childcare a week.

The other option of course, if you really only need a couple of hours a week, is to team up with a friend in a similar position and take turns to look after each other's babies. Whatever you do, good luck!

[womanofdulwich]

if you can only work during school hours, you might easily find an au pair with a bit of spare time that will help you out on a regular or ad hoc basis.

[rose.imogen]

Hello!

I am a hungarian girl,who is working as part-time nanny,and who has a lot of free time during the day(9.30am-16.30pm)If you are still looking for somebody to help you,and you want to find out more about me,please contact me on my email a dress:[email protected]