Any tips on hiring a babysitter?

[Jamma]

Up till now we've only used friends and family as babysitters but this weekend there's a do which will feature all our friends and family so we're going to have to hire a random as a babysitter. My daughter's old enough now that she doesn't wake up of an evening so the person will most likely only be required to watch TV all evening.

There's a few people on this forum offering babysitting services but has anyone any advice on picking one? Would be good to give a teenager or an au pair a bit of extra cash but how do you know if they are reliable/not mental? Or indeed can anyone recommend anyone?

[Dulwich Born And Bred]

I always think either words of mouth ( recommendation)is the best or indeed they must have references from local families in which you can phone up/meet to ensure they have babysat for said family/families and there are no issues. I would not be keen on just hiring a random teenager or someone from here unless I know them or the family they have babysat personally.

I also would not want references from families who are not in the area, I would prefer someone local to the area.

It is all about trust really isn't it?

[Ann]

Agree with HeidiHi, my 16 year old daughter has done a lot of babysitting locally. She's always recommended by a nearby, well respected childminder who is also a forumite. PM if you're interested.

[Narnia]

Would any be able to tell me the going rate for paying a babysitter please?

[Jamma]

The one we got at the weekend charged ?6 per hour. But some go up to ?9.

I think ?6 p/h is entirely reasonable for just sitting. If there's actually some looking after required then maybe a bit more.

[sillywoman]

My 14 year old daughter & her friends charge ?4.50 an hour. But we're talking evenings here, she does just 'sit'.

[womanofdulwich]

I think if you want a more responsible person that can handle an emergency- and get their way home again by themselves -then ?6 is fair until midnight. If you want them to read bedtime stories and hot milk etc then maybe a bit more. My 18 year old son( first aid qualification and bike)still looking for babysitting if you need any. Thanks.