Tips for choosing a nanny or babysitter

I think this is a very important question to consider. For my family, it has been important that the babysitter has her own list of questions about eating times, sleep, routines etc. to help us know that they are thinking about our child. Also, how they engage and connect with the children, as already mentioned is always very telling. I also like to ask them what they would do in certain scenarios, e.g. if I was not contactable, who would they contact, what would they do if the kids became distressed etc.
I would also choose them based on recommendations from trusted others.

Over the years, I found that many babysitters looked great on paper, but they were a bad fit for our family, or did not connect well with my kids. As a result, I always arranged two "test sits" - one where I would stay at home (but out of the way), and a second where I would arrive home earlier than expected. To prevent the situation of hiring a babysitters who was inexperienced I usually relied on word of mouth referrals from people I trusted who had had positive experiences with a sitter.

Depending on the ages and needs of your kids, your personal preferences or needs might change, but I believe that a first-aid qualification is non-negotiable. I also always prefer my sitters to have a driver's license and their own transport for in the event of a medical emergency. Kids all have different personalities, but I think it makes it far easier if the baby sitter has a good connection and relationship with all of your kids. Lastly, I think it's important that you trust your sitter and know that they will follow your house rules and the instructions you give them.