One of the most difficult parts of having a baby is having to go back to work after maternity or paternity leave. After less than two months with a brand new little person, you have to find someone trustworthy to hand them over to. Going to hang out with Grandma or an auntie is one thing, but trying to find a babysitter or nanny that meets your needs can be a struggle, especially if you’ve never gone through the process before. Here are a few things to consider when you interview caregivers.
Where Do I Find One?
You can find nannies, babysitters, and other caregivers in your area by talking to family and friends, putting out ads, or finding job requests with services like Care.com or Angie’sList. Even if your grandmother’s second cousin’s great niece pops up, it’s still a good idea to meet, interview, and see how she interacts with your child.
One-on-One Caregiving
Having a nanny or babysitter in place for a newborn can be nice; it gives you the assurance that your little one is getting the one-on-one experience she’s been used to. It may also provide a little more wiggle room financially. On the other hand, finding a respectable caregiver is a very different experience from being able to walk into a slew of daycares.
Ask for References
One way to mitigate this is by asking the interviewee to bring references when you meet. And always, always contact those references. People can be unspeakably dishonest, and your interviewee is someone you don’t know. It is extremely important to make sure those references really exist. While you might want to eventually have the interviewee visit your home, or go visit hers if you plan to have Baby watched elsewhere, a well populated public place is a good idea for a first meeting.
Prepare Your Questions Beforehand
Have your questions prepared before you meet. Ask about her experience, previous positions, and reasons for leaving those positions. You can opt for standard job interview questions as well -- there’s a reason bosses ask those things. Manufacture scenarios and ask how your interviewee will handle them.
Remember that you are a stranger to her, as well. Talk to her about your expectations, any special needs your baby has, and what kind of a schedule you need. Get an idea of what she expects for payment, and know what the average is in your area.
Keep Your Options Open -- And Be Thorough
Don’t make any final decisions until you’ve had a few interviews with a variety of possibilities and checked into references. If you’re having trouble making a decision, ask for a trial run. This might mean leaving Baby with her for a half an hour, or inviting her over for a few hours while you are in the house. This allows both of you a chance to see how things will go. Remember, if your gut suggests something isn’t quite right, you should probably listen to it.
