Tips for choosing a babysitter

Consumer Reports News: February 18, 2010 01:58 PM

It goes without saying that you should be careful in choosing a person to take care of your children. Here are some guidelines compiled by Kyla Boyse, R.N., of the University of Michigan Health System, to help choose a babysitter you can trust.

Enlist a trusted friend or family member if possible.
Get recommendations from friends.
Trade childcare with friends who have kids.
Do not hire a sitter under age 12.
Watch your child's reaction when you tell them a sitter they know is coming, and listen to what you child says about the sitter afterward.
Meet the sitter in advance, and check their references.
Make sure the sitter knows CPR and first aid.
Ask whether sitters have taken a babysitting class from the American Red Cross. If not, encourage them to take it. If you have a sitter that you like, offer to pay them to take the class.

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