Babysitter - Clinton,MD

Updated on May 13, 2010
K.C. asks from Waldorf, MD
7 answers

I have a 5 months old son. I'm not working yet but when I do. I'm a first time mom so i'm nervous. What is a good age to send him to a babysitter?

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C.W.

answers from Washington DC on

We sent out daughter to a sitter at 3 months old. We went out to dinner when my son was 3 weeks old. It all depends on what you are comfortable with. It will be harder on you than him but each time it gets easier.

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P.G.

answers from Washington DC on

If at all possible, hire a sitter to come to your home when you wish to return to work, check references carefully and try to have someone referred through word of mouth by someone else in either your neighborhood or someone for whom the person has recently worked. Children who are young (3years old) will have more time for their immune systems to mature and have fewer upper respiratory and ear infections if cared for in single home settings without other young children, and will have fewer bacterial and viral exposures. Then there is also the incredible factor of simplicity for you and your child, with your baby not having to be awakened when still sleeping, rushed, fed and bundled out of the house early in the mornings, or you staying home if he is too ill to attend a sitters session, but has seen a doctor and is merely recovering and may need a little more rest or quiet or sleep. In-home care can not always be arranged, but if you have a chance to find the right sitter to come to your home, you will be extremely satisfied with the balance it allows for your work and parenting. good luck.

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J.M.

answers from Sheboygan on

The best age to send your child to a babysitter is completely up to you. You need to be at a point where you are comfortable with someone else taking care of your child, and if you're not there yet, you're not there. You may want to try an hour here and there with a trusted friend or family member watching your child to see how you do. Make sure that you check any and all references that you receive for the babysitter, and if you can, have the sitter to your home where all of your child's things are, and you can come home at any time, unannounced. If you're looking at sending your child to a regulated daycare, check their licensing, references, and speak to others who have their children enrolled there.
My twins (16 mos.) didn't have a "real" babysitter until they were 7 1/2 months old, but she is also a trusted friend and has wonderful references for childcare. She also comes to my home to watch my children, which is great for me, as I don't have to pack them up to go somewhere, unpack them, and then repack them to come home.
Good luck to you, and again, make sure you are comfortable with the situation before you do it!

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D.W.

answers from Gainesville on

That's a tough one. Do you have to go back to work? I've been a stay at home mom since my first and I wouldn't trade it in for the world. It's a tough job and some days are very stressful but the other days more than make up for it.

But I understand that some moms have to work, that it's just not possible to stay home. Stay home as long as you can is the only advice I can give. The days and years go by too fast.

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D.M.

answers from Norfolk on

I did not ever get a babsitter until my sons were seven and ten. I always took them with me, asked their dad, or a trusted friend. I have always stayed at home. Now if I have to run out, my older son is thirteen, and I let someone know they are home. Really good rules of thumb, as I hear, are do background checks, do nanny cams and wait until they can verbally communicate so they can tell you if something is amiss. Some people actually prefer a good daycare for these reasons, although, the personal attention will lessen and the sicknesses will increase. I really like what Dori had to say. Pray over your decision. Good Luck!

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M.S.

answers from Chicago on

its different with all kids...my son is 16mo and even though this friend has watched him since he was a few months....he screams and cries when i walk up to the door with him...he knows mommy is leaving but its getting better he still cries initially but stop soon after......my other two boys were great with the sitter we had ....i think with jacob its that ive been home with him since day one....but i think the sooner you introduce them to the sitter the better they can get use to them and grow a bond.....but just keep in mind that he might cry initially but it will get better.....

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L.A.

answers from Reno on

Well I've only let my little guy be babysat by my sister once and I called 6 times ( we were gone 2 hours) I still don't want to take him to a sitter even though I'd love to see a movie with my husband some time I just get all worried about leaving the baby. I don't know if it'll ever be comfy, but if you're nervous try having the sitter there and watching the baby while you do some chores and such. That way you can see her style and your baby can get acquainted while you're still there if something goes wrong and then maybe a few short errands for like 30 minutes. ..that's what I plan to do

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