SitterCity.com

Hi Moms.
I really got burned by using SitterCity. It is good for information, but many of the sitters exaggerate their credentials and experience. It truly is "buyer beware" and I figured I did NOT want to do that when it comes to watching my children. The last incident that happened was that we hired a sitter (stopped our search, she met the kids, the whole thing)and then she took another job closer to her home. When I commented to warn the other mothers, she slandered me on my profile. I contacted SC several times, but they did not remove her comments until I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. All mothers that I know are tired already--that is why we are looking for help. With SC, you must do all of the background checks and verify what the sitters are saying. I'm sure there are some really good sitters there. However, even if I were a sitter, I would want the protection of a placement agency also. They don't know any more about the families than we know about them. Who needs the stress?
I had heard of Midwest Nannies for years. They have a very good reputation. We love our nanny from there. The counselors are former nannies and they really care about making good placements. Check them out. You can get temp., doulas, part-time permanent, full-time permanent. You also can get a sort of insurance policy if someone does not work out.
If you don't want to pay the nominal fee for them to begin a search for you, you can buy their booklets on how to hire/keep a nanny. I believe the prices to begin a search and to purchase the DIY info. are about the same. www.midwestnanny.com
Good luck, Everybody!
Amy

I have had very good luck with sittercity.com. But you still need to do your homework and check references. Also, Greataupair.com has worked well for me to find someone for a steady schedule to come once a week. Hope this helps!

I and some other friends have successfully used www.helpersabove.com for finding nannies/babysitters. They screen all their nannies and Colleen Finnigan, the president, is very personable and wonderful with you. Check it out!

I love sittercity.com. That is where I found our nanny. She has been with us now for a little over a year. My daughter just adores her too. She is great with her. I would recommend it to everyone who needs a babysitter or nanny. In fact my bosses wife it the one who recommended it to me. The only thing you need to remember is to interview that is how you know what you are getting.

Welcome to Chicago, the weather is gross isn't it?

I initially signed up for sittercity but thought that it was too expensive and not too useful. We had good luck with secondcitynanny.com - it is a free website and is specific to the Chicago area.

Best Wishes! Stay Warm. A

I had heard about sittercity before the special on Today show (I saw that today too). Although I don't know of anyone who has gone through this service. I would be really interested in finding out.... and any other babysitting services. :)

I had a good experience with Sittercity. I put out one ad and receive a ton of e-mails so I felt I could be really picky about who I chose. You do have to check references but wouldn't you do that anyways? We are moving and I plan to use Sittercity again when I need a new nanny.