The process of hiring a babysitter for an infant or baby is often scarey for any parent. If you have an infant or young child that doesn't yet talk or cannot tell you what's happened while you're away, your upfront screening is serious baby safety business.
First and foremost, read a lot of publications on interviewing a babysitter. Although these tips are great, this is by no means a comprehensive guide.
Next, decide on what you need in a babysitter. It's good to have a list of non-negotiables so you can visualize your ideal candidate. Also, put together a list of requirements you need in addition to the interviews. You will want to consider a background check and a number of references among other things. Never use personal friends of the candidate as references. Keep in mind you are not just interviewing and investigating the babysitter for baby safety specifics, but need to weigh virtually everyone your baby or small child will have contact with while in the care of the sitter. This includes other children that she may be caring for in addition to yours and anyone else that might participate in the care of your child. For example the sitter may have teenagers that help after school or other family members that live in the home. The more people that will have access to your child, the more thorough and deep you need to dig into the total environment and the stability of everyone involved.
Listed below are good interview questions to ask. Remember you do not want to give away your preferences to the person you are interviewing or they will simply give you back the answer you want to hear. If you say you are looking for a high energy person, they likely will work to convince you how they are energetic but in reality might sit in front of the TV all day. Pay attention to both verbal and non verbal feedback in order to find out the person's hot buttons, level of confidence, sincerity and trustworthyness. Your goal is to peel back the layers and really find out about the person you are entrusting your precious child. The more comfortable you can make the person during the interview, the more likely you will get good information about the person and the care they will provide your child.
Tell me about where you grew up and your family growing up?
What is your experience caring for children and what ages of children have you watched in the past?
Walk me through a typical day at your home,
What would you do if my child broke something in your home?
Do you wear a seatbelt when you drive?
What are your long term plans? Moving? Looking for a job?
Will you be transporting my child anywhere while babysitting? If so, ask about the vehicle and car seat and seatbelts.
What are your views on discipline? How would you handle a crying baby?
What are your favorite activities would you do with a child the age of mine?
What do you like to do in your spare time? Any hobbies?
What televisions shows do you enjoy watching?
Tell me some of the rules in your home?
What was the most infuriating situation you ever came across while babysitting?
Do you have any pet peeves about parents you've worked for in the past?
Have you ever had to handle an emergency while babysitting? What happened and how did you handle it?
Do you have any first aid experience?
Who lives in the home or visits regularly that might care for my child while in your home?
Do you or does anyone in your home smoke?
What is your policy if my child is sick?
What pets do you have? (don't assume because you can't see them they don't have pets)
What ages of children are you most comfortable with?
How do you feel about phone calls or if I pick up my child without calling early if I get off work early for example?
At the end of the interview offer to answer any questions the candidate might have. Usually at this point it will have gone one way or the other. If you really feel good about the candidate you should clear your other requirements like background check, driver's license, and references. Validate that the candidate also wants to move forward and if so, arrange to bring your child over to see how the potential sitter and your child get along, as well as how your child does with any other children of the sitter or children the sitter will be watching in addition to your child.
