1. Ask Grandma

One of the best ways how to find a babysitter is to just give grandma a call. For many of you, there is no one you would rather leave your children with than your mother or your mother-in-law. But that isn’t the case with everyone. If it isn’t with you, you might consider other family members. This is probably the most popular way of booking a babysitter for date night.

2. Ask Friends for Recommendations

If having grandma or another family member babysit is out of the question, ask your friends for recommendations. You especially want to ask friends that parent similarly and have similar values to your own. There is a chance that their sitter may be one you would feel comfortable with. Of course you always want to meet them and take time to interview them before you allow them to babysit your children, but this can be the solution you are looking for.

3. Look in Your Circle of Acquaintances

Many times, there are potential babysitters right under your nose. Chances are that you may even know someone who already babysits that you would approve of. Think about who you know in your circle of acquaintances. Consider who you may know from your church, your children’s play groups and other situations where you know people. Your babysitting problem may be solved by doing this.

4. Swap out Babysitting Nights with Friends

This is another option that some parents choose to use. They swap out babysitting nights with friends. If you are friends with a couple that has children, they would probably enjoy an evening out as much as you and your partner would. Ask them if they would be interested in swapping out babysitting nights. This could be the beginning of a lovely arrangement for you.

5. Ask the Experts

You can always ask the experts for some recommendations. The experts would be your pediatrician, your children’s teacher and other people that work closely with children. They know children and they are in a position to know what you need in a babysitter. This may be a dead end but it could also be a gold mine. You won’t know until you ask.

6. Call an Agency

If you are fortunate enough to live in an area where there is a local agency to call, you can go that route. Generally, a lot of the research work has been done for you in this choice. An agency will more than likely have required some sort of certification from those that work for them. They should also be able to give you references. This is another option to finding a babysitter for date night.

7. Search Online

There is the option of searching online for a babysitter. There are many sites such as care.com, babysittersregistry.com and sittercity.com. These websites can give you a starting point in your search. Of course, you want to choose someone carefully. You will want to ask for references and check them out.

Finding a babysitter for date night can be very difficult. How do you handle this situation? I would love to hear your perspective on the subject.