Bringing Up Baby (While Working)

Whether choosing a daycare or a private babysitter, be sure to use a reputable agency or other resource, such as word-of-mouth referrals from other mothers in your neighborhood or your pediatrician’s office. Be sure to check references if you choose to hire an individual sitter. Keep in mind that candidates, in all likelihood, provide the names of former employers who are prepared to offer only glowing reviews.

No matter how much you trust your new babysitter or daycare provider, you are entrusting your child to someone you know little about. For further information on prospective babysitters, consider doing a background check. You can hire a private agency or choose from one of these web sites, all of which are Fair Credit Reporting Act compliant:

• Background Network Inc.: Crimcheck.com
• The Integrity Center Inc.: Integctr.com
• Intellichoice Inc.: Findoutnow.net
• Nanny Background Check: Nannybackgrounds.com

In addition to establishing a communication system, such as a mid-day telephone call or daily log, make a few surprise visits to see how your child is doing. Ask other mothers who are home with their children to keep an eye on your babysitter and to notify you if they have any comments or concerns. For further peace of mind, you may also want to consider using a hidden, in-home surveillance device, also known as a “nanny cam.”