Babysitters? « Back to Group Discussions

[SouthernStormy]

When are you planning on leaving your little one with a babysitter for the first time?

I'm having a huge dilemma. As most of you know, DH is leaving for Army basic training in 2 weeks and we won't see him again until Christmas- and then after that he'll be gone another 6-7 months. We have an event we'd like to go to- I'm part of the review site "Yelp" and I'm also an elite on Yelp which means I get invited to special monthly events. Since becoming an elite it has not worked out to where I could attend an event. There is an event coming up in a week and I figure it would be a nice evening out for me and DH. Usually the events are held at restaurants or bars and have free food and liquor sponsored.

One one hand I really think it would be lovely if DH and I got a night out together, just he and I before he leaves for basic.

On the other- I'm not so sure I'm ready to leave my baby with anyone. If I had family nearby to babysit, I think I would be a bit more relaxed (maybe).

[SynEpona]

I'm not sure when I'm planning to leave DD with a sitter ... probably not for a while as we have no need to.

DS had his first babysitter for my 6wk PP doc's appt. A friend of mine watched him, and he slept the whole time -- I was only gone for 45 min or so.

For a whole evening out, it was when he was much older, but again, we didn't have any real need to have a sitter ... we can take kids to most of our social events.

[kylaskye]

Not planning on leaving Liam with a "babysitter" anytime soon. I'll have to leave him with my MIL 3 times a week for about 5 hrs at a time in 3 months, and I'm so not looking forward to that.

[Tamera]

I haven't left my kids very often but I would if I had someone I knew I could trust.

You live in the Austin area right? If you're interested, my sister lives in Round Rock. She's one of the only people I would leave my own kids with if I didn't live in San Diego. You can PM to talk about it more if you want.

[SouthernStormy]

Originally Posted by Tamera 

I haven't left my kids very often but I would if I had someone I knew I could trust.

You live in the Austin area right? If you're interested, my sister lives in Round Rock. She's one of the only people I would leave my own kids with if I didn't live in San Diego. You can PM to talk about it more if you want.

Yea, we're in Austin. I have a friend from work that I trust that wants to keep her. If anything changes though, I may PM you.

Normally I would never, ever consider leaving her this young, but I think it is imperative DH and I have at least an hour or two alone before he leaves. The relationship is going to be so strained with us being apart for so long, I want at least a little time thats just us together before he ships out.

[Beckily]

Originally Posted by SouthernStormy 



Yea, we're in Austin. I have a friend from work that I trust that wants to keep her. If anything changes though, I may PM you.

Normally I would never, ever consider leaving her this young, but I think it is imperative DH and I have at least an hour or two alone before he leaves. The relationship is going to be so strained with us being apart for so long, I want at least a little time thats just us together before he ships out.

I really agree :)

[Baby_Cakes]

Originally Posted by SouthernStormy 
Normally I would never, ever consider leaving her this young, but I think it is imperative DH and I have at least an hour or two alone before he leaves. The relationship is going to be so strained with us being apart for so long, I want at least a little time thats just us together before he ships out.

I 100% agree mama.  Do what you need to do.  I think she'll be just fine for a few hours, and it's important that you guys get some time together.

I wish I could find a non-family member babysitter.  We only leave Nora with grandparents, which is great, but it can be difficult too.  When it's family and they do something you don't like, like discipline weird, or set weird food rules, it's hard to criticize.  But if you hire someone, they follow your rules.  One afternoon DD didn't want her sandwich and wanted to eat 2 or 3 plums, and my MIL wouldn't let her and argued with her over it.  It's like, just let her eat the plums.  WTF??

[nald1]

She'll be moe than fine- and you will benefit from knowing that when DH is gone and you may want/need the help.  We have the hard time separating- the LOS are fine :)

[CrazyCatLady]

I will go ahead and out myself.  I have a nanny for my dd for when I work.  I also have two other back up nanny's and three babysitters all available on call in case I need them.  Then there is always my mom, though I live kind of far from her now.  I am on my own with this baby and I never wanted to be in a position where I need help, and don't have any.  I found them all on care.com.  I narrowed 90+ applicants down to these 6 amazing ladies.  That is probably excessive for most people, but my work has crazy unpredictable days/hours and I wanted to be prepared.

You and your dh should go to that event before he leaves.  You deserve a special night out.  The baby will be fine and it sounds like you already have some great options for people to watch her.  I hope you two can relax and have a great night at the event.

[nald1]

I have also used Care.com and had great luck.  i hired our first sitter when DD was 9 months- BUT I had help almost daily from my parents and husband before that.  We now have a sitter that I bring DD to, both parents, school 3 days/3 hrs a week - and a teen girl who can watch DD as needed.  i am ALL about getting the breaks you need to be better moms- and wives.