Id do the same plus have a nanny cam. You care about your baby so of course you want to make sure baby and sitter fit.

What I think is weird is people leaving their kids with complete strangers. I don't think your paranoid at all you sound like a good mom.

We've just recently got a nanny and we had her stay in the house whilst we were in it until we felt comfortable to leave him alone with her. In the end it was a couple of weeks of her coming over 3 days a week for 7 hours a time before I felt confident enough to leave them alone in the house. Then she took him out for a walk whilst I waited at home. It's a gradual process for both mother and baby to get used to a complete stranger. You sound like a caring mother that's all and whoever you chose should understand that too

I don't think that's odd at all. In fact plenty of people will hire someone to care for their kids while they are home so they can get work done or something. I once babysat for our neighbors. They knew me, but not really well. I was surprised when I showed up and they just showed me where the diapers and formula were and left right away. If it had been me I would have wanted a little time there with the person to make sure my kids were fine with them and everything.

Totally legitimate!

No I don't think you're being paranoid at all!!! I think having the person over to your house is a great idea. Maybe invite them over for dinner to do an interview. I also agree with checking out care.com they do background checks on all the people that are on the site. Or u could ask around. Ask some family/friends or coworkers if they could recommend anyone. Nanny cams are a great idea too. U gotta do what u gotta do to ensure your child is taken care of properly. Also before u do any sort of interview write down a list of questions u want to ask that way u don't forget some important things I want to know. Good luck I hope u find someone responsible to care for your baby!!! And date nights are so important to have once baby gets here!!!

I had a job like this once I was a freshman in college, I was also an early childhood major. I would only hirer high person if it's a friend of my family type thing some one I know would have to know them. If not I would want a young adult. I'm doin the same thing kind of with my niece this summer. If u don't have family or friends with older teens then definitely look in to care.com make sure they r trained in infant first aid and infant cpr good luck!!

Its perfect then! Definitely check care.com you never know what you'll find.

I've found 2 long term families before the one I work for now on there.

This new job I get to bring DD with and it is the best. I would definitely apply to your job!

Do you have any colleges or anything near you like that? I know a bunch of girls in the education department of my school nannied and babysat while in school! And they obviously had a lot of fun activities to share lol.

Your a good Mom for doing all this. Check their Facebook too because you can really tell a person by what on there.

Thanks for all the input! Capris, I'm planning on 1-2 nights a week, $10-$15/hour. That's why I thought it'd be a good opportunity for a teen or someone who just wants a bit of extra cash. I live in a small town, but I'll check care.com and see if I can find anyone.

I really appreciate your comment; it makes me feel less crazy-FTM.

References are a good thing too. Ask for families they've worked for.

I love care.com its where I find families to work for.

Are you paying per hour or week? Hourly 10 is the minimum I'd accept. Weekly I wouldn't think twice about the job honestly. Especially because I pay taxes on my money.

I love being told ahead of time about the cameras. The family im with now has 2 and they have a light that goes on when they're watching. They've told me the cameras aren't for me it's to watch their daughter.

I actually am over while they are there a bit. Whether it's for them to get work done, clean, cook, sleep. I dont mind at all. I completely understand that they could need baby free time.

I'd suggest asking for references as well. Doing a home check or having them come over to meet baby is always a great idea.

Not too much. I'm about to do exactly the same.

Nope , everything sounds like a good idea .. you can never be to safe with your kids

Not weird at all!!! I think it's a completely valid request, and you're even paying! You're putting your baby's life in someone else's hands. That's a big deal. You're not too paranoid at all.

Glitch.