Ask A Boston Expert: How To Find The Perfect Babysitter

Alicia Mazzarini works as a placement counselor for Boston Nanny Centre, Inc. Not only has she worked as a child care provider, but she also knows what it takes to hire the perfect babysitter because she is a mom herself. Below, you will find Alicia's top tips for finding the best caregiver for your family.

Mazzarini: "I have been working with children for over 14 years in different capacities; Teacher, full time nanny, babysitter and now mom to an 18-month-old. I also have been working at Boston Nanny Centre, Best of Boston winner for 2014 Best Nanny Referral, since 2008, where I spend my days screening nannies and working with families to find nannies that will best support them. Having been a childcare provider, working at Boston Nanny Centre, and now being a mother myself, I feel like I bring a unique and well-rounded perspective to this topic."

Mazzarini: "Of course you want to speak with professional childcare references, but also make sure you get a wide variety of references, including personal and non-childcare employment references. Make sure you have a clear timeline of their work history so it is clear they are not leaving out a family that may provide a less than favorable reference.  As for background checks, we run comprehensive checks on candidates which includes criminal record, driving record, sex offender registry and social security number trace and verification. We feel those are important checks for a family to feel fully confident, and comfortable, with the person who could be caring for their children."

Mazzarini: "Not only should you interview a potential child care provider, but let your children 'interview' them as well. You want to be able to see how your children are connecting with this care provider, and get a feel for how they interact with your child(ren). As for myself, when interviewing, I would always make sure to interact with everyone in the family — parents, children, and even pets!"

Mazzarini: "When interviewing, find out what kind of training this person has, i.e. first aid, CPR, lifeguard training, nursing background). Ask situational questions about what they would do in an emergency. You want someone who you feel could handle any situation that arises and do so in a calm manner."

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Mazzarini: "Communication is key to any successful relationship. Make sure your sitter is someone who you feel like you can communicate clearly with. He or she should return messages promptly, and should be receptive to your feedback. When interviewing, talk to the care provider about your childcare philosophies to make sure you are on the same page. When nannying or babysitting, I am always sure to follow exactly what the parents' wishes are, no questions asked, and no judgment. I look for the same in babysitters for my daughter. I want someone who will be consistent in what my husband and I have implemented, whether it is her schedule or just that we don't want the TV on."

Mazzarini: "This is the most important thing I have learned in my years at Boston Nanny Centre. If there is something that you feel is off, trust that feeling.  This person will be in your home, taking care of your most prized possession(s) — you want to make sure you feel 100 percent comfortable when you walk out the door that they will be well taken care of, happy and loved."

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