Find a babysitter... Where? How? How do I know if I can trust them?? Well, I've got one word for you: LxBlue!
After that, you're on your own - you can call, email, invite them over for an interview, or just go ahead and book them to watch your kid(s). You will negotiate rates and pay the sitter or nanny directly. LxBlue doesn't get involved or take commission after contact information is purchased and received.
How LxBlue worked for me:
I recently had a work event that I had to find a sitter for. Our FIRST sitter. I logged onto LxBlue and quickly narrowed it down to 3 women in our zip code that sounded nice. I purchased the Peace of Mind package for one, only to find out she wasn't available for the day/time I needed. Whoops! I changed my strategy and posted a job ad and within a few hours had a response! I purchased her Peace of Mind package, called her, and she came over to babysit the next day! I was totally nervous, but from the second she walked in the door she was polite and kind and started playing with my son right away. She arrived early, which was great, as she could hang out with my son while I was getting ready, and by the time I left I knew he was in great hands. When I came home 6 hours later, the house was in tip top shape and my son was taking a nap in his crib (something I haven't been able to get him to do in about 6 months!!). Wow. This whole babysitting thing can be pretty freaking awesome.
I want to give a huge thank you to LxBlue for helping me feel a little less nervous with our first ever babysitter, and also a virtual high five to the great, awesome, and lovely babysitter we used, Nikia!
How LxBlue works:
There is no subscription fee. You just go on their website and search! You can narrow down your search by zip code, babysitter / nanny, live in / live out, and a variety of desired skills (see the screen shot below).