It can be difficult to find a good babysitter. Parents must carefully consider any person left in charge of their children, as child abusers may advertise themselves as babysitters. 

When choosing a babysitter, avoid using newspapers if you can and try to find someone you know:

• Get a trusted friend or family member that you and your child feel comfortable and happy with. 
• Ask friends to recommend someone. 
• Make arrangements with friends to babysit each other’s children. 
• If you must use a stranger, ask them to put you in touch with someone they have worked for before.
• Preferably find someone over 16. 
• See if your child reacts badly when you say a babysitter they know is coming. 
• If you are worried, ring home and ask to speak to your child. Be wary if the babysitter makes excuses and stops you talking to your child. 
• You should certainly not mistrust all male babysitters, but be careful of men who always volunteer to babysit and who are more interested in your child’s friendship than yours. This could be a warning sign. 
• Give the babysitter emergency telephone numbers and other contacts. If you don’t have a telephone, make sure the sitter has access to one e.g. with a neighbour or a public telephone.