First Time Having Babysitter While Awake...

I make a big deal out of having a babysitter over, that they will be playing with them and how exciting it is. We usually get a "special dinner" of pizza or happy meal if she is giving them lunch or dinner. Usually the babysitters know how to distract them by taking them from us. Be prepared for some crying to make you feel guilty, just know that it usually stops as soon as you are in the car. I used to worry about bedtime too, but I found that they actually did better for the sitter, go figure. I just let her know the routine a head of time. Have fun and enjoy yourself!

All good responses so far per meeting and interacting together with sitter first, and maybe having a special dessert. But I say "maybe" at this age vs older. I would definitely not do a toy or tangible item, and basically do not make this seem like a "big deal" to the child. It certainly is to the parents who can finally have a moment to themselves, but as time goes on you want this to seem a natural part of your child's life: mom&dad time away. Believe it or not, most children at bedtime just go to bed because they do not know what buttons to push with the occasional sitter! Take your cell and have fun. Be sure to schedule a date on a regular basis. Like every other Tuesday and stick with that plan. Give the night away a name you always use with your child. Then it is merely a part of the plan and they know to expect you are gone for dinner and bedtime. Even doing errands or grocery shopping together without your children can feel like a "date" :) Now, go have fun; you earned it!

Good for you for getting out! The sitter sounds capable, an adult, and I'm sure feels comfortable herself. I like the idea of having them meet beforehand if possible. If you have a usual routine, have the sitter follow that. If she's used to being read a favorite book or watching a bit of a movie/show, pop that on. She'll likely cry a bit when you walk out the door, but don't let that deter you. 95% of the time, the kid stops crying a minute after you're gone. Bring your cell and/or make sure the sitter has the number where you'll be, and trust she'll call you if she needs you...that said, enjoy yourself. A happy and rested mommy is the best gift you can give your child!

I would try having the baby sitter come over for an hour or two the night before and play with her while you are doing other things in the house. It shows your daughter you trust this person and she can get comfortable with her before just being left with her.

Congratulations on a night out and enjoy.

I suggest that you have the sitter come over for a playdate for an hour or two so your daughter can warm-up to her. I actually think you should have done this already, since if your daughter was to wake-up while you are out she could be very scared by a stranger in the house.

I think the toy idea is good, but kids can be finicky about stuff like that, she might just pull off the paper and walk away. I think it would be better for for the sitter to have some time to build rapport with her. You want her to feel secure and only time can do that. You could have her come over earlier, but I think a separate day is good. Let her change her diaper, and feed her her favorite foods, etc.

And the night you leave, say bye-bye and tell her you will see her later or scome kiss her later. Don't just diappear because that can be scary too. She will be fine when you are gone a few minutes.

Don't know if this will help, but the sitter may be novelity enough. Your child is going to want to show them "their" things. Also, I would definately have her come over an hour or so early to play with your child before you leave, especially if they don't know your child, if they do than this can be skipped. That way your child can become comfortable while you're there. We, very surprisingly found our son is better at bedtime without us, don't think they can fight to get away from bed I guess. Good luck!!

I'm a nanny and began babysitting when I was 12.

I would recommend having the sitter come over early and let your daughter see you and the sitter interacting, maybe all play together.

Instead of a new toy, what about a special dessrt she and the sitter could have together after you leave. One family I used to sit for would bake brownies or cookies with the kids before I got there and would have ice cream. Since it was extremely rare for the kids to get a treat like that, they LOVED when I came over because it meant they were getting that special dessert.