How to Find a Reputable Babysitter

I was also going to suggest care.com or you can check out your local YMCA. They have something called mothers morning out where you can leave your child (ren) usually from about 9-1. If you're a member (at least here) it costs $15 but non-members are $25.

You might try www.care.com They are a free website and people can have their backgrounds checked through their site.

Are you associated with any mom's groups in your area. It would be a great way to meet other moms while your kids played to see who might be a better fit. Then, maybe you can trade babysitting on the occasion you need it.

The best way is to network with some other mom's. Either you can trade babysitting or they might have some referrals. Otherwise, SitterCity is probably trustworthy. It will just be expensive. When my kids were little I restricted most of my appts to weekends or coordinated with my husband to be home. In a pinch you might be able to take your baby with you. Another option is to have a college student come by on a regular basis. College students don't always have classes daily and may be available. Good-luck.

You could also get connected with a site called mommymixer.com(i think that's it). It's a national group with local connections. You pay to attend one of the mixers where you get to meet sitters/nannies. They give you a book with all their names/info. Alot of the girls are college students and the last time I hooked up with them, most of the going price was about 10 an hour. This may be an expensive route to take but it might be an option. They hold the mixers about 2 times a year. Also, you might check some of the mother's day out programs and see if there are some potential sitters from that source.
Good luck...