Finding a regular babysitter takes time and effort but once you've found someone reliable, all that hard work will seem well worth it!

Assuming you can't ask friends or relatives, it's vital to choose a babysitter carefully. Don't take them at face value - ask for references and check them. Ideally, your babysitter will come on recommendation.

Make sure you know their address and telephone number. Never employ a babysitter your children don't like, there's probably a good reason for it.

Can they cope?
Look for the right skills - Do they have the authority to get older children to bed on time? Can they settle the baby to sleep the way she likes? Will they be able to keep your children happy and entertained? Will they comfort your child if she wakes up missing her Mum? Most importantly, can they cope in an emergency?

What does the law say?
There's no legal limit to the number of children a babysitter can be left in charge of but don't assume they can cope with a large family. There's also no law on how old a babysitter has to be, merely guidance. Click here for more on that subject.