How to book a last-minute babysitter for New Year's Eve

(ThinkStock Photos)
(ThinkStock Photos)

If you think finding a last-minute babysitter is hard, try finding one for New Year's Eve. The pool of contenders is shallow and the competition is fierce. Some parents starting booking sitters for December 31st all the way back in June. But it's not too late to start your search now.
Search online: If you've exhausted your personal resources, take your search to the web. Sites like Care.com and SitterCity.com have access to a massive network of caregivers. They also aid parents in background checks and reference resources.You can also search or post your search on community message boards like Craigslist or local parent-oriented forums, though strict background checks and references are essential. Finally check to see if your local PTA website has a forum you can search ads or post on.
Beat the Dec. 29 rush: Two days before the holiday is when the majority of parents post last-minute sitter requests on SitterCity.com. So try to beat the crowds by booking a day or two earlier.
Dole out the dollars: To add incentive for baby-sitters with other plans on New Year's Eve, SitterCity.com recommends increasing the hourly rate by 50 percent. Check out their Babysitter Rate Calculator for standard fees in your area and double it. Another way to lure help last-minute is by offering a flat rate. A bigger dollar figure will garner more attention both online and through word of mouth.
Promise an extra incentive: Adding a bonus tip or a gift sweetens the deal. You could also pre-order a special dinner and movie lineup for your sitter and the kids to make the evening feel more festive. Top off the package by providing a ride home or car service to make their evening as low-impact as possible. But book a car service a few days ahead of time, since drivers are hard to come by on New Year's too. Ask to share: If you know a friend or family member who has already booked help, see if their sitter is willing to spread the love. Offer to double the hourly rate already planned. Chances are if someone's willing to sit on New Year's Eve, they won't mind making a little extra cash while they do it. Then, drop your kids off for their New Year's Eve play-date before you head out on yours.
Call local daycare centers: Some daycare centers stay open late on New Year's Eve or offer special "sleepover" parties.
Check with parents from your kid's school: Call up the parents of your kid's close friends' and find out if they're planning to stay home. If they are, perhaps they'll want to host a sleepover? They kids will have a blast. And the parent's hosting the sleepover can get their own New Year's treat: spring for their New Year's dinner delivery and promise a sleepover favor in return on another date. A belated bottle of bubbly when you pick up your kid can't hurt either.

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