5 Tips For Hiring a New Year's Babysitter (It's Not Too Late!)

Congratulations — you not only made it through 2015, you were wise enough to make plans (child-free ones at that) to ring in the new year. Now comes the tough part — finding someone to watch the kids!

We spoke with Katie Bugbee, managing editor of Care.com — the online caregiver community — about the challenges of finding a sitter during the holidays. While babysitters are certainly at a premium, she says, "there are reliable local caregivers who are still available for New Year's Eve." The trick is knowing how (and where) to find them and what mama needs to do to keep them happy! Keep reading to see her tips, including the all important answer to how much you should be paying your NYE sitter.

Finding a Sitter
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Finding a Sitter

Finding somebody willing to give up their own New Year's Eve to watch your kids is never an easy task. Regular sitters often have their own plans, and parents are hard-pressed to find someone trustworthy to stay with the kids.

According to Katie Bugbee, managing editor of Care.com, "If your primary childcare is not available, college caregivers can be a great resource this time of year when most are on break and looking to earn some money."

If you're planning to pool resources with friends and have one sitter watch both families' kids, Bugbee recommends paying 50-75% more than your usual hourly rate.

Be Clear About Your Plans
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Be Clear About Your Plans

When hiring your sitter, be sure to tell them exactly what your evening lineup will be. If you expect to be home before midnight, tell her so that she can still make plans with friends. If you plan to be out until the wee hours of the morning, she may want to dress a bit more comfortably for a nap on the couch after the kids go to bed!

Plan Some Fun For the Kids and the Sitter
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Plan Some Fun For the Kids and the Sitter

Just because the lil ones are staying home with the sitter, doesn't mean they aren't entitled to a celebration. Have some party hats and noisemakers available (or materials for them to make some) and get them in on the action.

Bugbee also recommends, "Allow the sitter to let them experience New Year's Eve before midnight by watching another time zone celebrate (London or New York, depending on where your'e located) on the Internet. The more you offer the sitter, the more fun she'll have with the kids. And let her own some surprises, even if you've planned them. "

Expect to Pay
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Expect to Pay

New Year's sitters are at a premium, so expect to pay. According to Bugbee, "Expect to pay more than your usual rate. At Care.com, we see a 10% increase in hourly rates during the holiday season." She also reminds us that, "New Year's Eve can be a long night, and even if it isn't one of your usual sitters, it's customary to tip during the holidays. A tip can be rounding up to the next hour or adding on an extra hour's payment."

Plan Her Transportation Home
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Plan Her Transportation Home

Just because you picked your sitter up, doesn't mean you will be driving her home. Bugbee recommends planning her transportation in advance. "When you post a job, be clear if you're looking for a sitter with her own transportation. Arrange for a car or hail her a cab and pay for it if your sitter takes public transportation or you expect that you won't be able to drive her home."