Finding a babysitter shouldn't feel like a gamble. After years of matching families with caregivers, here's the exact checklist we use at Gencazee Care before any sitter touches a booking:

1. References that actually get called. Not "references available upon request." We call them. Every time. You'd be shocked how many people skip this.

2. The 3-scenario test. We ask every sitter: What do you do if a child won't stop crying? What if they refuse to eat? What if there's a minor injury? The answers tell you everything about their instincts.

3. CPR/First Aid — current, not expired. A certification from 2019 doesn't count in 2026. We require active credentials.

4. A real background check. Not a Google search. An actual background screening service.

5. A trial run while you're home. Book the sitter for 2 hours while you're in the next room. Watch how they engage. Trust your gut.

This is the bare minimum. At Gencazee Care, we go deeper — but if you're hiring on your own, start here. Your peace of mind is worth the extra 30 minutes of vetting.