Sitter City, A Mom's Best Friend

Run out of favors and "get out of the house" free cards from friends and family so you can enjoy a night out or simply have a break?

Let Sitter City come to your rescue

Understandably, one of the more challenging tasks as a parent is finding the perfect babysitter or caregiver to leave your children with. While no one else can really equal a mother's love for her own, it's definitely a relief to know that there are nice people out there who are dependable, responsible, and qualified to care for babies and young children.

Founded by iVillage babysitting expert Genevieve Thiers, this nationwide sitter-finding service website allows parents and sitters to create an online profile complete with photo. Its search for matches includes more than 30 criteria. Ease and safety are assured with a four-step screening process, obtainable references, background checks, and customer reviews.

Sitter City also offers registered nannies, pet and house sitters, elder care providers and tutors.