babysitter

[Mum to cool dude]

We are now using DS's nursery nurse as a babysitter when we go out. DS is 28 MO and goes to nursery every day and has a nap there. Until now, I was usually the one who put him to bed, but now he's quite happy for DH to put him to bed. He never goes for a nap easily and our bedtime routine (from bath to sleep) takes 1.5 hour

DH would like Rachel (the nurse) to put him to bed when we go out so that we can leave the house before 8.30 - 9 pm. The thought causes me nothing but anxiety because I can see DS being puzzled with Rachel being in the house and Mummy and Daddy not being there. I cannot imagine that the resulting sleep would be peaceful for him and as to the chance of me enjoying myself whilst out, it is zilch.

Is DH being unreasonable or do I have a point in being against it ?
Many thanks in advance

[macsmum]

i know what you mean about wanting to be there for bedtime but if it was me and your lo knows this lady well i would go for it, what about going somewhere nearby the 1st time and ringing 30 mins after normal bedtime and checking he has gone down for the night if not then you could pop back!!!!! I was anxious when i 1st left ds with the babysitter (also a nursery nurse) to be put to bed but all was fine i did phone home to make sure he had gone to bed.

Emma

[mari]

I was anxious when MIL offered to put Alex to bed, but she went ok and slept all night.  She has put her to bed a few times now and it's so much easier.  She got used to it fairly quickly.  I would give it a go, if it doesn't work out then ok, go back to leaving a little later after bedtime.

What I did was write down the whole bedtime routine and what to do if she doesn't go to sleep (WIWO) and MIL followed my instructions.  She's a diamond!