Babysitting Services Frequently Asked Questions
How might the altitude of the resort area affect my children?
All high country visitors are subject to the effects of altitude and children are no exception. Infants can be uncomfortably gassy and experience bowel changes and earaches. All children (and adults) are susceptible to increased risk of excess sun exposure and dehydration in the mountains. Sleep can also be altered, with changed breathing patterns and frequent awakening. Our sitters are alert to these possibilities. For more information on the effects of altitude, please visit the International Society for Mountain Medicine.
We are just visiting for the day. Do you have a facility where we can drop off our children?
No, our sitters typically provide child care at your lodging location. With special arrangement, they may be able to care for your children at a public facility, such as the children’s museum.
I have a reservation for tomorrow, but I haven’t heard from my sitter yet. What should I do?
First, double-check your cell phone voicemail. Also check your email. Your sitter has probably tried to call and leave a message. Some cell providers do not have a strong signal in the mountains. You may need to use a land line to check your voice-mail inbox. If that doesn’t work, please call our office and we will check with your sitter.
What activities will the sitter bring for my children?
Activities provided vary with the number and ages of the children, as well as the particular sitter. Some sitters will bring books, toys or games, others bring coloring books and crayons or craft projects. When your sitter calls before the appointment, please discuss what activities might be best for your children.
What if we return earlier than expected?
You may, of course, return to your lodging and children at any time, but the 4 hour billing minimum applies to all appointments. When you book, we ask for your best estimate of your return time so that we may efficiently schedule sitters. Please note that it is sometimes a hardship to your sitter if you, for example, reserve 8 hours of her time but use only 4.
Is the hourly rate less if my children will be asleep during the appointment?
No. The sitter is responsible for staying alert and keeping the environment safe, even if the children are asleep during some or all of the appointment. (over-night appointments excepted)
May other children be present without charge if the sitter is not asked to be responsible for those children?
If our sitter is the only adult present, the hourly rate is based on the total number of minors (under age 18) present during the appointment. If another responsible adult is present during the entire appointment, and is solely responsible for the other minors, the hourly rate may be based only on designated children. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
More questions? Contact us and we’ll help >