Moved to Madrid a few weeks ago and looking for a babysitter. Not having much luck online other than classified ads, which I don't feel particularly comfortable with. Any advice on how/where to find a babysitter?

It would just be someone so husband and I can go out together occasionally, always after toddler is in bed. So basically just looking for someone to be here in case and therefore language etc is not relevant, I just want certainty (references, criminal checks etc.) that the person is trustworthy!

Thanks!

Never needed one but I would guess the Spaniards either take the child with them, rely on family or ask a trusted neighbour. Good luck.

We've found people to take the kids to school by word of mouth, and then also occasionally ask them to babysit. We've usually just asked other parents at the school, neighbours, or the consierge (if you have one). We did use Canguros, niñeras - Canguros, niñeras y servicio doméstico o busca trabajo de canguro y empleo doméstico once when we were desperate, we just had to make sure the girl's references checked out. It does take a while to find one because babysitting isn't so common in Spain.