After seeing a tweet about the need for a babysitter this morning I thought about how I will feel leaving Isobel in the hands of a stranger for the first time. So far we've arranged any outings between myself, Gav and my sister.

To be honest I am not sure how I'd feel leaving my little bundle with someone I don't know. This had me thinking this morning and I put a message out to my fellow mummy and daddy friends to see if anyone would like to start a babysitting swap shop. Trading in sitting hours there is no cost payment (apart from a cab if late at night). It means that it is more affordable for the parents to go out and they know they have left there baby/toddler with someone capable.

Firstly I am hoping for the swap shop to meet because this means creating new friendships and a wider social circle.

I am hoping that this also inspires other mums and/or dads to reclaim some time out without baby by taking the worry out of who they are leaving the little one with.

So has anyone else managed a group like this before and how did it work for you?