HI Amber,

We don't have any family in Australia and I don't really feel comfortable asking friends to babysit as they all have kids themselves. Also, DH works overseas for 6 weeks back for 2 weeks so I have a nanny in once a week for 6 hours to give me some 'me time', I also use this lady if DH and I want to go out to dinner when he is back home. I contacted a nanny/babysitting agency and she has been helping us since June last year, she is fantastic and I couldn't ask for anyone more lovelier to look after my kids and my kids love her. So if you don't have anyone to ask, then I would suggest you go through an agency (you can pm me - not sure where you are, for some agencies I have used - all their nannies have been fantastic) - if you find a great person then you can build up a rapport with them and they can help you out on a regular basis.

Good luck
Laurin

eta - I see you are in Melbourne, both the agencies I have used are Melbourne based. I also wanted to say, that it certainly pushes up the price of your night out - but worth it