Baby-Sitter Safety Tips

What is Baby-Sitting?
It's caring for babies and older children when a parent isn't home. It includes keeping kids:

• Fed
• Clothed
• Clean
• Happy
• And much more

Baby-sitting is a big job because kids have a lot of energy. They're experimenting exploring and growing fast. Baby-sitting means giving children the attention they need.

But most of all, baby-sitting means keeping kids safe!

Why Should I Learn About Baby-sitting?
Because baby sitters need to be prepared for all types of situations. Good sitters care about kids. The best are:

• Honest
• Responsible
• Sensible
• Patient
• Warm
• Able to keep their sense of humor

But just caring about kids isn't enough! A good sitter must also know the right thing to do at the right time. Learn the basics of child safety.

Caring for a Baby
Sitting for a baby means extra responsibility and extra precautions. Do it only if you've had experience or a parent teaches you what to do.

Feeding
You may be expected to give the baby a bottle, soft foods or some of both. Get directions (written if possible) about how much and how to prepare foods and the usual feeding time.

Playing
Very young children can't play for too long without getting tired or bored. Too much roughhousing can make it hard for a child to fall asleep quickly.

Sleeping
Toddlers need time to relax before going to sleep - try reading a story or playing quietly.

Bathing
(Do this only if asked by parent.) Bath water should be warm, not hot, and only a few inches deep. Have everything within reach before you put the child in the tub. NEVER LEAVE A CHILD ALONE IN A TUB - NOT EVEN FOR A SECOND!

Changing Diapers
Have a parent teach you if you don't know how.

Don't Sit for a Baby Who is Seriously Ill
A child who shows any serious symptoms needs a parent's care. Don't sit for a child that is:

• Vomiting
• Feverish
• Frequently complaining of pain

Call a parent immediately if a child shows any of these symptoms.

Keeping Kids Safe is What Baby-sitting is All About
"Get ready for work" by getting important information before you need it:

• Get instructions in writing whenever possible
• Write down emergency phone numbers and keep them near the telephone
• Take a tour of the house, and review the fire escape plan

When you're on your own

• Stay Safety-Alert at all times
• Be prepared for emergencies

Remember -- each time you baby-sit, you're trusted with a child's life!

Some Do's

• Stay awake. It's the only way to be aware of what's going on. Check on children frequently.
• Report anything out of the ordinary before you go home. A parent should know about anything from a tantrum to a slight injury.
• Concentrate on you job. The children's safety is more important than doing homework, talking to friends, or watching TV.
• Set a good example. Children will imitate almost anything they see -- good or bad.
• Come prepared. Bring a flashlight, police whistle (to get help fast), pencil and paper.

Some Don'ts

• Don't open the door to strangers even if they claim to be friends of the family. Keep doors locked.
• Don't tell a telephone caller you're alone. Explain that the the parent is "busy" and will call back later.
• Don't walk home alone at night. Get a ride or have a adult escort you.
• Don't ride home with an intoxicated adult. Call for a ride or taxi or have someone come to walk you home.
• Don't leave a toddler for a moment. It only takes a few seconds for an accident to happen.
• Don't go outside to investigate noises or prowlers. Turn on outside lights, make sure doors are locked, pull shades or drapes and call police.