Caring for young children is very important job.
Babysitters are responsible for the children’s safety and must be able to react quickly and correctly in case of an emergency. For a printable flyer click HERE
Important Information for parents and sitter:
A babysitter and parents must be certain important information has been shared before the parents leave.
- Where are the parents going and when will they return?
- The phone number for parents, a relative and/or a neighbor can be reached in case of an emergency? Emergency numbers (9-1-1, poison control). The home address posted near the phone.
- Child's information (full name, date of birth, special food or medications / dosage, allergies). Health insurance information?
- Know the home escape plan and how to get the children out of the house. Be sure the home has a working smoke alarm.
- Know CPR. Never leave a child unattended when in a bathtub. If the home has a swimming pool, be sure all gates, access doors, doggy doors and windows are closed and locked.
- If meals are to be cooked, remember kitchen safety rules.
Remember, Children need to be watched at all times!
More Things to Know:
- If the home has a swimming pool, be sure all gates, access doors, doggy doors and windows are closed and locked.
- A baby sitter should not talk on the phone when taking care of children (unless there is an emergency).
- Don’t open the door to strangers, even if they claim to be friends or neighbors of the family, unless parents gave prior authorization.
- Keep doors and windows locked.
- Know where a flashlight is.
- What time is bedtime?
Caring for young children is a big job. A babysitter must be able to react quickly and correctly in case of an emergency.
- The infant is discovering his body. He likes to throw, hold, drop, tear, grab and roll. Dangers - puts things in his mouth, helpless in water, and can easily smother
- Toddlers are getting into everything. The toddler likes to bang, push, pull, put in, take out, jump, draw, and color. Dangers - swallowing things, falling, matches and lighters, heaters, poisons, and the stove.
- From the age of three on, children like active physical games, arts and crafts, blocks, pretending, games of skill, and reading. Dangers: streets, falls, stoves, heaters, matches and lighters.
Be Safe
Keep matches and lighters locked away from children.
- Trade sharp and electrical objects for something safe to play with.
- Keep portable heaters away from play areas, curtains, furniture, and the children as well. Contact burns are common for toddlers, especially if they fall against hot surfaces like space heaters.
- Don't smoke on the job. Baby-sitters have caused child deaths by smoking.
Remember, Children need to be watched at all times!
