Dos and Don'ts for a New Babysitter in Your House
Safety/First Aid:
Make sure that the babysitter knows infant/child CPR and Rescue Breathing.
Remind the babysitter that infants should definitely not be placed on an adult bed of any kind.
Remind the babysitter that the baby should be placed on her/his back to sleep.
Make sure that the babysitter knows the signs of illness in an infant including: changes in skin color, sweating, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
The babysitter must know where the fire extinguishers are kept, and explain how they are used.
Be sure to show the babysitter where the first aid supplies are kept.
Remind the babysitter to keep all balloons or plastic items away from the baby.
Instruct the babysitter that children should never be unsupervised in the bathtub. He/she should take them with him/her if they must answer the telephone or the door bell.
Remind the babysitter to keep the bathroom door closed, and the toilet seat and lid down when not in use.
Familiarity with your House:
Before leaving, be sure to give the babysitter a tour of the house.
Ensure that all windows have been closed, and that the babysitter knows to keep them closed.
Show the babysitter how to operate your child safety gates, and indicate where they need to be kept.
Also show the babysitter where the flashlights are located.
Make sure that you have put away all sharp items including scissors, knives, and any other objects that can cause injury.
Child care is more than a service that allows parents to work. It is a world that is bound to affect a child development in many ways physically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially.
About the Author: Paul Banas was looking for a business idea that would allow him the flexibility to spend time with his family. Paul Banas is a founder of GreatDad.com - a leading source of experience, recommendations, inspiration and advice for dads - delivered from the male perspective.
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