Safe Babysitting

As parents, now is about the time when we start to consider our options for childcare in the summer. To assist you with these decisions, I’ve put together a list of reminders for what makes a good babysitter, things for you to consider when weighing your options, and information to have readily available. I’ve also included some information if you have a child who would like to start babysitting for younger siblings or other children.

Tips for Parents

⦁ If the babysitter is new, meet in advance and ask for references.
⦁ Consider short, “practice” sessions with the sitter you choose. These can be supervised while you’re at home or for just 1-2 hours at a time to build trust and ensure a good connection between the sitter and your children.

⦁ Outline specific expectations upfront and encourage good communication between you and the sitter.
⦁ Make sure that he or she knows first aid and CPR, as well as how to handle choking.
⦁ He or she should be at least 13 years old.
⦁ Consider the age of the babysitter and how many children you have, as well as their ages. Younger teens shouldn’t babysit for infants or multiple children at one time.
⦁ Leave instructions regarding routines and expected bedtimes.
⦁ Inform the babysitter of any food allergies and make sure that he or she has been instructed on how to administer emergency medications if needed.
⦁ Store any guns in a locked cabinet.
⦁ Inform the babysitter of any emergency plans for the house in case of fire.
⦁ Consider administering medications prior to leaving or have the exact amount ready to administer to the child.
⦁ Have emergency supplies available (such as first aid kit, flashlight) and familiarize your sitter with their location.

List of information to have immediately available

⦁ Phone numbers for both parents, trusted neighbors, doctor, police, poison control
⦁ Home address (and gate code if applicable)

Is your child ready to babysit?

⦁ Are they at least 13 years old?
⦁ Are they comfortable around children? Is there an age group they are most comfortable with?
⦁ Can they handle common emergencies? Are they first aid/CPR certified?
⦁ Are they trustworthy, reliable, mature, patient?
⦁ Consider a Safe Sitter Certification. There are several offerings locally as well as virtual options. This course is designed to teach babysitters how to prevent unsafe situations and manage emergencies. It gives tips for managing difficult behavior, basic ages and stages of child development, diapering training, first aid and rescue skills (CPR and choking), and life business skills (choosing the correct job and getting paid).

Finding the right sitter is important for you and your child. Take the time to ask questions, check references, and be sure they are the right fit for your family.

For more on this and other topics, head to www.healthychildren.org. This is a great resource for health tips designed for parents by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Should a situation arise in which your child needs to be admitted to a hospital, remember that Hendricks Regional Health’s dedicated pediatric unit is staffed 24/7 to care for children from birth to 18 years. Learn more at hendricks.org/pediatrics.