Babysitter safety tips

Most parents are very active in their children’s day-to-day activities but there are times when a babysitter is needed. Martin Simenc, who is a 15 year veteran of the safety and risk industry, recommends, “It is important to do a thorough background check or screening (when selecting a babysitter or childcare giver). You also want to make sure that your babysitter is trained in infant and/or toddler CPR depending on the age of your child(ren).” It is good to know something about your child’s caregiver such as their dependability, responsibility and if they are trustworthy to supervise your child(ren) properly and compassionately. Many people rely on word of mouth referrals from friends and family to select a babysitter. You may want to try asking neighbors, church members, family members, or close friends who they use to watch their own child(ren). Before you leave your child in the care of someone else there are some things to consider. Simenc suggests, “Make sure that your babysitter is well aware of any special need your child(ren) may have and leave multiple emergency contact numbers should an emergency arise. Neighbors or relatives may not be close enough to be able to respond to a situation.” It is easier to have an emergency plan in place before an actual emergency occurs. If your child is ill or taking any form of medication it should be noted and posted someplace that is easily accessible such as on the refrigerator door. Be sure to include the name of any medication, the dose being taken, when it is to be taken, and how long it has been taken. If your child has any food or other allergies these should be fully explained and written out as well. For example, some children are allergic to peanuts or food colorings that a sitter may not be aware of. Emergency contact numbers should be posted in a visible place like on the refrigerator or by the phone so they will be easy to find quickly if needed. Numbers to include on this list should be parent contact information such as a cell phone number or location and phone number of where the parent will be, pediatrician’s number, poison control hotline, and police/fire/EMS numbers. You may also want to include the names and phone numbers for family members or neighbors who may be able to assist if a minor problem comes up. It is extremely important for the babysitters to know the address and phone number of your home as well as the name and birth dates of each child in their care. Before you leave your child with a babysitter it is a good idea to set some ground rules or guidelines for the care you want your child to receive. It is ok to limit or restrict activities of the sitter with regard to having friends over, using the phone, TV, or computer, helping themselves to the refrigerator, and the like. Talk in advance with your sitter about what is to be permitted or what is off limits. If the child has a specific mealtime or bedtime go over the routine with the sitter before you leave. You also may want to offer tips to diffuse a temper fit or crying jag while the parent is away. An open line of communication is good to have between the parent and the caregiver. Encourage the sitter to ask questions if a point is unclear to him or her. Before the parents leave, it is important for babysitters to become familiar with their surroundings. The babysitter should know which doors are available to exit in the event of a fire or other emergency, make sure all windows and doors are locked, become aware of any family pet in the home, make sure no hazardous materials are within the grasp of young children, look for perils such as swimming pools or hot tubs that may require extra supervision, and locate the family first aid kit in case it is needed later. It is also a good idea to inspect and know the proper use for any baby gates, safety gadgets that are used in the home. Many of these will assist in deterring a child from getting into something they shouldn’t, but good supervision is always the best policy. There are numerous common sense items that could be added to the checklist, but bear in mind that your primary objective is to keep the child safe, comfortable, and in a reasonably good mood during a babysitter’s stay. A babysitter should never leave the house without taking the child(ren) with them. They should always know where the child is and what he or she is doing. If the child goes to bed or takes a nap the babysitter should check the child frequently and not assume everything is fine as long as the house is quiet. It is critical to make sure the child does not slip out of bed and get into some sort of mischief and to be sure the child does not get tangled in toys or bedcovers that may pose a risk of suffocation or strangulation. Use extra caution when dealing with high-risk areas of the home such as the kitchen, bathroom, stairs, or areas with standing water such as a pool, fountain, creek, or bathtub. Accidents can happen in a flash so be careful to eliminate potential problems before they cause an injury or risk of harm. Children should not be around a hot stove or oven while you are preparing a meal or snack. Food temperatures should be tested before serving items to a child to reduce the risks of burns to the hands or mouth. Try to see that barriers are in place to prevent falls down stairs or from furniture the child(ren) may climb on. If possible move objects that appear that they may fall on a child during play if you see a problem with their location. Also, if you smoke, do not do so while caring for a child. Accidental burns and fires can easily be started by the slightest carelessness or momentary lack of attention. Other safety tips for sitters may include keeping the house and exterior well lit, not answering the door for a stranger, not giving out personal information on the parent’s whereabouts to an unknown caller, not having visitors in the home while babysitting, not becoming preoccupied with your own activities while caring for the child and being prepared to spend time interacting with the child in age appropriate activities. These activities may include reading, playing games, making art & crafts, or other fun projects. Parents who investigate and research their choices of babysitters will be more at ease when leaving their child(ren) and the child(ren) will be more receptive to the situation as well. Finding a good fit between child and caregiver is key to a successful arrangement. A babysitter who is prepared and conscientious of the parent’s requests and the child(ren)’s needs will do very well caring for little ones and will most likely earn a good reputation along with lots of job referrals.