Childcare/Babysitters – Tips for Familiarizing a New Babysitter with Child Safety and Your Home

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.

Also See:

• Choosing and Using Child Care