First Babysitter
First Babysitter
Leaving your child with a babysitter for the first time
can be a stressful experience. Here are some suggestions to make this initial
experience more agreeable for you, your child and the sitter.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Start early asking friends, relatives and neighbors if they know anyone whom they could recommend. The YMCA or Red Cross may know young people who have taken a babysitting course.
When you find a sitter, try to have her come to your home before the actual date that you will need her. During this visit, you can see how the sitter interacts with your child. You can also go over your child’s bedtime, feeding schedule, favorite toys and any safety issues.
Have a babysitter’s checklist filled out (http://www.printablechecklists.com/menu/children.shtml ) and go over it with the sitter to see if she has any questions. Also have a signed consent form that will give a physician permission to treat your child in case of an emergency. Include any medical conditions or allergies your child may have, or any medications he may be taking. This form also needs to include any health insurance information.
The babysitter should know your home address and telephone number, as well as how to call your child’s pediatrician or pediatric nurse practitioner. She also should know the phone numbers for Poison Control, Fire, Police, hospital, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Make sure you leave the phone number and address of where you will be, and the best way to get in touch with you. If possible, also list the phone numbers of grandparents or neighbors in case you cannot be reached.
Try to make the first time for the sitter as easy as possible by having bottles already prepared. Specific directions for feeding are also helpful. If you have already bathed your child and put on her pajamas, this leaves more time for your babysitter and child to play before bedtime.
You may find some of these suggestions helpful, but if you still find yourself worrying the first time you leave your child with a babysitter, just pick up the phone and call and check on them. It’s important for you to have peace of mind so that you can enjoy your time away from your child.