Baby sitting safety

Babysitting Safety Tips

Part of being a responsible babysitter means protecting yourself, as well as, the children you are watching
over. Therefore, it is important to learn a few safety tips that will assist you in performing your duties and
make you a more dependable babysitter.

First, before accepting a babysitting job, it is important for you to know the person who will be employing you as a babysitter. Check with their neighbors to find out what type of people they are before working for them. Also, prior to accepting the babysitting job, get specific information about the following:

Number and ages of the children you will be watching.

Bed times.

Food and eating requirements, medicines taken or special medical needs.

Information about personal habits of the children and what is expected of you.

Once you decide to accept a babysitting job, arrive early and confirm all of the above information and get any additional instructions, such as where the parents will be while you are babysitting and how you may contact them in the even of an emergency.

Additionally, you may want to consider learning first aid and CPR before taking a babysitting job. This will make you a more reliable babysitter and will also provide you with valuable life saving skills in case an emergency arises.

Things To Remember While You Are Babysitting

Do Not allow strangers into the house unless your employer specifically informs you to let someone in.

Do Not tell a caller that you are the babysitter and you are alone with the children. Take a message and tell them that the employer will return the call momentarily.

Do Not go outside to investigate suspicious noises or activities. Turn on outside lights and call the police. Be sure that all doors and windows are locked.

Consider Having The Following Babysitter Checklist

Name, address, and phone number of employer.

Directions to the job location.

Transportation arranged for you to get to the job and return home.

location and phone number where the employer can be reached in case of an emergency.

Alternate person to contact for emergencies if the employer cannot be reached.

Special instructions from the employer.

Locations and instructions on the use of safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and first aid supplies.

Walk through the house with the employer to ensure that all doors and windows are locked

Turn the outside lights on.

Have emergency phone numbers and note taking materials by the telephone.