Tips for babysitter!

Safety Tips: Be a Safe Babysitter!
Caring for young children is a big job. A Babysitter must be able to react quickly and correctly in case of an emergency.

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

A babysitter must be certain of important information before the parents leave. Remember to ask these questions:

  • How many children will be watched?
  • Where are the parents going and when will they return?
  • Is there a phone number where parents a relative and/or a neighbor can be reached in case of an emergency?
  • Do the children have special food or medicine needs?
  • What time is bedtime?
  • Where is a flashlight in case of a power failure?

PARENTS RESPONSIBILITIES

Have and post important information:

  • Address
  • Health insurance
  • Emergency numbers (9-1-1, poison control)
  • Child's information (name, date of birth, medical conditions, medications/dosage, allergies)
  • Have your home address clearly visible from the street and posted near the phone.

POST THE HOME ESCAPE PLAN

The babysitter should know this safety information:

  • If caring for infants or physically challenged children, consider how to get them out of the house in case of a fire.
  • Be sure the home has a working smoke alarm.
  • Know CPR, attend a childcare program
  • If meals are to be cooked, remember kitchen safety rules.
  • In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

  • If the home has a swimming pool, be sure all gates, access doors, doggy doors and windows are closed and locked.
  • A baby sitter should NOT talk on the phone when taking care of children (unless there is an emergency).
  • Don't open the door to strangers, even if they claim to be friends or neighbors of the family, unless parents gave prior authorization.
  • Keep doors and windows locked.
  • Never leave a child unattended when in a bathtub.
  • Close and/or lock bathroom doors when not in use.

Remember, children need to be watched at all times!!