Information You Should Give Your Babysitter

Leaving your baby with a babysitter can cause anxiety at first. After deciding to hire the babysitter feel free to give her or him all the information and instructions you feel necessary. Be sure you and your baby are comfortable with the sitter. Make sure she can handle any situation that might occur while you are away. Here are the, basic instructions to give your babysitter.

1. The child’s bedtime
2. The house rules for the child, (No food outside the kitchen, no ball playing, share toys, no TV after a certain time, be polite.)
3. What the babysitter s expected to do for the child, (cook, tutor, entertain, and bathe.)
4. What the babysitter can, and cannot do in the house, (have friends over, use computer, TV, telephone.)
5. The telephone number where you can be reached, and what time you will be home.
6. The telephone of family or friends to call if you cannot be reached.
7. Emergency telephone numbers, ( 911, pediatrician, poison hotline, friends, neighbor.)
8. The child’s activities, ( books, games, records, other habits, and preferences.)
9. Any medical problem your child may have, and how to handle them, (medicine, treatment.)
10. Any psychological problems your child may have and how to better understand him.

It is always wise to watch how your child reacts to the babysitter. If the child is uncomfortable, pay attention. Some people set up a hidden camera just to be sure the sitter is giving the child the right kind of care. Don’t be paranoid but be watchful, you are your child’s only protection.