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It is advisable for all babysitters to take a babysitting class with an organization such as the Red Cross. Here life saving techniques in First Aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) plus what to do in most emergency situations will alleviate the unnecessary stress that may occur during any emergency situation. Knowing exactly what to do in case of say choking will help keep a person’s head clear and level headed so that proper First Aid steps will be administered.
It is always a good idea, especially if it’s a babysitter’s first time babysitting a particular house to have the babysitter arrive early. In this way the babysitter and the parents can chat, and then go over a list of special childcare needs. This will allow that bit of extra time to be able to go over any special instructions the parents may have. Also it will allow time to ensure the babysitter is aware of all the important phone numbers where the parents or primary caregivers can be reached in case of an emergency.
Parents should ensure the babysitter know where all Emergency Phone numbers are kept, which should be kept in a place where these numbers can be easily accessed and easily read. Keeping these numbers in one place will ensure that if a situation does arise, then time won’t be wasted in trying to find out this information. These numbers should include the doctor’s (pediatrician) and even the veterinarian’s phone number (if pets are involved), and of course again, also the phone number where the parents or primary caregivers can be reached.
A list of what information the babysitter should provide is also helpful, such as address and phone number of the house; what type of emergency situation it is, i.e. if it’s a choking, drowning, etc. The babysitter should give the child’s age. He/she should also provide his/her name and of course the name of the family they are babysitting. Basically the same information can be provided to the doctor if the babysitter needs to call the doctor. Encourage the babysitter to try and provide as much information about the emergency situation as they can, and to do it quickly as time is always a factor when getting medical treatment.
All cellular phone numbers, and even the number of the house where the babysitter is babysitting should be handily available as that is something not always known except by the ones who live in the house. And if a 911 call is necessary, then this number can be easily given out. Also ensure that the babysitter is aware of the address of the house, as this will be needed in case of an emergency situation, as Emergency Personnel will require it.
When a phone call comes in, unless the babysitter is unable to answer the phone because he/she may be bathing a child, in which case it should be instructed to the babysitter to let the answering machine take the message.
If the babysitter is able to take the call, then he/she should be instructed to take down the name and phone number, and any message. The babysitter if the caller should ask for his/her name does not have to give out their name, or the phone number that was being called. This will ensure that whoever is calling does know the people who live at the house and if it is a “wrong” number, then unnecessary information is not inadvertently given out.
If pets are in the home, it is always a good idea to have the babysitter spend time with these animals so that these pets will get to know the scent of the babysitter and won’t become alarmed whenever the babysitter shows up at the door. This is particularly true if there are large ‘protective’ dogs in the house. Also, depending on the hours that the babysitter is there to take care of the children it is good to go over the feeding schedule of the animals, again to ensure their feeding schedule isn’t interrupted, and they are fed within their usual time frame.
Another good idea is to go over with the babysitter the layout of the house, i.e. where light switches are located, where all telephone units are located, where the thermostat is located in case the heat or airconditioning requires adjustment.
Also, it is important to show the babysitter how windows and doors are kept locked, and particularly how to open the major locks, in case an emergency situation should occur. The babysitter won’t have to fumble with locks in order to get the children to safety.
Also going over the daily/nightly routine of the children with the babysitter is advisable, as this will alleviate a disruption in the child’s schedule. If the hours are early in the evening, or late afternoon, then when do the children eat? Will it be necessary to give them a bath? What kind of snacks are they allowed after supper, if any. If the child is a baby, then instruct the babysitter how to prepare the formula, also what type of baby foods the baby can eat. If the child requires a nightlight, if the child looks forward to having a story read to them, if they are allowed to watch TV, and which shows, and how late can they watch? Also, for an older child if there is homework that should be completed.
If any medication is involved, double check with the babysitter regarding the correct dosage, and the time this medication must be administered. This is an extremely important point. Misreading the label, or not hearing the instructions correctly will result in an overdose of medication, that may require medical treatment. If the child suffers a chronic health condition, it is extremely important for the parent to go over with the babysitter any of the medical symptoms that may be a signal to alert the babysitter to seek medical treatment as well as notify the parents.
If someone comes to the door, parents should instruct the babysitter not to let anyone inside the house. Also the babysitter should be instructed not to open the door to anyone under any circumstances. A sticky situation might occur where the parents are divorced, and the parent without custody may want to see the children. If this should happen, what is recommended is to let the babysitter know what to do in this situation, i.e. before allowing the parent entrance into the house, to first contact the custodial parent and find out what he/she wants done.
It would be good to reinforce into the babysitter that he/she is there to take care of the children. If the babysitter wants to bring over a friend, then the parents should meet the friend, and the friend should abide by the same rules as the babysitter.
The parents should also instruct the babysitter what he/she can do after the children are in bed. It would be nice for the parents to provide some snacks. Also, if the babysitter is allowed to watch TV, or make phone calls, etc. But if rules are laid down regarding friends, TV, snacks this will alleviate any guessing on the babysitter’s part. It should be reiterated that the babysitter knows she is there to baby-sit, i.e. take care of the children, and that is his/her first and foremost priority.
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