Hiring a babysitter often becomes essential at times, especially if you have to attend to an important task outside the house. However, many parents are not entirely comfortable with the idea of leaving their child in the hands of a complete stranger. It is important that the babysitter you hire should be capable enough of handling different possible situations in your absence.

Here are some tips you should keep in mind before hiring a babysitter:

o Avoid hiring babysitters younger than thirteen years of age. Young children typically require older babysitters, who tend to have more experience and maturity in handling infants.

o Hire babysitters who are knowledgeable about first aid and CPR.

o Always ask for and validate references. Check the experience of the babysitter. What age groups did the person work with? How much time?

o Babysitters with professional training in nursing or childcare are most preferable.

o Conduct an interview or talk to your babysitter to check for sense of responsibility, temperament, understanding of children, common sense, ability to understand and follow instructions, etc.

o Check if your baby is comfortable with the babysitter.

o Of course, cost is important. Compare the rates you are paying to what your friends and people in the neighborhood pay.

After you hire the babysitter:

o Write a checklist for the babysitter. Specify your baby’s schedule and detail important things related to your baby’s feeding, bathing, or napping requirements.

o Explain the rules of the house clearly. For example, no smoking and drinking alcohol in the house.

o Leave emergency phone numbers such as the police, medical, and fire departments. Of course, leave a number where the sitter can contact you anytime.

o Mention any allergies or special requirements of your child.

o Show the babysitter around your home, and explain the use of all escape routes or emergency fire exits.

o Watch your child for signs such as change in behaviour or bruise marks that could indicate instances of abuse.

By: P. Banas

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