Everything You Need To Know About Babysitting An Infant-2

Hope you found my article, “Everything You Need To Know About Babysitting An Infant-1” informative. It is definitely important to note that the babysitting of an infant below one year of age is different than looking after an older child. I thought today I will come out with more tips about babysitting an infant.

Here are some more tips about babysitting an infant:

 
It would be appropriate to know how to put a baby to sleep; all babies are different in the way they sleep though most like to be gently rocked to sleep. One of the ways you could put a baby to sleep is to hold the baby in your arms and slowly swing the infant back and forth. It would also help to hold the baby securely in the hand and walk around with a bouncy step. Some infants sleep better when rocked in a rocking chair while others would when put in the crib.

Another important tip to babysitting an infant is to never leave the baby alone in the crib especially with a bottle in his/her hand. The baby could choke. Ensure that you sit in the infant’s room after he/she falls to sleep to ensure that the baby’s sleeping environment is safe.

Never lay the baby on the tummy to sleep; always place him/her on its back as lying on the tummy could be dangerous and potentially fatal. If the baby is old enough to flip itself over on its tummy by itself, it may be OK.

Ensure that nothing that the baby can play with should be in the crib as it could distract the baby and he/she may not want to sleep. Avoid soft toys, big fluffy blankets or pillows in the crib as the baby could suffocate. Also ensure that the bedcovers are kept from the baby’s face. Keep checking on the baby as it sleeps; you could use a baby monitor if one is provided.

Your main work as a babysitter is to keep the baby happy; if the baby gets fussy or upset give him/her something to make one comfortable. It could be a toy or a pacifier or a bottle. Keep calm and don’t worry too much because the baby is upset.

It is very necessary to be safe and secure as you babysit an infant; do not be in a haste to open the door if someone knocks on it. Look through the window to make sure that it is someone you know. Do not open the door to strangers. Open the door immediately if it is the parents. Ensure the baby is safe before you do so.

Never leave a baby in a room alone as he/she may just get injured. Also if you are getting very angry or frustrated at an infant, set the baby down in a safe place, step back for a few minutes, and perhaps call someone you can trust to calm you down, or the baby's parents. Next if you feel overwhelmed, don't hesitate to call the child's parents for advice.

As a final note negotiate a fair rate for your babysitting services before you agree to babysit. Reading articles on childcare could also help make your job as a babysitter successful and enjoyable.

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