Important Tips While Selecting A Babysitter

My friend Radha in San Diego insisted that I accompany her to a talk on tips of choosing a babysitter where she was addressing a group of young mothers. She started that it was best always to trust one’s better judgment when choosing a baby sitter; it being wise to make a note of    any questions that came to mind before interviewing possible candidates for the job.

Here are a few important tips while selecting a babysitter:

 
You could get references of babysitter from friends; it is best to choose those that have worked for a long time. You could also enquire from local colleges for students especially those doing childcare courses who are looking for jobs of babysitters. Some more sources of babysitters are notice boards of local libraries, local newspapers and yellow pages for listed agencies that supply babysitters.  

While looking around for a babysitter it is best to find one that is really patient to handle difficult circumstances like a child being unwell or crying often. It would be ideal to look for one that is calm and could take the right decision in an emergency. The next quality is that the babysitter should be competent in first aid and be able to tackle a choking child or one that has an asthma attack.

The babysitter should be responsible and willing to take responsibility for the child’s life. The sitter should also not be harsh in punishment when the child is unruly.

While interviewing the potential sitter ensure they understand the number of children they have to look after, their ages and any special problem regarding the children.

Determine how the sitter will arrive and return home; as a courtesy take her home when you are late or pay for a taxi.

Be clear of the restrictions such as access to your phone, refrigerator, whether their friends can visit and rooms that are out of bounds.

Ask a few “what if” scenario questions to see how the sitter would react.

Make your expectations clear of the care you wish for your child.

Ensure that the sitter would be flexible and would deal with unforeseen events such as your getting held up in traffic.

While interviewing find out about the sitter’s fee.

Before you leave get the sitter accustomed to your home; show them around and make everything clear.

Put down all instructions on paper like heating milk and food for the baby/child.

Next ensure the babysitter knows the bedtime routine as reading bed time stories. Ensure the sitter knows if the baby sleeps with a pacifier or stuffed toy.

In case of medications ensure the babysitter knows the right amount and how to help with inhalers.

Ensure the sitter knows exactly where you are and is given a telephone number to reach you in case of an emergency. Also discuss the action in the event of fire.

Before you leave ensure that you leave food like sandwiches, crisps or popcorn for the sitter.

If you are going to be late from your outing, if possible ensure you give the sitter warning.

Lastly ensure to leave clear instructions regarding the time the child is to be put to bed and if they are allowed snacks.

The young mothers were very impressed and left the talk both knowledgeable and feeling good.

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