Good Baby Sitter Guide
A Guide to Hiring a Good Baby Sitter
By: Morgan Hamilton
Most parents sometimes need to find a baby sitter while they are at work or when they feel like taking a break for a while.
There is no doubt that being a parent is very hard and the best way to ease the stress you experience while taking care of your baby is to get a trustworthy baby sitter to help you out.
I’m sure that most parents realize that child care might sometimes be the only option, especially when you cannot take off from work every time your child sneezes or can’t go to school.
However, parents who take full-time care of their children also need some extra childcare to recharge mentally as well as physically. So, if you need a break but have no one to turn to, then you should consider hiring a baby sitter you can trust. Here are some tips for hiring a good baby sitter.
Get a Referral
I would first recommend you ask around to some other parents if they know anyone suitable for this highly responsible job. Of course, you might also find a neighbor who is willing to give you a hand with child care from time to time.
Even though it is quite clear that finding a good baby sitter is a difficult thing, you should not think that only because a close friend of your neighbours watches their children this means that this baby sitter will take good care of your own little ones.
Interview the Sitter
What any parent should do is to interview baby sitters and check their references. There are some parents who expect the baby sitter to be an exact copy of themselves. This is hard to find and it is actually not that good.
The real qualities any babysitter should possess are flexibility, kindness and consciousness. Of course, we should not underestimate the value of education, experience to interact with kids, and knowledge how to act in case of emergency.
While conducting an interview it is a good idea for parents to talk about hourly rates and ways of transportation.
Of course, in case you hire a baby sitter living in the neighborhood, transportation would not be a problem, but what if they live across the town and don’t have a driver’s license?
A Sitter is not a Nurse
When taking a baby sitter to watch your kids you should not allow her to give meditations as she is not a nurse. All she should give is simple first aid for minor bruises and swellings.
Provide Contact Administration
Parents should remember to always give the baby sitter their phone numbers, address to contact them or nearest relatives, too. Information including emergency services in case of emergency should also be provided.
Introduce your Child
If you have never had previous experience with baby sitters or you have just got a new one, then it is best to arrange a meeting between the children and the baby sitter with your presence.
That way the children will get used to the new person and the latter will know what to expect from the kids and how to deal with them. From my point of view, there are certain issues that should also be mentioned when interviewing baby sitters.
Set the Rules
First of all, they should not be allowed to have friends over because the latter distract them. Secondly, making random phone calls should be forbidden, only phone calls approved by the parent are allowed.
Last but not least, the baby sitter should never answer the door to strangers, only the parents. After all, what is really important is the safety and security of the children.
**********
About the Author of “Your Guide for Hiring a Good Baby Sitter”
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning babies. Learn more at Baby Sitter
**********
Savvy Baby Gear | Baby Care
Find the top baby essentials, discounts on baby products, baby care articles, gifts for new parents, and baby care news. Savvy Baby Gear - everything you need for happy babies and parents. www.savvy-baby-gear.com
Joann - December 14th, 2009 5:02 pm
These are very good tips. After all, your child’s safety and security should always be your number-one priority. Plus, you want to make sure that your babysitter is compatible with you and your children, and you all get along well. However, based on my experience from babysitting a neighbor’s two kids, who were 5 and 2 when I started, you forgot to mention a few things: First, always make sure your babysitter knows where the child’s clean clothes and underwear are at all times in case of a toileting accident. I cannot count how many times I’ve had to change Shelby, the 2-year-old, only to wind up frustrated because I couldn’t find her clean underwear. Second, you mentioned that your babysitter is not a nurse and shouldn’t be allowed to give your children any medicine. That may be true, but what if one of the children needed a lifesaving medication because of a medical disorder, and your babysitter was the only person in your home who can give the medication during the day? This may be necessary if you cannot afford a full-or part-time nurse, but you still have to work, especially if your child is not yet in school. Third, if you really like your babysitter, and she seems to be doing a good job and getting along well with your children, be her friend, and include her in some of your family activities. This will make her feel appreciated and encourage her to continue doing a good job. She may even be more caring and attentive towards your children and love them as if they were her own. Fourth, make sure your babysitter respects your rules and your home, but don’t expect her to play housekeeper for you. She is not there to clean. She is there to take care of your children. Plus, unless she is cleaning up after herself and your children, and housekeeping is part of her job description, if your babysitter is spending more time cleaning and less time with your children, she may be distracted and unable to get to the children on time in case of an emergency. Babysitters are only human and cannot do two or more things at once. And last, make sure your children are being properly disciplined while you are away. Don’t let your babysitter use any kind of physical punishment such as spanking, restraining, etc, and make sure your children are not being abused in any way. Also, take your children seriously and have a talk with your babysitter if your children tell you that they are being physically punished in any way that would make them fear their babysitter, or if the children report that they are being sexually abused and/or molested. Remember, your children are your most precious gift from God, so keep them protected, and don’t hire anyone who leaves you feeling uneasy.