Babysitting Safety

Babysitting Safety

Caring for young children is a big job. A babysitter must be able to react quickly and correctly in case of an emergency. Important Information
A babysitter must be certain of important information before the parents leave. Remember to ask these questions:

How many children will be watched?
Where are the parents going and when will they return?
Is there a phone number where parents, a relative and/or a neighbor can be reached in case of an emergency?
Do the children have special food or medicine needs?
What time is bedtime?
Where is a flashlight in case of a power failure?

Parent Responsibilities

Have and post important information:
address
health insurance
emergency numbers (9-1-1, poison control)
child's information (name, date of birth, medical conditions, medications/dosage, allergies)
Have your home address clearly visible from the street and posted near the phone.
Post the Home Escape Plan

The babysitter should know this safety information:

If caring for infants or physically challenged children, consider how to get them out of the house in case of fire.
Be sure the home has a working smoke alarm.
Know CPR. Attend a childcare program.
If meals are to be cooked, remember kitchen safety rules.
In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Things to Remember

If the home has a swimming pool, be sure all gates, access doors, doggy doors and windows are closed and locked.
A baby sitter should NOT talk on the phone when taking care of children (unless there is an emergency).
Don't open the door to strangers, even if they claim to be friends or neighbors of the family, unless parents gave prior authorization.
Keep doors and windows locked.
Never leave a child unattended when in a bathtub.
Close and/or lock bathroom doors when not in use.
Remember, Children need to be watched at all times!

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