Babysitting Safety
Responsibility!
Take your babysitting responsibility seriously. Part of that responsibility is protecting yourself as well as the children for whom you will be caring. Know your employer before you take the job. Check references if this will be the first time working for this person.
Before accepting the job, get specific instructions about the number and ages of the children, bed times, foods, medicines and other information about personal habits and what is expected of you. Parents typically feel confident with a babysitter who asks questions and who is concerned with the care of the children.
When you accept a job, arrive early to confirm all of this information. Get any additional instructions such as where the parents are going, when they will return and how they may be contacted. Determine which relative or neighbor can be called in an emergency in the event the parents cannot be reached.
Knowing first aid procedures before you take on babysitting jobs will help prepare you for emergencies and may save a life.
When you are babysitting:
Do not allow strangers into the house unless your employer specifically informs you to let them in.
Do not go outside to investigate suspicious noises or activities. Turn on outside lights and call the police. Be sure that all doors and windows are locked.
Babysitter Checklist:
- Name, address and phone number of employer.
- Directions to job location.
- Arrange your transportation to get to the location and return home.
- Location and phone number of where employer can be reached in case of emergency.
- Alternate person to contact for emergency if employer cannot be reached.
- Special instructions from employer.
- Locations and instructions on use of safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and first aid supplies.
- Walk through house with employer to ensure all doors and windows are locked.
- Turn outside lights on.
- Have emergency numbers and note taking materials by the telephone.
First Aid
For emergency help, call 9-1-1. Call the parents if you have questions about lesser emergencies. Notify the parents about small injuries when they return.
- For minor cuts, stop bleeding by applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth. Wash the wound and apply a bandage.
- Learn CPR. There are any number of emergencies where your knowledge of CPR could arise and be needed.
- If the child swallows something poisonous, call 9-1-1. Have the container ready so you can read it to the fire department on the phone.
- Show children how to stop, drop, and roll in case their clothes catch on fire. Rolling smothers the flames. Use a blanket or rug if one is on hand. Call 9-1-1.
- Put cool water on a burn. This slows skin damage. If the skin is already blistered, dead white, brown, or charred, you need emergency help. Call 9-1-1.
