By Kristy Klien
Submitted 2012-01-28 03:01:12
Number Of Times Read: 7
Making A Checklist For Your Baby Sitter Can Set Your Mind At Ease
Leaving your child with a babysitter for the first time can be nerve racking at best. If you re new to the world of hiring a babysitter, finding a reliable, caring sitter can be a daunting task. Hopefully, you know a lot of people that can provide referrals and references. How ever you find a one, sitting down and making a checklist for your baby sitter can help to set your mind at ease. Knowing that you have provided adequate information for the sitter can make your time away less stressful.
Long before the sitter comes, sit down and make a list of the things you want the sitter to know about your child and their routines. Put down things such as the time they normally eat dinner, when is bed time or bath time. Is there a bedtime ritual that you normally follow such as checking the closet for monsters or a special story your child likes having read to them. Is your child taking any medication on a regular basis?
Other information you might include are things like whether they are allowed to watch television or play video games, and if so, for how long. What their favorite movies or cartoons are. What type of snacks they are allowed, and not allowed to have? What is the cut off time for liquids before bed? Does your child have allergies to foods or medications and what are they?
It s important that the sitter be shown the location of emergency items such as the fire extinguisher, flashlights, candles, matches, fuse box, and main water and gas shut offs. This may seem like over kill, but you really never know when an emergency will strike. It may seem unnecessary, but ask the sitter when they think they should call 911 or when they feel it is okay to simply call you.
In addition to your child s routine you should also provide general house rules and instructions. Write down instruction for operating the television remote, VCR or DVD player if the operation is any more complicated than pushing the normal buttons such as ON, OFF, or PLAY. If you use a baby monitor, assure that the sitter knows how to operate it.
Make a note of house rules that the babysitter is required to follow, as well. What they allowed to do, such as watch television or play video games, or use your computer. Can they use them while your child is awake, or only after they re asleep? What are they allowed to eat or drink? Are they allowed to use their cell phone or your house phone for personal calls?
Also, if your city isn t serviced by 911, make sure the telephone numbers of fire and police are posted close to the phone. Most of all, don t forget to provide information on how to reach you and where you will be.
Now that you have everything written down, it s time to organize it and make a list that will be easy for the sitter to refer to. You might consider placing everything in a plastic binder with tabs for quick reference and keep it in a convenient location. Laminating some pages will allow you to use a dry erase marker to change information. Have the sitter review everything before you leave. Here are some suggestions as to how you might organize the information:
1. State that they need to dial 911 in case of emergency then list your cell phone number, your partner s cell phone number, and the name, location and telephone number of where you will be. You might also include the telephone numbers of neighbors or grandparents to use in case you cannot be reached.
2. List any allergies or medical conditions your child has. Provide information on any medication your child takes and any that the sitter needs to administer and instructions for dosing.
3. House rules for your child and a schedule of activities such as meal times, nap times and duration, snack time, amount of television allowed.
4. Bedtime and routine snack, bath, special blanket, prayers, etc., state the time to start preparations.
5. Information on what kinds of food and drink your child is allowed to have and how it should be prepared, how bottles should be warmed and so forth.
6. Instructions for using the television, DVD player and gaming devices, alarm system, baby monitor and any other electronics the sitter may use.
7. Special advice about your child that will help the sitter. Provide information such as favorite games and television shows, songs, books, foods and routines. Note any quirks or particular fears your child has like an aversion to mashed potatoes, etc.
8. House rules for the baby sitter such as cell phone use, foods okay for them to eat, guests.
9. Location of emergency equipment fire extinguisher, utility cut off locations.
10. Map out possible escape routes in case of fire.
Now that you have it all down and organized, you can leave your child knowing that you have done the best possible job you could. Providing a checklist for your baby sitter gives them the information they need to care for your precious child. So, go out and relax, have some fun and remember: it s okay to call just to check in.
Author Resource:-
Kristy is a work at home mom of 2 and a writer. Need help choosing a new crib mattress? Make sure to check out http://www.allcribmattresses.com/
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Submitted 2012-01-28 03:01:12
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