Having a babysitter can be really helpful for every parent because they can help provide essential care and supervision for your little one. A babysitter can give you peace of mind when you have to work or need to be away for a moment.
But indeed, leaving your child in someone else’s care is never easy, especially if it's the first time you use babysitting services. But do not worry—we’ve got 8 safety measures that every parent should know before hiring a babysitter.
By adhering to these safety measures, you’ll have peace of mind and can be more at ease when you need to leave your little one with the babysitter.
Get to Know the Babysitter
A friendly face and warm demeanor are great, but they are not substitutes for solid credentials. Before hiring any babysitter, take time to get to know them. Always request for face-to-face interview before, so you can ask about their previous childcare experience, certifications, and how they typically handle different scenarios like tantrums, bedtime routines, or emergencies.
Run a Contact References Check
Although the initial interview might show a green light, but is also important to always ask for at least two references from past clients or families they’ve worked with. You should never skip this step.
You can contact these references and ask about their experience with the sitter. Whether the babysitter is reliable or not, how they interact with children, and whether there were any concerns occurred.
Remember, you’re not just hiring someone to supervise your child—you’re trusting them with their safety, emotions, and routine. A strong track record can give you peace of mind.
Confirm Whether They Know Basic First Aid
A good babysitter should know basic first aid, such as CPR or Heimlich maneuver. Babysitter who are equip with these safety knowledge can make a significant difference when any emergency or accident happen.
It’s a bonus if your sitter has received formal training, but at the very least, they should be calm under pressure and know how to contact help. Leave a list of emergency numbers, including a pediatrician, poison control, and trusted neighbors, and go over them before you leave.
Additionally, if your little one has allergies, it is also important to inform them about all the things that cause allergic reactions. You should also provide instructions on how to recognize signs of allergies and what to do in case they happen. Familiarize your babysitter with medical devices needed to help manage the allergies, such as epinephrine.
Do a Trial Run Before Leaving Your Child
One of the most effective ways to assess how a babysitter interacts with your child is to observe them in action. Before leaving your child alone with the sitter, schedule a short trial session where you’re still present, perhaps working from home or doing chores nearby. Use this time to watch how they engage, discipline, communicate, and follow instructions.
Pay attention to your child’s reaction as well, as children can be surprisingly very intuitive. If your little one seems uncomfortable or anxious around the sitter, you should not ignore it. Having a trial run helps you to test the water, whether there’s a natural connection, and if your sitter can follow through with your expectations.
Ensure a Safe Environment
Before heading out, walk through your home with the babysitter to point out any safety considerations. Make sure they know where emergency numbers and first aid kits are, which areas are off-limits, how to lock and unlock the door, and where flashlights or backup power sources are located in case of a power outage.
Establish Clear Rules and Guidelines
Babysitters aren’t mind readers. Setting clear expectations helps prevent misunderstandings and reinforces the routines you’ve worked hard to establish at home.
You should let them know about:
- Bedtime routines: What time should the kids go to bed? Are there specific books or rituals to follow?
- Food and snacks: What can and can’t they eat? Are there any allergies?
- Screen time: Is screen use allowed? If so, how long and what content is acceptable?
- Discipline: How should they respond to tantrums or disobedience? Should they call you if there's an issue?
- Household rules: Are certain rooms off-limits? Can the sitter invite anyone over?
If needed, you can even create a quick checklist or notes pages, which can be used as a helpful reference for the sitter during their shift.
Talk About Digital Safety
In the digital age, safety goes beyond physical space. Discuss your family’s digital boundaries with the sitter to ensure your child’s privacy and online safety are respected. For example, you can mention that no photos or videos of your child can be posted online without your consent.
Tips: Before hiring, it’s also best to look the babysitter up on social media. Social media can help give you a broader understanding of the sitter's personality. Additionally, what they present on social media can also help confirm whether the sitter aligns with your values and expectations.
Trust Your Gut
Last but not least, it’s also very important to trust your gut. If something feels off, whether during the interview or trial run, don’t ignore it. Babysitting is a deeply personal arrangement, and you deserve to feel confident and at ease when you leave your child with someone.
At the same time, if a sitter goes above and beyond, is reliable, and builds trust with your family, consider building a long-term relationship with them. A trusted babysitter can become an invaluable part of your parenting team.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right babysitter isn’t just about availability or cost—it’s about safety, compatibility, and shared values. With these safety checks in place, you’ll be well-equipped to make thoughtful decisions and set your sitter (and your child) up for success.
Taking time to prepare and communicate upfront can prevent problems down the road and ensure your child feels secure, even when you’re not there. Peace of mind is a necessity when it comes to the safety of your little ones.
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