Safety Procedures In Childcare
Putting children in the care of someone else (especially someone who is not a relative) can be a very difficult task for many parents. Babysitting children can be a very fun and rewarding experience, but you are also taking on a huge responsibility by caring for someone else's child or children. Make sure you follow safety precautions to ensure the child will be safe and sound in your care.
Learn CPR
Although most people will never need to perform it, CPR is always valuable to know when working as a babysitter. There are different techniques for performing CPR on adults, children and babies, so make sure you are up to date and able to perform CPR if necessary. Enroll in a class at a local community college, Red Cross or YMCA.
Choking Hazards
Do not bring toys that are potential choking hazards, such as toys with small, detachable objects. Keep any home decorations that are a potential choking hazard out of reach to any wandering and curious little hands. Make sure children stay away from blind cords as well, as children can wrap the cords around their necks.
Lock Away Household Cleaners
Children are curious by nature, which sometimes leads them to do things that may potentially harm them. While most parents will have toxic household cleaners out of the reach of their children, ask to make sure. If the child is being taken care of at your house, make sure to lock the cabinets that contain these items with a child-proof lock, or move them to a room that is off-limits or a shelf that is too high for the child to reach.
Phone Numbers
In addition to 911, it is important to have other phone numbers for non-life threatening emergencies (such as a broken arm) or to be able to contact the parent in case of an emergency. Have the cell phone number of the parent or parent(s) and the phone number of the place they are visiting (in case they turn their cell phones off). In addition, it is good to know what hospitals to take the children to in an emergency and have the numbers of the children's dentist and pediatrician on hand. Its also a good idea to have the phone number of at least one neighbor in case there is an emergency and the parents cannot be reached.
Allergies
Learn about the children's allergies before you begin babysitting. This is important if you are serving them food or are in a situation where they might need to be administered emergency care. Have the parents provide a list of allergies and ask them to show you where to locate treatment options, like an Epipen if the child is extremely allergic to certain foods, animals or insect bites.
Watch the Children
Always watch the children. This may seem like common sense, but some babysitters use babysitting as a time to call their friends or slack off. Turning your back for a moment can result in a catastrophe. This is of utmost importance when you are out in public with the children, as they can run away or be seriously injured in the blink of an eye.
Transporting
When transporting the children you are caring for, make sure your car is fitted for their car seat. Have the parents show you how to put it in and make sure it is secure. If you are walking with the children, make sure they stop at any and all street corners. It is preferable that you hold their hands or hold onto their backpacks so that you don't lose them when crossing the street.
Learn CPR
Although most people will never need to perform it, CPR is always valuable to know when working as a babysitter. There are different techniques for performing CPR on adults, children and babies, so make sure you are up to date and able to perform CPR if necessary. Enroll in a class at a local community college, Red Cross or YMCA.
Choking Hazards
Do not bring toys that are potential choking hazards, such as toys with small, detachable objects. Keep any home decorations that are a potential choking hazard out of reach to any wandering and curious little hands. Make sure children stay away from blind cords as well, as children can wrap the cords around their necks.
Lock Away Household Cleaners
Children are curious by nature, which sometimes leads them to do things that may potentially harm them. While most parents will have toxic household cleaners out of the reach of their children, ask to make sure. If the child is being taken care of at your house, make sure to lock the cabinets that contain these items with a child-proof lock, or move them to a room that is off-limits or a shelf that is too high for the child to reach.
Phone Numbers
In addition to 911, it is important to have other phone numbers for non-life threatening emergencies (such as a broken arm) or to be able to contact the parent in case of an emergency. Have the cell phone number of the parent or parent(s) and the phone number of the place they are visiting (in case they turn their cell phones off). In addition, it is good to know what hospitals to take the children to in an emergency and have the numbers of the children's dentist and pediatrician on hand. Its also a good idea to have the phone number of at least one neighbor in case there is an emergency and the parents cannot be reached.
Allergies
Learn about the children's allergies before you begin babysitting. This is important if you are serving them food or are in a situation where they might need to be administered emergency care. Have the parents provide a list of allergies and ask them to show you where to locate treatment options, like an Epipen if the child is extremely allergic to certain foods, animals or insect bites.
Watch the Children
Always watch the children. This may seem like common sense, but some babysitters use babysitting as a time to call their friends or slack off. Turning your back for a moment can result in a catastrophe. This is of utmost importance when you are out in public with the children, as they can run away or be seriously injured in the blink of an eye.
Transporting
When transporting the children you are caring for, make sure your car is fitted for their car seat. Have the parents show you how to put it in and make sure it is secure. If you are walking with the children, make sure they stop at any and all street corners. It is preferable that you hold their hands or hold onto their backpacks so that you don't lose them when crossing the street.
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