How to Babysit A Newborn Up to Age One

Babies are marvelous! They’re also lots of work. As a babysitter, your responsibility is to take very good care of the baby while the parents are away. Knowing what to do and being confident are the most important things in baby care. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Information about the baby’s usual schedule
• Diapers, wipes and hand disinfectant
• Bottles and formula
• Changes of clothes
• Safe place for baby to sleep
• Safe place to change diapers
• Age-appropriate toys

1. Ask the parents about the baby’s usual schedule. Most babies’ routine includes sleeping, eating and interaction with caregivers. Ask what to expect during the time you are in charge. Babies are people; so they don’t all do the same thing.
2. Get the bottles and formula ready. Wash your hands. Measure the formula into the bottle and loosely put the nipple on. You can add the water when the baby is ready to eat. A breast-feeding mother will tell you not to feed the baby--just take care of him until the mother’s return. In that case, be sure you have her cell phone number so you can let her know when the baby gets hungry.
3. While the baby is sleeping, it’s OK to read or do some quiet activity, but be sure to check the baby every ten minutes. Make sure she is sleeping on her back. The parents will tell you what position they put the baby in. Sleeping on the back is now known to be safer. Don’t turn on the TV unless you are absolutely sure it won’t distract you or prevent you from hearing the baby cry.
4. When the baby wakes up, feed her (unless the mother is breast-feeding). It will be easier to change the diaper when he’s not screaming from hunger. After about half the bottle, sit the baby on your lap (or hold him against your shoulder) and gently pat her back to help her burp. It may take some time, but it’s worth it. Repeat at the end of the bottle.
5. When changing the baby’s diaper, make sure you have all the supplies right there before you start. Clean the baby’s bottom gently but well with the wipes. Make sure you get in all the folds of the skin. Put lotion or cream when needed. For boys, cover the penis with a diaper so you don’t risk getting sprayed. For girls, make sure there are no feces in the vaginal opening. Attach the new diaper tightly enough so that it will stay closed, but not so tightly that it will squeeze. You should have the correct size diaper. If the baby’s clothes are wet, change them. Put the dirty diaper in a bag. Disinfect your hands.
6. When the baby is awake, that’s your time to have fun with her! Babies enjoy looking at your face and listening to you talk or sing. Very small babies don’t need much more. Older babies who can sit or crawl love to play with toys, listen to a story and explore the room. Keep choking hazards away. Hold your hand over the edge of sharp table corners to prevent bumps.
7. Be prepared to give the parents a report when they return. They will want to know what he ate, when she slept and if there were any problems. They will appreciate your good care of their wonderful child!

Tips & Warnings

• If the babysitting is at your house, remove any dangerous or fragile things in the room.
• If the babysitting is at the family’s house, make sure you have a key and that your write the address down on a paper near the phone. In case of a real emergency you could forget it.
• Ask for the name of a neighbor whom you could call in case of problems.
• Make sure you have the parents’ cell phone numbers and you know when they will be home.
• If the baby cries, see if she is hungry or wet. It’s OK to hold him.
• Some small babies have colic which causes them to scream in pain. Find out if the baby you are taking care of has colic and what the parents do about it. Holding the baby gently on your lap on her stomach and patting her back can help.
• Never give the baby any medicine or any food that the parents haven’t told you to.
• Only go outside with the baby if they have said that you can. Make sure you take the key!