How to Babysit an Infant
Babysitting can be fun and exhausting all at the same time. Little ones require constant supervision, but that just means you get to see more smiles and hear more giggles. At any rate, they are rarely boring.
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Instructions
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Ask the parents for emergency contact information, phone numbers where you can reach them and any relevant medical information. This information should include allergies, current medications and health conditions.
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Ask questions. Learn the baby's feeding and sleeping routines. Find out how he likes you to hold and comfort him. Write down all the information. It isn't easy to remember everything while tending to an infant. Having a guide to refer to makes babysitting much easier.
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Play with the baby. Even the smallest infants enjoy it when you speak to and look at them. Sing and talk in a soft voice. For older infants, you can play peekaboo and pat-a-cake.
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Change the baby as often as needed or every 2 to 3 hours. When cleaning the baby, always use a wipe, even if they're only wet. Clean all crevices and wrinkles. If there's any redness, apply diaper rash ointment or any special cream the parents leave for her bottom.
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Feed the baby when he's hungry, following the parents' directions. Younger infants only require a bottle, while older ones need more solid food. If you heat any food for the infant, test it to make sure it's not too hot.
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Lay the baby down for bedtime or nap time according to the advice the parents give you. Infants are most comfortable when you follow their routine. If she wants a specific blanket or pacifier, be sure to have it before you lay her down. If she likes to rock to sleep, mimic the way her parents hold her.
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Make a list when the job is over of things that work and things that don't work for next time. Write down any questions that you had while you were babysitting. This helps you know what to ask in future babysitting jobs.
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Tips & Warnings
There are many classes in infant care, first aid and CPR. Attending one of these classes helps prepare you for emergency situations that can happen when you're watching an infant.
