What Are the Duties of a Babysitter for Toddlers?

Caring for a toddler involves a number of activities and duties.

When caring for a toddler, a babysitter has a number of duties that they must perform. These include basic care for the child, setting examples, providing consistent discipline and allowing the child time to play. Caregivers must always follow the instructions of the child's parent, so it helps if they are aware of all rules and schedules before beginning a babysitting job.

Model Proper Behavior

When caring for young children, it is important that babysitters model appropriate behavior. This involves avoiding offensive language and acting in a safe and mature manner. Babysitters should avoid swearing and show control over their emotions. Toddlers learn from example, so they may repeat words and actions that they frequently see and hear.

Caring for a Toddler's Cleanliness

One of the main responsibilities of a babysitter is to change the toddler's diaper on a frequent basis, usually at least every two to three hours, and every time it becomes soiled. If the toddler is being potty trained, the babysitter should be prepared to take her to the potty every two hours throughout the day to prevent accidents. Bath time may also be a duty if the child becomes dirty or if the babysitter is watching the child at bed time. The babysitter will also be responsible for dressing the toddler if his clothes become soiled, and changing him into his pajamas before he goes to sleep at night.

Feeding a Toddler During the Day

Feeding the toddler is a big part of a babysitter's duties. A toddler must be fed three meals each day, along with a snack in between each meal. It is important that the caregiver offers healthy options, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Food should be soft enough and large enough that it isn't a choking hazard - foods such as nuts, seeds and popcorn should be avoided. The babysitter must be aware of all of the child's allergies in order to avoid feeding them to her. Drinks should be offered with each meal - water or milk are the best choices, but some parents allow watered down fruit juices.

Providing an Opportunity to Sleep

Toddlers become cranky if they aren't allowed enough time to sleep, and so a babysitter should be consistent with naps and bed time. During the day, most toddlers take at least one nap. The caregiver should put the child down for a nap at the same time every day and not let him sleep too late. The babysitter should provide the toddler with a calming bedtime routine - including a warm bath, story time, brushing teeth and other quiet activities to help him relax.

Providing a Safe Space to Play

Toddlers are curious and get into many places that they shouldn't be. It is a caregiver's responsibility to ensure that the child is safe at all times. This involves keeping small items off the floor, keeping living spaces clean and watching the toddler well. During meal and bath times, the babysitter must never leave the child alone as it can lead to drowning or choking risks. If the toddler tries to play with dangerous items, the babysitter must take them away and put them out of reach.

Play Time

Toddlers benefit from having lots of play time during the day from a familiar person. Play time with a toddler can include reading, drawing, watching TV and just talking to the toddler. Babysitters may also wish to take the child out for fun outings, such as going to the library or playing at the park. During outings, it is the babysitter's duty to make sure that the child doesn't get hurt or run away.

Disciplining a Toddler

Toddlers are at an age when they are trying to become more independent, and they often test their limits. It is up to the babysitter to provide consistent, gentle discipline. This is often done through praising positive behavior and using methods such as time outs for poor behavior.

References

• Baby Center: Toddler Care