Good Babysitting Ideas for Toddlers

Bedtime stories can be a part of a toddler's nighttime ritual.

The job description for babysitting can be unpredictable and require unexpected tasks. Keeping toddlers entertained may require techniques different from those used with older children. Whether you are an experienced babysitter or a first-timer, preparing with a kit filled with books, snacks, music, movies and art supplies can help you through the night.

Movies

Watching a movie can keep toddlers occupied and calm them down before bedtime. Age appropriate movies can be found at discount movie rental stores, garage sales and Internet retailers, but toddlers usually have their own video collections. Bring a couple of movies just in case, plus non-sugar snacks such as pretzels and microwave popcorn for you and the child.

Crafts

Pass the time, stimulate their creativity and keep them entertained through crafts such as picture frames and coloring books. Use safe and non-toxic material such as crayons, colored pencils, construction paper, non-permanent markers and more. Make your own judgment when it comes to glitter, beads and other materials with small pieces. If the crafts require cutting, assist children when using scissors.

Snacks

A light snack can be the perfect incentive for good behavior. Offering troubled toddlers with healthy snacks such as low-fat cookies, fruit and party mixes can solve tantrums, crying and other babysitting problems. You can offer to bake cookies with them, allow them to help mix the ingredients and use the cookies as an incentive.

Bedtime

If you are babysitting at night, you may be required to put the toddler to bed. Bedtime can be a difficult task for babysitters because toddlers are accustomed to parents performing bedtime rituals. Ask the child if there is anything his parents do for him, such as singing a lullaby, checking for monsters in the closet and telling a bedtime story. Purchase your own age appropriate music CD and story books from a yard sale or local bookstore. Read a bedtime story while the soothing music plays in the background.

References

• Money and Kids: Fun Babysitting Ideas