Caring for small children is a very important job. Here are some safety tips every babysitter should follow.
Did you know that preventable accidents kill more children each year than heart or breathing problems? Most preventable accident deaths occur at home. Some common preventable accidents are falls, drowning, burns and poisonings. As a baby sitter, there are many things that you can do to keep your kids safe.
First you should look at each room of the home for potential hazards. In the kitchen, be sure that all closets with cleaning supplies are kept locked. If you use the stove to heat lunch or dinner, try to only use the back burners. Keep the pot handles facing the wall. Never leave a child sitting in high chair. They can make the chair rock and tip over. Use caution when drinking hot coffee or tea around small children. They can quickly grab onto the cup handle and burn themselves. Cut food into small pieces and do not let small children play with a knife.
In the bathroom, remember that children can drown in only a few inches of water. Do not let them play in or around sinks, toilets, or buckets. Never leave a young child in the tub alone even for a brief second! Keep electrical appliances (hair dyers) unplugged and out of the reach of small children.
Outside storage areas are not safe places for children to play. Keep children away from lawnmowers, saws, and other tools. Keep them away from oils, gases or other chemicals in the garage.
When playing outside or at the playground follow these tips. If the child is going to ride a bicycle, be sure that a helmet is worn. The buckle should be snug but not tight. If the child is going to roller blade or skateboard, put protective pads on the elbows and knees. Keep balls and other flying toys away from the road. Tell children that if the ball goes into the road, to get help and not to retrieve it themselves. Also, tell children not to pet strange dogs or cats that they see in the park.
If you need to transport a child in your car, be sure that you have proper car seats and that they are securely fastened. Never drive a child in a car without such a seat. Children less than twelve should ride in the back seat of the car.
Here are general babysitting safety tips:
1. Before the parents leave, ask them to write down their cell phone number, where they are going and approximate return time. Ask the parents about any food allergies or restrictions that the child may have. Follow their instructions carefully.
2. Any object that can fit inside a standard toilet paper roll can become a choking hazard. Keep these sized objects away from children less than 3 years old.
3. When putting a baby to sleep, always put them down on their backs. Do not put them to sleep on their stomach.
4. Do not smoke, at all, while babysitting. Second hand smoke can have serious health consequences for children.
5. Do not let children play with matches or candles.
6. Do not invite your friends over to visit at the home in which your are babysitting. Keep your focus on the children.
7. If you are staying in someone's house, ask if there are any firearms. If so, clarify that they are locked, unloaded and in a safe place.
8. Post the poison control number in easy to see areas. Also, know your local emergency services number. In most areas it will be 9-1-1.
9. It is a good idea for all babysitters to take a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid course. Also, completing a Safe Sitter course is a highly recommended. All three courses will make you a better babysitter.
