Babysitter Safety: Preparing Caregivers for Emergencies

Leaving your children with a babysitter requires trust and preparation. Whether it's a teenage neighbor, a professional nanny, or grandparents, every caregiver needs essential safety information. Taking time to prepare caregivers properly protects your children and gives everyone peace of mind.

Choosing Safe Caregivers AAP

Before focusing on preparation, ensure you're selecting appropriate caregivers:

What to look for:

• Age and maturity (Red Cross recommends babysitters be at least 11-12)
• Experience with children of similar ages
• CPR and first aid training
• References from other families
• Background checks for regular caregivers

Interview questions:

• How would you handle [specific emergency scenarios]?
• What experience do you have with children this age?
• Are you certified in CPR?
• How would you discipline if needed?
• What would you do if my child wouldn't stop crying?

Essential Information for Caregivers American Red Cross

### Emergency Contact Sheet

Create a written document with:

Contact numbers:

• Parents' cell phones
• Address where parents will be
• Landline if applicable
• Neighbor who can help
• Out-of-town emergency contact
• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
• Pediatrician's name and number

Home information:

• Your full address (caregivers may forget in an emergency)
• Nearest cross streets
• Location of fire extinguisher
• How to turn off utilities if needed
• Alarm codes if applicable
• WiFi password

### Medical Information

For each child provide:

• Allergies (food, medication, environmental)
• Current medications and schedules
• Medical conditions
• Doctor's name and phone
• Hospital preference
• Health insurance information
• Location of medications

If medications are needed:

• Written instructions with dosages
• How and when to administer
• What to watch for
• Never give additional medications without parent permission

### Daily Routine Information

Include:

• Meal and snack times
• Nap schedule
• Bedtime routine
• Screen time rules
• Homework expectations
• Activity restrictions
• Pet care needs

House Rules to Communicate AAP

### Safety Rules

Always enforce:

• No visitors unless pre-approved
• Doors stay locked
• Don't tell callers parents aren't home
• No swimming or water play without parent present
• No cooking without supervision (age dependent)
• Car seat use for any transport

Supervision expectations:

• Never leave children unattended
• Check on sleeping children regularly
• Bathroom supervision needs by age
• Where children can and can't play

### Behavioral Rules

Discipline approach:

• What's acceptable (time-outs, redirection)
• What's not acceptable (physical punishment)
• How to handle tantrums
• When to call parents
• House rules for children

### Emergency Protocols

Fire:

• Get children out immediately
• Don't try to fight the fire
• Meet at designated spot
• Call 911 from outside

Medical emergency:

• Call 911
• Then call parents
• Basic first aid only
• Don't give medications not prescribed

Intruder:

• Don't open door to strangers
• Call 911 if concerned
• Know safe room location

First Aid Basics for Babysitters American Red Cross

### Minor Injuries

Cuts and scrapes:
1. Wash hands
2. Clean wound with water
3. Apply pressure if bleeding
4. Apply bandage
5. Call parents for any concern

Bumps and bruises:
1. Apply ice wrapped in cloth
2. Comfort the child
3. Watch for signs of head injury
4. Call parents for head injuries

Nosebleeds:
1. Have child sit up, lean forward
2. Pinch soft part of nose
3. Hold 10 minutes
4. Call parents if bleeding won't stop

### Choking Response

Signs of choking:

• Can't speak, cry, or cough
• Hands at throat
• Skin turning blue

For children over 1:

• Ask "Are you choking?"
• Give abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)
• Call 911 if not resolved

For infants:

• 5 back blows, 5 chest thrusts
• Continue until object dislodged
• Call 911

Note: Babysitters should take a CPR/first aid course before caring for children.

### When to Call 911

Call immediately for:

• Difficulty breathing
• Unconsciousness
• Severe allergic reaction
• Seizure
• Significant bleeding
• Poisoning
• Any life-threatening situation

Tell the operator:

• Address
• What happened
• Child's age
• What you've done so far

Specific Age Considerations AAP

### Babies (0-12 months)

Babysitters need to know:

• Safe sleep position (always on back)
• Feeding schedule and amounts
• How to prepare bottles safely
• Burping technique
• Diaper changing routine
• Soothing techniques that work
• Signs of illness to watch for

### Toddlers (1-3 years)

Key information:

• Constant supervision needed
• Choking hazards to avoid
• Climbing dangers
• How to handle tantrums
• Potty training stage and routine
• Nap routine

### Preschoolers (3-5 years)

Babysitters should know:

• Supervision level needed
• Independence capabilities
• Activity ideas
• Discipline approach
• Snack rules
• Bedtime routine

### School-Age (6-12 years)

Communicate:

• Homework expectations
• Screen time limits
• Friends allowed over?
• Outside play boundaries
• Food they can prepare themselves
• Bedtime and routine

Babysitter Training American Red Cross

### Encourage Training

Red Cross Babysitter's Course covers:

• Basic childcare skills
• Safety and injury prevention
• First aid basics
• Age-appropriate activities
• Business skills for babysitting

CPR training:

• Infant and child CPR
• Choking response
• When to call 911
• Many courses are specifically for babysitters

### Ongoing Education

Good caregivers continue learning:

• Updates on safety recommendations
• Age-specific development information
• New activity ideas
• First aid refreshers

Trial Run Recommendations AAP

Before the first solo babysitting:

• Have caregiver visit while you're home
• Observe interactions with children
• Let children get comfortable
• Review all safety information in person
• Answer questions
• Do a short trial (just an hour or two)

After the trial:

• Ask children how they felt
• Discuss any concerns
• Clarify any questions caregiver had
• Adjust as needed

Communication During Care AAP

Establish expectations:

• How often to check in
• When to call vs. text
• What warrants immediate call
• When not to disturb (meeting, flight)

Check-in information:

• What are children doing?
• How is behavior?
• Any concerns?
• When meals/naps happened

When You Return American Red Cross

Debrief with caregiver:

• How did it go?
• Any problems or concerns?
• What activities did you do?
• How was the child's behavior?
• Any health issues?

Ask your children:

• Did you have fun?
• What did you do?
• Were there any problems?
• Do you want [caregiver] to come back?

The Bottom Line

Preparing babysitters thoroughly is one of the most important things you can do for your children's safety. Create a comprehensive information sheet, communicate house rules clearly, ensure caregivers have basic first aid knowledge, and choose mature, trained individuals. A well-prepared caregiver can handle emergencies calmly and keep your children safe while you're away.

Clara can help you create a babysitter information sheet customized for your family!