Babysitters
Q: What is the youngest age babysitter that can watch
our toddler?
Dr.Moore: If the question is “can I leave
my toddler with our twelve-year old daughter?” The answer is no!
Babysitting has not received the attention it truly deserves.
Remember, you are entrusting your child’s life with this person.
Newborns: Their special needs require an older more experienced caretaker,
a minimum of 21 years old. Personal experience as a mother is a plus.
Babies under 1 year-old also need mature experienced adult supervision.
Toddlers ages 1 through 4 years need an intelligent experienced and
energetic young adult sitter that can anticipate hazards, is not easily
distracted, can keep up with the tykes and can deal with emergencies
should they arise. Certification or at least familiarity with BLS/CPR
(basic life support/cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is highly recommended.
5 years and older, on an individual basis may be ok with younger sitters.
How young a sitter can you use? We would only have a 16-year-old if
they had experience, although if the sitter’s parents live next
door, there is more flexibility.
Now that your sitter has been arranged, here are a few additional suggestions.
Consider bathing and feeding the children before you leave. It’s
a lot of work, but accidents such as drowning and choking are a major
cause of death and disability in infants and children. Save the candy
and treats for when you’re present. Keep the children out of cars
and swimming pools when you are not around. Of course, the first time
they baby-sit for you, have them fill out a "Data sheet" for
your records. This includes their basic contact information, addresses,
phones, social security number–similar to a job application form.
An internet background search is not a bad idea if you live in a big
city and aren’t able to get known references.
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Readers may send questions to this
email address. This column is for informational purposes
only and is not a substitute for professional or medical advice.
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