18 WAYS TO BE A PROFESSIONAL BABYSITTER AND GET TIPPED OUT IN THE PROCESS

The following is a list of suggestions that create a very positive experience for the parents, the child, and the babysitter. When the parents are happy and the child is happy, then parents tend to tip more. The details are where it matters the most. If the parent feels that you did more than expected, you will get better tips.

When you contact the parent takes notes of the parent’s answers:

1. Ask the names and ages of the child/children

2. Ask the parent specific questions about the child’s daily routine

3. Ask safety questions and ask about any allergies

4. Ask the parent if they want the child to do any specific activities

5. Suggest prepared activities keeping each age group in mind

6. Ask for detailed directions, address info, phone numbers

7. Ask if there is a fee for parking and about parking details

8. Verify time and date of the appointment including end time

At the appointment:

9. Show up 10 minutes early

10. Be clean and dress professionally (no cutoffs, PJ’s, low-cut attire, etc.)

11. Reassure the child that he/she is safe in your care, (if the child feels safe and has a good time with you the parents will usually re-hire you)

12. Interact and bond with each child (don’t watch TV)

13. Clean up the house (all parents are happy when they come home to a clean house)

14. If you are putting the kids to bed, call or text the parent to let them know the child is asleep

Before you leave:

15. Tell the parents how good their kids were with examples

16. Tell the parent what educational activities you did with the child

17. Ask if there is anything else you can do before you leave

18. Thank the parents

For more information on babysitting visit my websites:
www.smartsittersco.com

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HOW I TAUGHT A CHILD LIFE LESSONS FROM THE DOLLAR STORE

I was babysitting and I took a four year old to the dollar store. I told her she could any 5 items in the entire store. We spent the entire afternoon roaming the aisles deciding on the perfect items to buy. She ended up buying 4 items for herself and one item as a present. I had her give the money to give to the cashier and we were off to play with our new found items.

Lessons she learned:

• She learned counting to 5 (as that was the amount of items she was allowed to purchase)
• She learned to count money (as she had to count the dollar bills to the cashier)
• She learned about sharing and putting other’s first (as she used a portion of her money to give to someone else)
• She learned independence (as she alone had the choice to decide what to get)
• She learned problem solving (as certain items were not appropriate to take home because her little brother could eat or break them, and we had to work together to find the items that were most appropriate for the house)
• She learned about tax (that we had to actually give $6.00 to get the 5 items we needed)

       We had a great day learning, and hours of entertainment for $6.00. In addition, one of the toys she bought she has played with much more than most. I feel like she may value that toy above many because she found it and purchased it on her own.  I would recommend a dollar store trip for any moms or babysitters for an inexpensive way to have an amazing learning experience.

For more information on babysitting visit my websites:
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THE PROPER WAY TO HANDLE AND STORE BREAST MILK

For Moms

• Wash your hands before expressing.
• Use clean containers to catch milk, (screw cap bottles, hard plastic cups with tight caps, or heavy-duty bags that fit directly inside bottles). Avoid using containers that could easily leak or spill.
• Label the container with the child's name (in a child care setting), and the date expressed. Using the oldest milk first.
• Remember not to mix fresh and frozen milk, don’t save milk from a used bottle, and clean breast pump parts after each use.

For Babysitters Thawing Breast Milk

• Be sure to wash your hands before handling breast milk and always wear gloves. (According to the CDC “Breast milk has not been shown to lead to transmission of HIV or HBV infection, however, because human breast milk has been implicated in transmitting HIV from mother to infant, gloves may be worn as a precaution by health care workers who are frequently exposed to breast milk.”)
• Thaw frozen breast milk by transferring it to the refrigerator for thawing or by placing it in a bowl of warm water. Breastmilk does not need to be warm, some caregivers and parents prefer to serve it at room temperature while others serve it cold. (Ask the parents which method they prefer)
• Swirl the bottle, and test the temperature on your wrist. The milk should not be hot.

***Never warm breastmilk in the microwave. It could burn the baby and damage the milk!!!***

Below is a chart of Storage Duration of Fresh Human Milk for Use with Healthy Full Term Infants from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Location	Temperature	Duration	Comments
Countertop, table	Room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C)	6–8 hours	Containers should be covered and kept as cool as possible; covering the container with a cool towel may keep milk cooler.
Insulated cooler bag	5-39°F or -15-4°C	24 hours	Keep ice packs in contact with milk containers at all times, limit opening cooler bag.
Refrigerator	39°F or 4°C	5 days	Store milk in the back of the main body of the refrigerator.
Freezer			Store milk toward the back of the freezer, where temperature is most constant. Milk stored for longer durations in the ranges listed is safe, but some of the lipids in the milk undergo degradation resulting in lower quality.
Freezer compartment of a refrigerator	5°F or -15°C	2 weeks
Freezer compartment of refrigerator with separate doors	0°F or -18°C	3–6 months
Chest or upright deep freezer	-4°F or -20°C	6–12 months

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm 

http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/faq/ 

https://www.aap.org/en-us/Pages/Default.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token 

https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/pumping-and-breastmilk-storage.html

For more information on babysitting visit my websites:
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HOW TO KEEP CRONOBACTER OUT OF YOUR BABY'S FORMULA

           
Cronobacter is a germ that can live in very dry places, like powdered baby formula, and in sewer water. Cronobacter infections can kill babies. 

How Formula can become contaminated

Formula can become contaminated from the environment, the factory or in your home. In the factory, Cronobacter can get into formula powder if dirty ingredients are used or if the ingredients touch a Cronobacter-covered surface. At home, the formula may become contaminated if the formula lids or scoops are placed on contaminated surfaces (such as a counter) then touch the formula. Another way to transmit Cronobacter in the home is to mix the formula with contaminated water or a bottle that is not properly cleaned.

Symptoms of Cronobacter Infections

Babies under a year old can get Cronobacter in their blood causing the lining of the brain and spine swell (meningitis).

Symptoms in babies include but are not limited to:

fever

poor feeding

crying

very low energy

seizures.

Babies with meningitis may develop serious, life-long brain damage.

4 out of 10 babies with meningitis from Cronobacter can die.

If your baby is exhibiting any of these symptoms or you suspect your baby maybe sick seek medical attention immediately!

How to reduce the risk of contamination

Dry formula is not sterile, and when possible, breastfeeding is best. If you use formula, try to choose formula sold in liquid form (especially if your baby is a newborn, very young, or has a compromised immune system) because it is made to be sterile. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Preparing Dry Formula safely

Clean all work areas, (countertops, sinks etc.) that may come in contact with the bottle or formula

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water while scrubbing for at least 20 seconds

Clean bottles in the dishwasher with hot water and a heated drying cycle

Keep formula lids and scoops clean (be careful about what they touch), and close containers of formula and bottled water as soon as possible

Use hot water (158° F/70° C and above) to make formula

Shake, don’t stir, formula in the bottle

Make sure the formula is cool before feeding the baby. You may cool the bottle by running the prepared, capped bottle under cold water or placing it into an ice bath, making sure not to get the cool water into the bottle or on the nipple, as it could contaminate the bottle. You can assure the bottle is cool by shaking a few drops on your wrist before feeding the baby

.

Storing the bottle

Use formula within 2 hours of preparation or touching the babies lips. If the baby does not finish the entire bottle throw the formula out.

If you do not plan to use the prepared formula right away, refrigerate it immediately and do not let it touch the baby’s lips/mouth. Use it within 24 hours. Refrigeration slows bacterial growth and increases safety. (The mouth is full of bacteria and the second it touches your baby’s lips the countdown begins to use the bottle within 2 hours. Do not refrigerate the bottle after your baby has touched it.)

If in doubt, throw it out. If you don’t remember how long formula has been in the fridge throw it away. It is better to waste a small amount of formula than to make your child sick. A helpful tip is to write the date you made the formula directly on the bottle so you can always know how long the bottle has been in the fridge.

http://www.cdc.gov/cronobacter/prevention.html

https://www.cdc.gov/cronobacter/sources.html

For more information on babysitting visit my websites:
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THE FOUR THINGS YOUR BABYSITTER WILL NEVER ASK YOU BUT LOVES TO HEAR

1. “Help yourself to any food in the house.”

From a babysitter’s prospective, after watching children it is nice to not have to worry about being hungry. It is really nice to just have the option to eat. Also don’t just assume the babysitter knows your food is available. Make a point to tell the babysitter he/she is welcome to any food in the house. They are caring for your children please don’t your sitter hungry.

2. “You don’t need to bathe the kids tonight.”

If I am caring for a new family or a family with older children it can be a bit uncomfortable to bathe children. Your children don’t want a stranger bathing them and as a babysitter it is hard enough to get the bedtime routine without throwing in a bath on top.  In addition, it can postpone bedtime, and leave your house a mess.

3. “My wife will drive you home”

It is always weird, as a female, to have the husband drive me home. It innately is more comfortable to have the wife drive, no matter how nice or amazing the husband may be. In addition, if both parents have been drinking offer to call your babysitter a cab and pay for it. Please don’t make it uncomfortable for the babysitter to feel obligated to get in a car when he/she smells booze on your breath.

4. “Here is the WIFI password and instructions on using the television.”

            It is really nice to have access to WIFI and the TV. As a babysitter I personally use the internet all the time for educational shows, nursery rhymes, and to fact check when a child asks me a question. Also with so many different types of TV’s and sound systems out there it is nice to have a sheet of instructions for the TV, so when the child goes to bed the babysitter has something to do until you get home.

For more information on babysitting visit my websites:
www.smartsittersco.com

http://smartsittersco.blogspot.com/

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FIVE RED FLAGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN HIRING A BABYSITTER

1. Is your babysitter CPR and First Aid certified?

If the answer is no, don’t hire them until they become certified. The babysitter is the first person that can save your child’s life in an emergency when you are not there. Make sure the babysitter is not only certified but can answer CPR and First Aid related questions such as “What would you do if my baby started choking? What would you do if my child got stung by a bee? What situations are appropriate to call 911? Etc…”

2. How does your babysitter respond to the question “What will you do if my kids aren’t getting along (or worse, fighting)?”

If the answer is “give them a spanking”, don’t hire them. Even if you personally believe in spanking you don’t want to leave that type of discipline up to your babysitter.

You want the babysitter to say something like:

            They would divert the children’s attention to something new

They would place the toy in time out until the children can get along

They would have the children take turns playing with the toy

Or in very extreme cases, they would place the children in time out 1 minute for each year of age (i.e. a 3 year old would have 3 minutes of timeout)

while explaining exactly why they are in time out and what they need to do to get out of time out such as apologizing to the other child

*Note: In all my 15+ years of babysitting I have never actually needed to use this method of timeout.

3. How does your babysitter respond to the question “Why do you want a job babysitting/ nannying?

If the answer is anything other than I love working with children, I want a job in childcare etc. be very cautious hiring them.

In my years of hiring babysitters I’ve found that the best ones love working with children and that is their main focus. The ones that answer, “I need a job, I’m doing it for money etc.” don’t stay around very long and are less engaged with the children when they are working.

4. The answer to the question “Are your immunizations current and do you have any health restrictions that could affect your ability to babysit” can be crucial.

 You need someone that is up to date with their vaccines to ensure your child won’t become ill, in addition you need someone that can physically lift your child onto a changing table and into their cribs and beds. It is a job requirement and it is important to make sure the babysitter is up to the physical demands it takes to care for your child.

5. It is critical you ask your potential babysitter these questions with the intent to have a background check performed

-“Have you ever been convicted of a felony?

-Is there anything that will pop up on a background check that you want to explain ahead of time?

-It is unacceptable to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on the job as it can impair your ability to care for my children, do you consent that you will not be under the influence before or during a job?

            The answer to the felony question can be a way to determine whether or not the babysitter is truthful or not (as you can perform a background check to confirm). If the answer is “Yes” it can be a huge red flag depending on the circumstance. If the felony has anything to do with harming or neglecting children DO NOT HIRE THE BABYSITTER!

If the babysitter will not consent to being free of drugs or alcohol while on the job do not hire the babysitter. In addition, I personally inform my babysitters that I reserve the right to perform random drug screens as necessary with a signed confirmation.

**NOTE: These are in no way the only questions you should ask your babysitter. Use your best judgment, along with multiple references and background checks, and ample trial periods to determine what sitter is right for you.**

For more information on babysitting visit my websites:
www.smartsittersco.com

http://smartsittersco.blogspot.com/

http://forum.smartsittersco.com/

PROPER HAND WASHING FOR BABYSITTERS

Having clean hands is one of the easiest ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to children in your care. Many diseases are spread by not washing hands properly such as  diarrhea, the stomach flu, typhoid fever, cholera, and intestinal worms to name a few. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to wash your hands.

WHEN TO WASH YOUR HANDS

Before and after:

preparing food (especially after handling raw meats)

eating

Caring for a sick child

Dressing a wound

And after:

Using the restroom

changing diapers or assisting a  child who has used the restroom

touching your mouth, or nose or a child’s mouth or nose

coughing, or sneezing

touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste

handling pet food or pet treats

touching garbage

WASHING YOUR HANDS

Wet your hands and apply soap.

Rub your hands together with the soap, making sure to get the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.

Scrub for a minimum of 20 seconds, you can sing the “ABC Song” as a timer

Dry your hands using a clean paper towel and use the towel to turn off the water spigot

WASHING A CHILD’S HANDS

Wet the child’s hands and apply soap.

Rub the child’s hands together with the soap, making sure to get the backs of the child’s hands, and between fingers.

Scrub for a minimum of 20 seconds, you can sing the “ABC Song” to the child as a timer

Dry your hands and the child’s hands using a clean paper towel and use the towel to turn off the water spigot

USING HAND SANITIZER

Caution! Swallowing hand sanitizers can cause poisoning. Keep it out of reach of young children.  

If possible always wash your hands with soap and clean water, if that is not possible you may use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. These can reduce the number of germs on your hands but they do not eliminate all types of germs and won’t remove chemicals. Also they are not good to use when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

TO USE

Squeeze sanitizer into the palm of one hand (read the label for the correct amount).

Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.

http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

http://www.healthhype.com/stool-to-mouth-or-fecal-oral-route-of-transmission-of-infection.html

For more information on babysitting visit my websites:
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HOW EVERY BABYSITTER NEEDS TO CHANGE A DIAPER

SETUP

Never leave a child unattended on a changing table and have one hand on the child at all times!

Make sure the changing table is sanitized before and after each use. In public restrooms it is good to use disinfectant wipes on the changing table (then use hand sanitizer on your own hands) and a protective barrier between the child and the changing table.

Have your supplies ready at the table before changing the child, you will need;

clean diapers

wipes

cream

gloves

plastic bags for dirty clothing

and a change of clothes

CHANGING A DIAPER

Always wear gloves to change a diaper put gloves on now.

(This protects you and the child from contracting severe illnesses that can cause diarrhea, the stomach flu, typhoid fever, cholera, and intestinal worms to name a few)

If using diaper cream, squeeze it onto a tissue now.

Place the child on the changing table and undo diaper.

Clean the child with disposable wipes. Always wipe front to back! And make sure to get all the creases and cracks to be sure the child is clean. (A thorough cleaning will prevent diaper rash in the future, and be more comfortable for the child)

Place the wipes in the soiled diaper. Refasten the dirty diaper with wipes inside.  Pull your glove inside out around the diaper to protect yourself and prevent excess smell. Throw the soiled diaper away without touching the trashcan.

Place cream on child if necessary with a clean glove.

Place a new diaper on the child with the tabs in back. Refasten clean clothing.

Keep dirty diaper and clothes away from anything that can’t be easily cleaned.

Double bag dirty clothing, and keep it out of reach of other children.

 

WASH THE CHILD’S HANDS

Wet the child’s hands and apply soap.

Rub the child’s hands together with the soap, making sure to get the backs of the child’s hands, and between fingers.

Scrub for a minimum of 20 seconds, you can sing the “ABC Song” to the child as a timer

Dry your hands and the child's hands using a clean paper towel and use the towel to turn off the water spigot

 

CLEANING THE CHANGING TABLE

Clean any visible soil with a wet paper towel or baby wipe.

Wet the entire area with disinfectant; following the directions on the disinfecting spray, fluid or wipe.

WASH YOUR HANDS

(use the same technique as with the child’s)

http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/diapering/childcare.html

http://www.healthhype.com/stool-to-mouth-or-fecal-oral-route-of-transmission-of-infection.html

For more information on babysitting visit my websites:
www.smartsittersco.com

http://smartsittersco.blogspot.com/

http://forum.smartsittersco.com/

WHAT YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT WHOOPING COUGH

According to the Center for Disease Control, whooping cough is a serious disease that can cause babies to stop breathing. Pertussis/whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory disease, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. These bacteria attach to the lining of the upper respiratory system, and then release toxins that damage the lining and cause airways to swell. This respiratory illness causes violent coughing making it hard to breathe. Pertussis can affect anyone but can be serious, even deadly, for babies less than one. The best way to protect yourself and your baby is by getting the DTaP (as a child) or the Tdap for adolescents and adults.

Transmission

Pertussis very contagious and can be spread by coughing or sneezing. Many babies become infected with pertussis by infected by older siblings, parents, or caregivers who may not know they have the disease. Infected people are contagious for about 2 weeks after the cough starts. Antibiotics may shorten this amount of time. The  pertussis vaccines are the most effective tool to prevent this disease, however, no vaccine is 100% effective.

How Whooping cough can affect babies with signs and symptoms

Whooping cough is a serious disease that can cause babies to stop breathing. When babies catch whooping cough, it can be very serious. About half of babies under one year old that get whooping cough end up in the hospital, and some even die from the disease.

Pertussis starts like the common cold (runny nose, congestion, sneezing, mild cough and/or fever) however, after 1 to 2 weeks, severe coughing begins. It can cause violent and fast coughing repeatedly, until the air is gone from the lungs and you are forced to inhale making a “whooping” sound. Many babies with whooping cough don't cough but instead stop breathing. When you or your child has a cold with a lengthy or severe cough, it might be whooping cough. If you believe it maybe whooping cough visit your family doctor right away. 

Ways to help protect your baby and the children you are caring for:

There are the three important ways you can help protect your child and children in your care from pertussis.

1. Have your baby interact with family members, babysitters and nannies, who are up-to-date with their whooping cough vaccine.

2. Get your baby vaccinated

            - Children need five doses of DTaP.

1 dose at 2 months old

2 more doses at 4 months and 6 months

with booster shots at 15 through 18 months

and at 4 through 6 years

3. If you are pregnant, get vaccinated in your third trimester

            - A vaccinated mother’s body will create protective antibodies and pass some of them to the baby before birth, providing the baby short-term protection against Pertussis before your baby is able to get vaccinated. These antibodies can also protect your baby more serious complications of Pertussis like pneumonia (disease of the lungs)

and encephalopathy (disease of the brain).

Signs of Whooping Cough.

Source https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/

For more information on babysitting visit my websites:
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30 QUESTIONS YOU MUST ASK YOUR NANNY BEFORE THEY START WORKING FOR YOU 

1. Are you CPR certified?_____

2. Are you first aid certified?_____

3. Have you ever been convicted of a felony, or is there anything that will pop up on a background check that you want to explain ahead of time?

4. It is unacceptable to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on a job as it can impair your ability to care for my children do you consent that you will not be under the influence before or during the time you are caring for my child?

5. How long have you worked with children?_____yrs

6. Why do you want a job babysitting/nannying? (Should be related to loving to care for kids, wanting to be a teacher, coach etc.)

7. Why do you enjoy working with children?

8. Have you babysat previously? Do you regularly work/volunteer with kids? If so, please describe your experience.

9. Have you received any specialized training for child care (such as first aid/CPR, attended a babysitter course, or taken related school courses)?

10. Are your immunizations current? _____

11. Do you have any health restrictions that could affect your ability to babysit? _____

12. What activities will you plan with the children while the parents are away?

For ages 1 and under

(should have examples of:)

_____ No small objects

_____ Gross Motor skills (tummy time)

_____ Fine motor skills (grabbing objects, visually following voices/singing)

For ages 1-3

_____ No small objects

_____ Gross Motor skills (tummy time, crawling practice, standing practice, walking practice)

_____ Fine motor skills (opening objects, turning pages in books, throwing balls, self feeding)

For ages 3-5

_____ Gross Motor skills (running jumping, playing catch/soccer)

_____ Fine motor skills (working with paper crafts, writing, building with blocks)

For ages 5 – 10

_____ Gross Motor skills (running jumping, playing catch/soccer)

_____ Fine motor skills (working with paper, wood, and beading crafts, writing, building with blocks, reading, writing, and math practice)
13. What age children do you most enjoy? Least enjoy? Why? Which age group are you most comfortable/experienced with?

14. What is your overall child care philosophy?

15. Do you know how to change a diaper?

Please describe how you would change a diaper step by step.

Wash hands before and after ____

Wipe Front to back______

Wear gloves_________

Never leave child unattended_______

Other_________________________________________

16. What will you do if the kids aren't getting along (or worse, fighting)?

Explain that behavior is inappropriate and​ divert the child's attention to something new______

Put the toy in time out for an allotted period of time and revisit the toy later when the children have calmed down  _____

17. How will you handle separation anxiety?

Give the child their comfort toy or blanket reassure the child you will keep them safe until their parents return _____

18. What will you do if the child you are caring for child won't mind you or exhibits bad behavior such as biting?

Explain that behavior is inappropriate and​ divert the child's attention to something new______

Seek/administer medical attention if the bite breaks the skin _____

19. Under what type of situation would you feel it is appropriate to call the parent?

Emergency_______

Unsafe situations ie children will not follow directions and safety could be a

concern__________

20. Are you comfortable being in a home or hotel at night or for an extended period?

21. Do you know how to prepare a simple meal?

22. Do you know how to feed an infant? A toddler?

Bottle

Breast milk wear gloves_____

Never prop a bottle______

Never leave baby unattended_____

Never microwave formula______

Burp baby _______

No air bubbles in bottle_____

Wash hands before and after_____

Toddler

no full grapes____

no large food items_____

never leave a child unattended while eating_____

23. What type of commitment will you provide me that you will babysit and not cancel?

24. What babysitter qualities do you have that should make me want to hire you?

25. What was your worst babysitting experience, and why? 

(See how the provider problem solved.)

26. Do you have a list of references? ____

27. My most important concern is my child, once they are asleep I expect that you will clean up any mess you and my child have made that day. Do you consent you are able to do that?

28. What are your future goals that I may help you achieve by working with my child?

29. It is a requirement to give a background check to care for my children. Do you consent to having a background check on you?

30. Do you have reliable transportation to get to my house?

I agree the following information is correct to the best of my knowledge. I agree that if any of the information in falsified or violated it could result in loss of this childcare job.

___________________________________________                  _______________

Child Care Provider Signature and Printed Name                  Date

For more information on babysitting visit my websites:
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http://smartsittersco.blogspot.com/

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