Babysitting Safety Tips

Finding the Babysitter

The best sources of child care information are the recommendations of family, friends, and neighbors. You may also advertise in the newspaper or through your local high school, church or civic organization.

Hiring the Babysitter

Once you have a list of possible sitters, check their references carefully.
Contact past employers, teacher, relatives, friends or neighbors and ask them about the sitter's qualifications for child care.
Interview several prospective sitters personally and observe their interaction with your children. Look for mature and responsible people who listen and respond well to your children and appear relaxed and happy with them.
Outline the duties and responsibilities then discuss an imagined emergency situation and how he/she responds to it.

When you decide on a sitter who meets your standards

Discuss the hours and pay.
Also write down his/her name, home address and telephone number and , if an adult, their driver's license number.

When the Babysitter Arrives

Ask him/her to arrive at least 15 minutes before you leave.
Take the sitter around the house and show him/her any first aid equipment and all doors and possible exits.
Discuss the rules regarding the television, snacks and bedtime with both the children and the sitter present.
Other potential situations that may place the sitter and the children in an uncomfortable situation (e.g.. neighborhood crime, street situations, a non-custodial parent, an unfriendly pet at home or nearby) should be discussed.