Baby Sitter Guidelines

Your baby sitter becomes a "surrogate parent" during your absence. He or she should be selected with care and prepared with explicit instructions. Before you entrust your most precious possession(s) to the care of a sitter, go over the following:

• Where you will be, how you can be reached, and when you will return.
• Important phone numbers: police, fire, poison control center, hospital, children's physician, ambulance. Post near the phone.
• The name and number of a nearby friend, neighbor, or relative.
• Rules about friends, T.V., stereo, telephone, outdoor play, snacks, sleeping. (Applies to child and sitter.)
• Warnings about not opening the door to strangers and hanging up immediately on crank callers.
• Proper response to callers.
• The location of first aid supplies, emergency exits, fire extinguishers, toys, clothing, snacks, and other items.
• Special instructions about such things as child's fears, bedtime routine, or family pets.
• Potential hazards like stairways, appliances, open doors or windows, purses or overnight cases.
• Rough or otherwise dangerous play is not to be tolerated.
• Young children should never be left unattended even while in a high chair, walker, or stroller.
• If absolutely necessary, leave explicit directions regarding medication or bathing procedures. (These activities require utmost care and should not be expected of sitters.)