YFCS 1/2.1, New July 2000. Molly Gregg, Extension 4-H Program Specialist

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Introduction to Child Care

	Protected Under 18 U.S.C. 707

When you baby-sit, people trust you to take care of their most treasured possessions--their children. Baby-sitting is caring for babies and older children when a parent or guardian is not at home. Baby-sitting includes keeping children fed, clothed, clean, and happy. The most important thing you do when you baby-sit is keeping kids safe!

The best sitters are:

• HONEST
• RESPONSIBLE
• SENSIBLE
• PATIENT
• FRIENDLY
• ABLE TO KEEP A SENSE OF HUMOR

Sitting Do's

• Get child care instructions in writing whenever possible--especially instructions on the use of medication. Be sure to find out how much medication a child needs and at what time it should be taken.
• Write down emergency numbers and keep them near a phone.
• Take a tour of the house (don't snoop) and locate potential dangers such as matches on a table or unlocked windows and doors. While you tour the home, identify more than one escape route in case of fire.
• Stay awake and check on children frequently. A child's safety is more important than doing homework, talking on the phone, or watching TV.
• Set a good example.
• Come to your job prepared. Bring special toys for children to play with; be sure they are age appropriate and safe. Never give a child anything that can fit in his or her mouth, ear, or nose. A flashlight always comes in handy when the power goes out, and pencil and paper are essential for writing down special instructions.

Sitting Don'ts

• Don't open the door for strangers even if they claim to be friends of the family. Keep doors locked.
• Don't tell a telephone caller that you are alone. Explain that the parent is "busy" and will call back later. Always offer to take a message and write down any information given to you.
• Don't leave babies or toddlers alone for a moment unless they are asleep--then you need to check on them every 15 minutes. An accident can happen in seconds.
• Don't go outside to investigate strange noises or a prowler. Turn on the outside lights, close the curtains or blinds, make sure the doors are locked, and, if you feel threatened, call 911.
• Don't walk home alone at night. Get a ride or have someone escort you home.
• Don't ride home with an adult who has had too much alcohol to drink. Call a parent or family friend you trust to pick you up.

Just For Babies

Changing Diapers

Changing diapers can be a challenging task. If you have never changed a diaper, have a parent teach you. It is very important that you change a baby's diaper whenever it needs to be changed to prevent diaper rash. Always wash your hands before and after you change a baby's diaper.

Feeding

You may have to give a baby a bottle, soft foods, or both. Get directions on how the baby's food should be prepared, how much should be prepared, and when the baby eats.

Sleeping

Babies need lots of sleep. In fact, it is not uncommon for babies to sleep between 15 and 20 hours a day during their first month. Rocking a baby or rubbing his or her back can often soothe a baby into sleep.

Bathing

Bathing should only be done at the parent's request. Bath water should be warm, not hot, and only a few inches deep. Before you begin, arrange everything you need within your reach so you never have to take both of your hands off of the baby. Never leave a baby or a small child alone in the tub--even for a second.

Crying

Babies cry a lot. When they do, it usually means they are hungry, need a diaper change, or are lonely. If the baby has already been fed and doesn't need a new diaper, hold him or her gently but snugly in your arms and talk softly. Rocking may comfort the baby.

What To Do

• Take your 4-H journal (or start a journal in a spiral notebook devoted just to baby-sitting) with you whenever you baby-sit.

• In your journal, keep track of all of your baby-sitting jobs. Write down the date, time, and location of the job and record any special instructions that parents give you. For example, write down special mealtime, bedtime, and medication instructions as well as at least two emergency contacts.

• After each job, record in your journal how you exhibited the characteristics of the best sitters. Remember, the best sitters are honest, responsible, sensible, patient, friendly, and able to keep a sense of humor.
• Write about the children in your journal. How are they different? How are they the same? Are some children easier to keep than others are? If they are, why do you think that is so? Begin to keep a record of the differences among the children that you keep, based on age and gender. Are there lessons you can learn from these differences that can make your job as a sitter easier?
• Keep a list in your journal of sitter do's and don'ts. Add your own suggestions to the lists.
• If you have special questions, problems, or concerns about the children you keep, their families, or about how you are doing, write them down in your journal and talk to your parents or another adult you trust.
• When you have completed ten journal entries, show your journal to your 4-H leader.
• After your 4-H leader has seen your journal, keep writing and sharing what you have learned with your friends, family, and the parents of the children you keep.