Babysitting isn't for those with weak hearts. It is a temporary responsibility for parents and parents are the most difficult to work with in the world. That is to say, it is imperative to be vigilant to ensure that the children who are in your care safe. These are the seven security guidelines to consider in the course of watching your baby.
Survey the Premises
Perhaps, the family with children you are watching has done an excellent job making their home child-proof. But you shouldn't afford to take these measures lightly. If you are worried about infants or toddlers, sit down and examine every room from the perspective of a child The throw pillows you put on the floor seem like an ideal TV viewing spot but they can suffocate the sleep of a baby. Find hazards for mobile children, as well. Be sure to keep children away from hazards like garage doors. more than 7,500 suffer injury to their fingers due to being caught each year. Beware of heavy objects placed on furniture that might be thrown off. A TV could seriously hurt children who climb onto drawers in the dresser to reach for the remote.
Employ Alarm Systems
Remember the way Kevin McAllister made it look as if his home was being used to deter thieves on "Home Alone?" Follow the advice of this smart kid and make sure that your indoor lights are up and curtains closed at night. In addition, it's a weird home - you'll be more at ease if you are able to clearly perceive everything. Outside motion detectors are ideal. It is also possible to turn on the light on the porch when the home is in close proximity to neighbors. If your home is located in an isolated zone where thieves require illumination and only a few neighbors might be aware of suspicious activity, you can leave the house dark. Make sure that the chain and deadbolts are secured at all times to keep the bad people out and deter curious children from fleeing. If your family has the alarm, make use of it. If you are worried about multiple children, it will warn you when one of them tries to getaway.
Talk to Strangers -- the Right Way
What should you do in the event that you get a call or someone knocks on your door? Prepare yourself for such eventualities. Be sure that children in your care are instructed not to unlock the doors. If the delivery person tells you that they've got an item that needs a signature and you are unable to sign it, inform them that the person who is responsible for the package isn't around and don't mention that they're not at the house. Ask them to return later. If they make an argument, it's an indication they're not legitimate. If someone calls you to make a call, don't tell the person that your parents aren't there. Instead, say that they're not available and request to leave the call.
Exercise Caution in the Kitchen
The kitchen can be a hazardous space for little ones. If you are cooking while babysitting, ensure that you turn the handles of your pot towards the back to ensure that children's fingers don't grasp the handles. Do not plug in small appliances when not in use and do not leave the cords hanging. Make sure that sharp objects, such as knives, are kept away from the toddler's hands. If your family has a gate, make sure to keep the gate shut to keep toddlers and infants from getting in. Even harmless-looking objects such as refrigerator magnets can be dangerous to choke.
Know the Bathroom Rules
We hope that you don't need to give the kids that you supervise a bath. But, if you have to make a decision, don't let them go without supervision, even for even a couple of minutes. It's only a small quantity of water for it to kill the child.
Review Your Checklist
Prior to the departure of your parents Before leaving, go through the below checklist with them in order to make sure you have all the details you require in the event of an emergency. * Who do I contact in case of emergency? Parents should give you the number of their child's doctor and a trusted family member or a neighbor's phone number that you can contact to seek help in case of trouble. What should I do in the event of a power failure? It's a bit scary if lights are out in a weird home, and you're not sure exactly where to find the fuse box. You should know where to locate lighting sources that operate on batteries and flashlights. Do your children suffer from any medical issues or allergies? It is important to be aware of peanut allergies and how to find their child's asthma inhaler. Are you carrying an emergency kit? Parents should explain to them where they store the items to treat minor scrapes and cuts like antibiotic ointments and bandages.
Prepare Yourself for Emergencies
It's hard to imagine yourself as professional when you're only 16 years old, however, you are. Make sure you are committed to your job and be ready for every eventuality by getting trained in the field of first aid as well as CPR. This certification will help you gain more customers and make you feel more at ease working in the field and know that you're able to deal with the worst. If you're looking to go that extra mile take a look at enrolling in the babysitting program. Many organizations, like The American Red Cross, offer these certifications. They will further boost your earnings while also training you to deal with emergency situations on the job.
