Babysitter's Guide

Caring for young children is a big responsibility. You must protect yourself as well as the children you are watching.

Choosing Jobs Wisely

Know your employer. Only babysit for people you or your parents know, or for whom you have a reliable personal reference. Accepting jobs for strangers is not safe. Make sure your parents know where you are babysitting. Leave them a name, address, and telephone number of the people you are sitting for. Let them know when you expect to be home. Find out what time the parents will be home and them know if you have a curfew. Ask them to call if they will be home late.

On the Job Safety

  • Before the parents leave, ask for the information on the babysitters checklist. Keep this list near the phone.
  • Have the parents show you emergency exits, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers.
  • Plan a mental fire drill: find more than one way to get everyone out of the house in case of fire.
  • Be sure to meet the family dog.
  • Establish ground rules with the parents if you wish to use the internet.
  • Get approval from the parents if you would like to have a visitor.
  • Get the telephone number of where the parents are going.
  • If the house or apartment has a security system, learn how to use it.
  • Know how to work door and window locks, especially if they need a key.
  • Lock all doors and windows and leave an outside light on.
  • Check for hazards the children can get find such as matches, lighter fluid, electric cords, plastic bags, medication, or anything that might be dangerous.
  • Ask parents how they want you to handle phone calls.
  • Don’t open the door to strangers or tell them you are there alone. Say you are visiting and will deliver a message.
  • If the children are sleeping, check on them about every 15 minutes.
  • If the children are awake, know where they are at all times and never leave them alone.
  • The rules for night time babysitting apply to daytime as well, with a few additions: During the day you might play with the children in the yard. If you are in the back yard, make sure the front door is locked - and vice versa. If you take the children out, make sure you have a house key with you when you leave. Double check all doors and windows are locked before leaving.
  • When you are out with the children, don’t talk to strangers. If you suspect you are being followed, go to a nearby home, store, or gas station and call the police.
  • When you return to the children’s home, don’t go inside if anything seems unusual (broken window, open door etc.) Go to a neighbor’s and call 911.
  • If you ever feel uneasy or suspicious, call 911.

In An Emergency

  • In an emergency Call 911 identify yourself by name, tell them you are babysitting and tell the dispatcher the problem. Give the exact address of and phone number of the house you are calling from.
  • If there is a fire, get everyone out of the house!! Go to a neighbor’s and call 911.
  • If possible, call the parents and tell them where you and their children are and what is happening. In any kind of emergency, stay calm. 

Getting Home Safely

  • Call home and let someone know you are on your way. Be sure you have an escort home, this should be one of the conditions when you accept any babysitting job.
  • If your employer won’t drive or walk you home, or seems intoxicated, ask someone at your home to get you. Never go home alone from a night job. Pre-arrange with your parents that they will get you if you call them (no questions asked!)