Include elastic bandages with your bandage supply. You may also want to include bandages with color or cartoon characters. Pack triple-antibiotic ointment, 1% hydrocortisone cream, and calamine lotion. Include alcohol wipes and antiseptic wipes.
You can bring homework or a book/game for yourself, but don’t bring out those items until after the kids have gone to bed. [2] X Expert Source Jessie DavidsonChild Care Specialist Expert Interview. 7 July 2021.
Your list should include your emergency contact’s name and phone number, any allergies or medications, and the number of your primary care physician. It should also include your parents number, a friend’s number, animal control number, poison control number (for both people and pets) and local fire and police services numbers. Consider laminating the list so that it cannot be destroyed easily. You may want to remove these items from your bag and put them on a main table once you arrive at the house where you’re babysitting. Make it part of your ritual to do this as well as return them to your bag before you leave.
For example, toddlers like play dough, playing with water, and drawing with large crayons. [5] X Research source Preschoolers enjoy coloring, puzzles, and blowing bubbles. [6] X Research source Grade school age children enjoy games, crafts, and many of the things younger kids like as well.
Even if the kids already have toys, whatever you bring will be new, exciting, and special. [7] X Expert Source Jessie DavidsonChild Care Specialist Expert Interview. 7 July 2021. Infants won’t understand the concept of rewarding good behavior, but you can still include items for them to play with. They like bright-colored toys they can hold and make noise with, and soft items to feel such as plush toys. They also like to be read to from books with colorful images. [8] X Research source
Bring a small notebook to write this information down in. You can also use a notetaking app on your phone.
For instance, is there a fire escape, or an exterior door that doesn’t open which you should know about? Also find out where the fire extinguishers are located. [15] X Trustworthy Source Michigan Medicine The University of Michigan’s medical center, which provides patient care, supports research, and educates the public on health topics Go to source Try asking, “How should I lock the windows and doors while you’re gone? Is there a security system I should know about?” Note where any potentially hazardous areas are, such as ponds or outside machinery.
Ask if you should contact 911 and/or a family doctor or pediatrician if there is an emergency. [18] X Trustworthy Source Michigan Medicine The University of Michigan’s medical center, which provides patient care, supports research, and educates the public on health topics Go to source
For instance, is the yard fenced in? Does the dog need to be on a collar and leash, and if so where are those kept? Make sure to write down who the parents would like you to call if there is an emergency involving a family pet. For instance, should you call the pet’s veterinarian or a specific emergency vet?
For medications, ask what time it was last given, what time the next dose should be given, and the amount you should give the child. [19] X Trustworthy Source Michigan Medicine The University of Michigan’s medical center, which provides patient care, supports research, and educates the public on health topics Go to source
Try asking, “For example, are the kids not allowed to play certain electronic devices? Are there TV shows that are off-limits that they might be asking me about?”
Try asking, “Do the kids normally read or chat in their rooms after bedtime, or should it be all quiet and lights out?”
