May 2008
Tips for a choosing a babysitter
It goes without saying that you should be careful in choosing a person to take care of your children. Here are some guidelines
compiled by Kyla Boyse, R.N., of the University of Michigan Health System, to help you choose a baby sitter you can trust.
- Enlist a trusted friend or family member if possible.
- Get recommendations from friends.
- Trade childcare with friends who have kids.
- Do not hire a sitter under age 12.
- Watch your child's reaction when you tell them a sitter they know is coming, and listen to what your child says about the
sitter afterward.
- Meet the sitter in advance, and check references.
- Make sure the sitter knows CPR and first aid.
- Ask whether young sitters have taken a baby-sitting class from the American Red Cross. If not, encourage them to take it. If you have a sitter that you like, offer to pay for them to take the class.
