The job of babysitter is often considered a student or occasional job, but it is not a mission to be taken lightly and it requires maturity because it is above all about taking care of children and ensuring their well-being in the absence of their parents. Babysitters are often faced with a wide range of situations, from simple supervision to more complex tasks such as preparing meals, helping with homework, or even putting children to bed. It is important to know the safety rules to follow to ensure care with complete peace of mind and avoid accidents. In this article, we will present the main safety rules that a babysitter must follow with a child.
Knowledge of the environment and parents’ instructions
First of all, a babysitter must be able to know the environment in which she has to work and be attentive to the instructions left by the parents. Good communication with parents is essential to ensure the safety of children and prevent accidents.
When you arrive at the parents’ home, take the time to discuss with them their expectations, their preferences, but also any allergies, vitamin C deficiencies, medications to take or special safety instructions to follow. Write down all this information in a notebook so that you can refer to it later.
Also walk around the house to identify potentially dangerous areas, objects that should not be left within reach of children, and spaces where they can play safely. Ask parents for a list of emergency numbers to call in case of a problem and their permission to use household equipment, such as the telephone or household appliances.
Basic skills to keep children safe
The babysitter must have basic skills to ensure the safety of the children she looks after, particularly in terms of first aid and safety education. Several training courses are available to acquire these skills, such as the BAFA (Brevet d’Aptitude aux Fonctions d’Animateur) or first aid training (PSC1).
It is important to know how to react and provide first aid in the event of a domestic accident, such as a fall, burn, or choking. The babysitter must also know the basic rules of road safety and the prevention of risks related to daily life.
This includes in particular:
- Never leave a child unattended near a water source (swimming pool, bathtub) or a heat source (stove, radiator).
- Always keep an eye on children when they are playing in the house or garden, especially if they are young and may put dangerous objects in their mouths.
- Store household products and medicines out of the reach of children.
- Do not smoke in the presence of children and make sure that cigarettes or lighters are not left within their reach.
Activities adapted to the child’s age and development
When looking after a child, the babysitter should offer activities that are appropriate for their age and development. This not only helps to avoid boredom and tension but also prevents accidents related to inappropriate play.
To do this, it is important to have a good knowledge of the stages of child development and the games adapted to each age group. Manual activities, board games, puzzles, and imitation games are often appreciated by children and allow them to work on their fine motor skills, their creativity or even their team spirit.
Don’t hesitate to ask parents what their child’s favorite activities are and adapt according to their tastes and skills . Also, be sure to respect safety rules during activities, for example by avoiding violent games, activities that involve the use of dangerous objects or that require constant parental supervision, such as riding a bike.
Respecting the child’s rhythm and putting them to bed safely
Finally, one of the main missions of a babysitter is to accompany the child in his daily routines and to ensure that he respects his sleep rhythm. Bedtime is often a crucial moment, where the child’s safety must be ensured.
To do this, the babysitter must:
- Know and respect the bedtime rituals established by parents (story, song, cuddle).
- Make sure the room is safe (no bulky toys, accessible electrical cords, warm blankets or stuffed animals on the bed for young children).
- Check that the room temperature is suitable (ideally between 18 and 20 degrees).
- Make sure the child is lying in a safe position (on their back for babies, with a suitable blanket).
Being a babysitter involves ensuring the safety of the children entrusted to your care by respecting the basic rules regarding accident prevention, supervision of activities, and respecting the child’s pace. Good communication with parents and appropriate training help ensure safe and peaceful care for all.
