Safety Tips for Babysitters

It is extremely important that you take your sitting job very seriously and make a conscientious attempt to take the best care of a family’s most important possession—their children. Do not look upon your babysitting time as “leisure time” for you to invite your friends over or to be constantly on the phone such that the children are left unattended. Remember that your first responsibility is to the children you are caring for.

Lock all the doors when the parents leave.

Watch the children carefully and keep them away from dangerous objects or chemicals to avoid household accidents.

Do not permit your friends or guests to visit without permission.

Do not leave the children alone in the house at any time.

When the children go to bed they should be checked regularly.

Stay awake while babysitting.

If the telephone rings, do not tell the caller that the children are alone with a babysitter. Ask the caller to leave a message.

Never allow a stranger into the house. Do not open the door to anyone unless the parents have given prior permission. Ask to take a message.

If the children are taken outside in the yard, they must be watched carefully. The parent will let the sitter know who their children may play with or visit.

If you take the children to a public place watch them carefully and do not allow them to wander. Make sure all the windows and doors are locked before you leave on your outing. When you return, if something seems suspicious (broken window or door open) call the police immediately from someone else’s house.

Arrange transportation to and from your babysitting assignment. Do not take a ride home from someone who appears to be under the
influence of alcohol.