is it abuse and should i do somthing about it??

Question

i just started babysitting a 2 month old girl today and i noticed some neglect. she smelled really bad and we very dirty. she had a horrid diaper rash (i put cream on it). i havnt ever seen anything like it. she ate so much too. it was like she had hardly been fed. she cried all day too like she was scared. i dont know if i should say somthing to her mom or just give the poor baby a bath adn keep feeding her as much as she wants, i can treat the diaper rash easily. but what would you do??

Answer 1

it's tough to say. if it was only once, it might just be a happenstance. look for bruises on the body, is the kid really thin? real nervous like? if the next time you babysit, ask and the baby is like that. tell your parents, and maybe contact the authorities. maybe take a few pictures.

Answer 2

Severe diaper rash is physical abuse just the same as if she were beaten. Starvation is physical neglect and is also considered abuse. Both should be reported to child protective services and/or the police.

You are in a dangerous situation here. If you don't report it and someone else does, you will get the blame for the injury to the child because mom will deny it and say you did it. Also most state laws say that if you know of abuse of a child, you have 24 hours to report it or you may be charged for not reporting it.

This baby is suffering and you have it in your hands to do something about it. If you don't, something worse may happen to the baby, including death. State laws allow you to remain anonymous so no one will know it was you who reported it. Even if nothing is going on that is wrong, it is better to error on the side of the baby's welfare. You won't be blamed by the legal system if nothing is wrong, but you can rest assured knowing you did the right thing anyway. Report it now before it is too late.

Answer 3

I would watch the child closely. Very closely. Look for bruises or bed sores, that sort of thing, before you cause any havoc that may not be supported. She could have just been hungry and diaper rashes are sometimes inevitable especially if the tender skin is irritated by strong urine. Just be sure! That child deserves the best so if you find the little ones continues to seem neglected, then you should definetely do something to help that child.

Answer 4

As a parent, it sounds like neglect to me. If the mother is the one neglecting the baby, you may find yourself out of a babysitting job and the baby still being neglected. If this has been going on for awhile, discuss it with your parents and get their opinion, otherwise you can contact social services and they will investigate.

Answer 5

It's a good thing you care about his baby.
Abuse is when a child is in danger of losing his/her life. Neglect is when someone is just haphazardly or sporadically taking care of a child.
You should definitely say something to the Mom. This baby needs some attention.

Answer 6

I would do something about it. The baby is obviously being neglected. I would definiately call Children Services and go from there. If the baby was that way when you showed up there, who knows what happens when you're not there!! Best of luck!!

Answer 7

If you fear this child is being neglected in anyway, go talk to a someone in social services who might be able to guide in you the right direction as to what to do.

Answer 8

Call Child Protective Services and tell them what you just told us.

Answer 9

i would confront the baby's mother and if the problem gets worse i would call someone about it because no child should be treated that way

Answer 10

I might mention something to the mom. It looks fishy..