I'm going to look after a friends baby for 2 weeks in the summer. Him and his wife will be out and about on holiday etc. so during the typical 9-5, I will look after the baby, who, is about a year an a half.
I was wondering, is there any kind of course I should take? or just basic books I could maybe take a look at?
I've babysat before, for babies, toddlers and much older, and I'm going to take a first aid course specially for infants. But I'm still concerned.
Are there any other courses that I should take quickly? Or does anyone know of any books that would be useful and beneficial?
Thanks for your help :)
Luce xxxx
2007-06-03 06:59:08 · 4 answers · asked by Luchia 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
its great that you are taking afirst aid course, its what I would reccomend to all child care providers. Get a copy of "what to expect the todder years, it will give you more info on what an 18 month old will be doing. It will be a fun learning experience for you, and help you prepare for when you have kids of your own. good luck
2007-06-03 07:03:40 · answer #1 · answered by parental unit 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would also talk to your friend about putting together her instructional and informational notes for you well before you leave such as the daily schedule, what the baby should be eating, favorite toys, etc. so that you can read up on the baby before you actually have to start taking care of him/her.
That will also give you time to think of anything that you need or would like to know about the baby's care that the mother and father may have forgotten to tell you about.
There's lots of little things such as "How does the baby like to be sat in the baby carrier?", "When can the baby have or not have a pacifier?", "What are some tricks to get the baby to sleep - bouncy seat, rocking chair, swing, etc.?", "Does the baby have any allergies to food, pollens, animals?", "Does the baby have any dangerous habits that I need to be especially vigilant against such as propensity to climb stairs, tendency to throw himself down on the ground when angry, holding his breath, biting/hitting/spitting at other children (in case you go to a park or public place), etc.?
Knowing the baby's personality, likes /dislikes as well as the items you and others have mentioned will help things go much, much smoother. All children, especially infants, thrive off routine. If you can learn the routine down pat and start it on day one, the 'bumps' should be much fewer.
2007-06-03 14:22:51 · answer #2 · answered by kittyrat234b 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would definitely take the infant first aid course before looking after the baby. also if possible see if before they go away you can check out the babies schedule (kind of shadow the mom ) for a day to try and keep the baby on the schedule while they are gone. (it will make your job alot easier to keep the baby scheduled so you can organise your own activities(taking a walk, etc, around naps and feedings)
2007-06-03 14:14:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
baby Im sure you will do fine at that age the most important things is knowing baby CPR and the # to poison control these are for just in case situations Good Luck
2007-06-03 14:10:57 · answer #4 · answered by stacie_collins2001 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋