Is it safe for a 13 year old girl to babysit a 7 month old baby?

Question

for about 4 hours?

Answer 1

Has the babysitter taken an infant CPR and First Aid course? Is the 13-year old emotionally mature and responsible? Will the babysitter have immediate contact with another trusted adult no more than 1-2 minutes away? Does the babysitter actually want to babysit this infant? Does the babysitter understand how to feed the infant, change the diapers, soothe the baby, and care for all of the baby's needs? Does the babysitter know how & when to call for help if the baby should become ill or an emergency (like fire) arises? Does the babysitter understand that she cannot shake or ignore the baby if it is upset or crying or fussing?

If yes to all questions, then it's fine. I started babysitting when I was 12 years old and was always "in demand" by the neighbors for Friday & Saturday nights. But I could answer YES to EVERY ONE of the above questions.

Answer 2

Put age aside for a minute.

-do you know this girl and her parents well?
-does she do well in school?
-did she take the babysitting course?
-does she have her cpr and general first aid?
-does she have a cell phone?
-will the baby be alseep?
-will you be able to come home at any time?
-do you trust this young woman?
-does she want to come over for four hours when you are home and watch how you mind the baby?
-does she have previous experience with infants?
-does she have siblings?

At the age of 13 I was left with my little brother (newborn) all the time. Because I was more than able to care for him. Some 13 are really not.

When a family is hiring a nanny they will not accept people to look after infants who don't have infant experience, and these are woman with years of childcare experience, and usually over the age of 20. So, it really depends.

It is up to you, maybe a few dry runs??

I don't think I could ever leave my baby with a 13 year old, actually I know I couldn't...even a 13 year old like I was....

Answer 3

it depends on the 13 yr old and on the baby. I probably would not feel comfortable leaving my 7 month old with a 13 yr old under most circumstances. However, do they know each other? Is there someone older and wiser really near by who can be called easily if need be? How far away will you be? Can you be reached by phone easily? Will it be during the day or at night? How easy, in general, is your baby? How well do you know the 13 yr old? Also, "safe" is a pretty loose term -- I would assume your baby would most likely be safe but, will he be getting well taken care of is perhaps another question to consider.

Answer 4

No, because when I was young left with a baby I did not understand crying jags baby sometime have. I luckily put the baby down in his crib, but I wanted it to stop so bad. And felt overwhelmed. I stayed away from babies after that. What if I would have shaken that baby, or who knows what? You can't risk the patience or knowledge of a child of 13. No don't do it, the frustration level is an unknown for this, they may not realize the proper reaction.

Answer 5

It depends on the 13 year old girl. When I was 13 I had been around my baby brother 3 years. I kind of knew about babies. It just depends on how young or impatient or aware of her surroundings she is. I would trust my friend's daughter - but her Nana owns a daycare and she has been around babies a lot. She is a responsible 13 year old, but I am not sure if I would let any other one around babies.

Answer 6

It depends on the girl. If she is mature and has a good maternal instinct, yes. My 10-year old fits that category and when she's 13 I probably would. My 13 year old, however, isn't quite together enough.

I don't think the age of 13 is in itself assurance that it would be OK.

Answer 7

Depends on how mature the 13 year old girl is. And they also have laws that vary from state to state of how long certain ages can babysit certain ages. Checkout that link

Answer 8

It depends on the type of baby, if it's a high need baby that cries often, the no, because imagine the frustration you feel when your child cries nonstop a thirteen year old would have a more difficult time of coping with it. If it's not a high need baby I wouldn't think it would be a bad idea.

Answer 9

I wouldnt do it, unless it was my oldest daughter, during the day... but even then it would depend on how mature my daughter was (shes only 10 at the moment and no where near mature enough)

but right now, I wouldnt let any 13 yr old look after any of my kids

Answer 10

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