1st time babysitting?

Question

I am 15 and will be babysitting for my parents friends for about 5 hours (from about 7 PM to midnight). I have never babysat before, but I am good with kids and have done it with a 3 year old but I was never technicall alone. Even though no one was helping me. The family I am babysitting for has a 2 year old and a 10 month old. The 2 year old is supposed to be asleep by the time I get there and I am to just put him back to bed if he wakes up. But, the 10 month old has to be fed and everything. Can anyone tell me what I am supposed to do, how to do it, exc.
Thanks in advance for all help!

Answer 1

I'm sure they'll give you instructions, but when feeding the 10-month-old, make sure the pieces are small -- about the size of a pea or smaller. Rice Krispies are good, but grapes, for example are the #1 killer of children that age.

Mostly the baby will like to play, be read to, sung to, talked to, held, and allowed to cruise around (supervised). Watch for electrical outlets and furniture, appliances, etc. that he/she can pull down onto him/her self, as well as small toys or anything small he/she might choke on. Pat-a-cake is a good game to play, as well as flying around like superman.

When changing a diaper, he/she might squirm around. To get the baby to hold still, give him/her a toy or something interesting to hold & play with that he/she rarely ever gets a chance to hold.

Answer 2

I would try to meet the kids before you babysit! The parent should tell you what to fed the 10 month and how if not, just ask! Never be scare to ask any questions!!!! The baby should be changed into a new daiper and if you don't know how have your mom or someone show you how! For the first time, I would change them on the floor with a blanket under them! Cuz, you don't know how wiggly the baby is! Then for putting to bed just ask the parents the best way! Some times you might have to rock them to bed. I babysat a girl that I never met and she was in bed before I came and when she woke up she just screamed and what ever the parents told me didn't work! I made sure that never happen again! I always met the kids first! Don't forget to get the number that they will be at or some other family member. Good luck and have fun!

Answer 3

Go early and talk to the mom. She needs to let you know what to expect and what she expects you to do and how to handle especially the 10 month old.

You may have your patience tried. Just keep cool and be sure you have the cell phone of mom or dad of the children in case you are having a problem. You should get support from mom for the 10 month old if you are in a bind and don't know what to do. You should not feel that you can not disturb them. There is no way you would know how to handle a tight situation with an infant unless you have one as a younger sibling. Don't hesitate to call an adult if you can't get ahold of the parents. Call your mom, an aunt, or friend who has experience with kids.

A tip: Sing to the children even if you have to sing the same sweet song over and over. It is nothing short of a miracle to calm an upset child. Even singing orders when you want them to cooperate works. If you ever need to, keep this gem in your pocket and use it when you think it is a good solution to any situation.

Answer 4

Nothing to be afraid of!! Just be careful since at 10months they start crawling make sure she doesnt get into anything shes not supposed to or put anything in her mouth. Also some 10month babies start to stand keep and eye and make sure she doesnt loose balance and hit herself or bang her head!! Im sure that the parents will leave you a note/schedule to guide you through the 5hours that you will be babysitting, dont worry!! Besides If you say its from 7-midnight theres nothing to it, the baby will end up falling asleep! Just keep and eye on the 10months and like you were told if the 2 year old wakes up just make sure and tell him that mommy and daddy are coming home soon and take him back to bed!! Good Luck!!

Answer 5

Actually, any advice you get from here won't necessarily be what you are supposed to do. Every child is different and will have a different routine.

The best advice I can give is just make sure you listen to what the parents tell you to do, ask questions, and feel free to write things down. They may assume you know things, so make sure to ask before they leave.

Some good questions to ask:
*How much does the baby usually eat?
*How do you fix his bottle? How long do you warm it up?
*What other kinds of food is he allowed to eat?
*What's his bedtime routine? How do you get him back to sleep?
*Does he take a pacifier?
*What is his preferred way to be burped? How long does it usually take?
*Where do you keep the supplies? (diapers, formula, etc)
*Where do I put the dirty diapers?

If the baby cries, make sure his diaper is clean (and not too tight), make sure he is not hungry (try giving him another bottle even if he just ate), make sure he doesn't need to be burped, etc. Try playing with him, walk around the house, pointing out various items, or rocking and singing to him.

Make sure you get the contact number of the parents, and have the number of another adult (like your your own parents) ready, in case they can't be reached.

You'll do fine :-)

~Kyanna

Answer 6

Sorry, but I have a 15 year old as well and I would not feel comfortable having him watch my 11 month old niece. Even good babies tend to get fussy around bed time and with the rituals such as final feeding and bathing, it is just too new for your age. Maybe if the baby was put down for the night before you got their as well. I would however, feel comfortable with him watching a 2 year old because they are a little more independant and really just want to play and watch cartoons.

Answer 7

i think you should have a chat with the parents and go over everything.write it down if you have too,they will appreciate it,so don't be embarassed!.
Just play with the baby,read books,sing,possibly give a bottle if necessary.make sure he/she doesn't touch anything dangerous. best to move anything you think he may grab or try to eat!. as long as the baby is safe and happy,everything will fall into place.

Answer 8

goood luk emma im 15 and aswell i giv u tip listen to the child

Answer 9

don't be afraid to ask the parents for advise or pointers or to have them right everything out that you should know.

they will think it's very mature of you to ask and they will be happy to help in any way.

Answer 10

Just keep your cool...babies can be very cranky at times and dipers can be sooo gross...Be gentle , no shaking the baby and keep your mom on speed dial...