Is it safe for a 13 and 14 year old to babysit a newborn?

Question

I am a college student expecting my 3rd child this summer. Are my first 2 kids old enough to babysit while I'm in class (my projected schedule is 2 hours after school, 3 days per week). The baby should be 6 weeks old when class starts. They are very responsible kids, but I'm not sure, even though I babysat starting at age 12.

My other question is: is it fair to have them babysit? When I think of all the free time they have for video games and ipods and such, I think it is; however I understand that it's my baby, not theirs, and I don't want to unduly burden them.

Should I just get a sitter?

Answer 1

You could always try it for a week or two, and maybe have a friend or relative or babysitter "supervise" each day you're gone at first... and make sure they have someone's phone number to call, in case of an emergency. The sitter can probably let you know what he or she thinks of your kids' abilities after a couple weeks...?

It's also important to teach them that, if they feed the baby, it needs properly burped...and also how to lay them in the crib (especially if you prefer the baby to lay on it's back vs its stomach).... You can remind the kids they can't just leave the baby laying on a bed, or couch, etc...

I suppose if you think these kids are mature enough, then maybe it would be OK... if you can't give them money you can still "pay" them in other ways -- take them to dinner, give them money for the movie, or some other special treat on the weekend once or twice, whatever you can do.

i can't really think of another thing...take care...

Answer 2

Is the 13-14 year old disabled? Why would a teen that age need a babysitter, especially if it's just for an hour? If I had a 13 year old that I couldn't trust to be home alone, she'd have to go with me. I wouldn't waste money on a sitter.

Answer 3

I personally don't recommend it. That's a little too young for a newborn, maybe when the baby is older and can walk they can give you a hand.

I know they may do ok and there may not be any incidents, but as you know things can change in seconds. I have 2 girls and the little one has choked on several things, to include saliva, had I not known CPR I don't want to even think about what could have happened. It freaked me out a 30-something adult, sometimes kids just don't know how to react in that kind of situation.

So just keep that in mind, those things can happen with adults too but I'd rather have the peace of mind knowing there was an adult around just in case.

If you decide to let them do it then I'd ask them if they would mind helping you out while you go to school. Maybe asking them if they want to will make they feel as though they are not forced to do it if they don't want to.

Answer 4

I would get a sitter. :) You will feel much better about the whole situation. I have a 13 year old son, a 2 year old son and a 5 month old daughter. My 13 year old has watched my 2 year old (once) while I was in the shower. And he didn't like doing it. He felt nervous. If your older kids seem very competent, then maybe, but you might worry like crazy about it. It takes a VERY patient individual to take good care of an infant. Best of luck!

Answer 5

I am a first time mum so i think it may just have something to do with that but i wouldnt leave my baby with a 13 or 14 year old, hell i dont want him going out of my sight until he is at least 3-6 months old, but i think that is just my worries about something happening to him while im not there.

But if you feel that they are responsible kids and they dont mind looking after the new bub then i think it is fine, you know your kids and what they are like better than anyone so if you feel it is safe to leave bub with them then go for it, just make sure you have a mobile on you at all times incase they need you for an emergency at any point! Congrats on the new baby!!

Answer 6

Absolutely not. 13 and 14 are still children themselves, do not have the most mature judgement, and simply will not know what to do in every situation. They shouldn't be looking after themselves all alone for long periods of time. Unfair is an understatement. Newborn watching is not a responsibilty for kids of this age.

If you can't watch your children, get a responsible adult to do so. The money you will spend is nothing compared to the potential disasters you could be averting. Is it worth the risk?

Answer 7

Well I'm 14. And If they know what to do for her/his care, and what to do if any emergency is to occur, then they should be just fine. I recommend them taking babysitting courses if they haven't already. Before I was very nervous about babysitting but, now I am confident because I really know what I'm doing.
As for if it's fair you would really have to take that up witht them. If I had a baby sibling I would love to play with them, but they may get tired of it.

Answer 8

i would talk to them about it and find out how they feel about babysitting there baby sibling, they might be really excited about doing it. if not get a sitter. as for there age they are not to young i was babysitting my newborn neice and nephew when i was 12, i used to love it and i handled it really well. i think the biggest thing you have to ask them if they can handle the dirty nappies. :-)

Answer 9

They are old enough. but put urself in their situation at their age. it is ok for them to watch the baby, but maybe you shouldn't have them committ to it 3 times a week...that's a bit much. you could have 1 of them do it one day, the other another day and the 3rd goes to a sitter.

Answer 10

They are old enough. Heck I had my first child at 13. However- I personally don't think they should be watching the baby EVERY time if they are not willing- at some point they are going to end up placing the blame on the new baby for them not being able to do anything. You are their mom though- it's all up to you!!