No one characteristic makes someone a good babysitter. Instead a good babysitter successfully combines the knowledge and skills associated with leadership, safety, safe play, basic care, first aid and professionalism.

Babysitting Tips

• Always be aware that an infant or child can be burned by anything that is hot, including food, bath water, heaters, stoves, ovens or barbecue pits.
• Make sure that homes where your baby sit are equipped with operating smoke alarms.
• Keep matches, lighters and candles away from children at all times.
• Talk to your parents or guardians about a Family Fire Escape Plan.
• Know how to use the fire extinguisher and where it is located.
• Teach children to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire.
• If fire occurs, get yourself and the children out and do not return to a burning building. Your job is to protect the children, not their belongings.
• To learn more about safety, prevention, and babysitting, take the American Red Cross Babysitter's Training course. For more information on signing up for a course, contact your local Red Cross.
• Be sure to have a list of all emergency numbers and a number where parents can be reached.
• Cook only if you have experience and permission from the parents.
• If you encounter a gun, tell an adult immediately. Do not touch the gun.
• Always wear a life preserver when in a boat.