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.