Babysitting tips, and a free guide, for parents, caregivers

When it comes to babysitting, the old Dean Martin song comes to mind: “Everybody needs somebody sometime.”

Whether you’re going out for an evening, attending a daylong conference or just need a break from summertime parenting, having a reliable sitter whom you and your children know (and who knows your kids) gives a great deal of peace of mind.

Some parents are lucky enough to have grandparents, aunts, uncles or older teenage children who can pitch in. They can be a great help, but it’s important to not take them for granted. Treat them as you would a non-family member – for example, avoid last-minute requests, offer compensation (which they’ll probably turn down) and find ways to show your appreciation by offering to sit in return, taking them to lunch, etc.

A lot of families are far-flung these days, though, so having relatives nearby is a luxury many parents don’t have. So what can you do? You search – and sometimes search and search and search. I worked as a nurse while my children were young, so I know how frustrating it can be.

“Finding a babysitter these days is a serious time commitment and struggle for parents,” says Maressa Brown, senior editor at Care.com. “Parents will want to make a game plan before entering the current babysitting landscape — one that's ripe with stiff competition.”

And once you find that special someone to take care of your children, it’s important to leave them with the information they need to follow household rules, know what kinds of meals and treats to provide, how you feel about screen time, and what to do in case of emergency.

That’s why I’m happy to offer a free guide, “Babysitting: Helpful Tips and Information,” which is down loadable from my website, https://northshorern.com/free-resources/. You can download and print as many as you need. The guide is also useful if you’re the sitter – ask the parent to complete the form before you’re left in charge.

Back to search tips! Unlike when my children were small, and we only had telephones to connect us, today you have the ability to connect to potential sitters on Facebook and other social media sites. One that’s particularly useful is NextDoor, an app that lets you post messages and requests to your immediate surroundings. It’s possible, for example, to find college students who are looking for child care opportunities.

Another possibility is your local YMCA or recreation center, which may offer babysitting training to teens 13 and up, so they’re versed in child safety, CPR, household safety and what to do in an emergency.

Once you have some names, though, you can’t stop there. Check references, at least two and as many as five. If the candidate has just graduated from a babysitting training program, ask the instructor for their recommendation.

Then do a trial run. Ask the candidates to visit with your children for an hour or so and observe the quality of their interactions and the energy they project. If they’ll be caring for an infant or toddler, be sure to have them change a diaper or two.

Finally, determine the hourly rate you’re willing to pay. Inflation has impacted babysitting, too. The going rate for sitters nationwide is between $10 and $30 an hour, according to care.com, and in the area, it hovers right around $20 an hour. (Do you remember earning 50 cents an hour? I do!)

New parents who are leaving their child for the first time – whether with Grandma or a paid sitter are understandably anxious. You can calm your nerves by knowing you’ve provided all the information your sitter needs to care for your child, including:

• What foods are OK, and which are not

• Any medical conditions, allergies and medications

• Which TV shows and videos are OK, and which are not

• Limits on screen time

• Bedtime/nap time rituals

• Names and phone numbers of trusted adults they can call if they can’t reach you

• Locations of the first aid kit and fire extinguisher

I think it’s also important to give permission for the sitter to call 911 if all else fails and they can’t reach you or any of your backups.

Are they also going to be “babysitting” a pet? Our guide also includes space for that information – their names and feeding/walking schedules.

Again, our “Babysitting: Helpful Tips and Information” is free to download at https://northshorern.com/free-resources/. I hope you’ll find it useful.

• Teri (Dreher) Frykenberg is a board-certified patient advocate. A critical care registered nurse for 30+ years, she is founder of NShore Patient Advocates (www.NorthShoreRN.com). Her book, “How to Be a Healthcare Advocate for Yourself & Your Loved Ones,” is available on Amazon. She is offering a free phone consultation to Daily Herald readers; email her at teri@northshorern.com.