True or False
When picking up an infant, one hand should be supporting the infants neck and head while the other is supporting it's bottom. Avoid sudden movements.
True
When bottle feeding an infant you should:
a) Never use a microwave to heat the bottle
b) Hold child in a semi reclining position
c) Leave child unattended
d) Feed entire bottle before burping the infant
b) hold child in a semi reclining position
List 5 characteristics that a parent is looking for when hiring a babysitter.
- patient, calm, and respectful
- enjoys spending time with kids
- trustworthy
- good role model
- on time to shift
- has skills to manage child behaviours
- can come up with fun and safe activities
- good at communication
- is well prepared for the job and follows instructions
How should you approach a shy child?
Get down on their level and use a kind soft voice. Introduce yourself and say that it is nice to meet them and that you are excited to spend time with them.
Give them option of games or activities they can play and offer that you will play with them.
School-ages children are usually very active and and love to play games.
True
Where should you put a child for a time-out?
a) in front of a TV
b) A quiet place without distractions
c) in the bathroom
d) in their bedroom
b) A quiet place without distraction
*Never leave a child unattended. Stay with the child at all times*
Before agreeing to a babysitting job, you should know/ask your employer...
1. How many children you will be babysitting
2. When your expected start and end times are
3. What your hourly wage is
4. How you will get to the job there/back
5. Where they can be reached
6. Emergency contact information
7. Directions to the home in case of emergency
8. Where the exits of the home are
9. How to operate appliances, lock windows or doors, and use of lights
10. Allergies or medications of the child
11. Where the first aid kit is stored
List two safe outdoor activities for preschoolers:
*Always ask parents/guardians if you are allowed to take their children outside*
*If you are crossing the street or going to a park, always make sure you are holding the child's hand when walking across the street. Never leave the child by itself*
1. Go for a walk or to a park (if allowed by the parents)
2. Play catch
3. Play soccer or other ball games
4. Play tag or other running games
You can refuse a babysitting job if the child is sick.
True. You are not required to take care of sick children.
What is a common cause of seizures in children?
a) The child is tired
b) The child is cold
c) The child has a fever
d) The child is angry
c) The child has a fever
*It is important to note that you do not need to accept a babysitting job when or if a child is sick/has a fever. It is important to have a conversation with the parents before the babysitting job about any needed information regarding the child*
What should you do if you notice symptoms of a sick child or is a child starts vomiting?
*If the child develops symptoms of being sick, call the parents and let them know*
- a runny nose
- coughing or wheezing
- vomitting
- diarrhea
- rash
- skin appears pale
- has a fever or skin feels warm and clammy
*YOU DO NOT NEED to accept a babysitting job if the child is sick*
If you do, parents should give you specific instructions for the care of the child. Try and make the child feel as comfortable as possible. Wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
If the child starts vomiting you should:
- Remain calm and do not make them feel as if they did something bad.
- Re-assure them that you are there to help them
- Take them to the toilet or give them a garbage can or bucket as soon as possible
- Call the parents immediately
- Clean the child's face/dirty areas with wipes or a wash cloth. Change any dirty clothing.
List four ways to prevent choking and suffocation.
1. Supervise children then playing with their toys
2. Keep toys out of the crib
3. Take away any small toys or objects that can fit inside the child/infants mouth
4. Do not play with plastic bags or balloons
5. Cut food into small pieces for younger children. Even grapes and tomatoes should be cut into small pieces for children.
You can refuse to bath the child if you are uncomfortable to do so.
True. You are not required to bathe a child.
Medication should only be given to a child when:
a) You have special training
b) The parents have given you special instruction to do so
c) The child is sick
d) You know where the medicine is kept
b) The parents have given you special instruction to do so
*NEVER give the child medicine without permission or instructions from the parents. The parents should give you both warning and instructions if the child you are babysitting required any medicine or supplements*
List four places of persons for which you should have phone numbers available when babysitting.
1. Parent's phone numbers (both if available)
2. Grandparents or other trusted guardians
3. Emergency contact numbers (911)
4. Poison Control Number (1-800-332-1414)
If you must bath a child, what are the most important things that you should remember.
*As a new babysitter, it is best to AVIOD bathing a child. You do not/are not required to bathe a child*
- If the child gets messy during eating or play time, you can use a wash cloth or wipes to try and clean the child the best you can. If clothing gets dirty, the child can change into different clothing. Let the parents know about the incident when returning home.
A parents NEEDS to give you permission to give child medicine or supplements.
True. NEVER give children medicine or supplement without the permission or instructions given to you by the parents or guardians.
If you suspect an intruder is trying to enter the house, you should:
a) Go to the other door to the neighbours
b) Call the police immediately
c) Call the parents immediately
d) Call the hospital emergency immediately
b) Call the police immediately
*The parents should notify you BEFORE your babysitting shift if they expect anyone to stop by. Do not let anyone enter the house that you are unaware of. If you suspect an intruder find a quiet place in the house and call 911 immediately"
Crying is a baby's primary means of communication. List three things why a baby would cry.
1. Is hungry
2. Needs a diaper change
3. Is tired
4. Needs to be burped
5. Is too warm or cold
6. Would like their favourite toy
7. Misses their parents
8. Needs to be held of feel secure
How can you prevent bumping or pinching injuries?
1. Keep the child away from closing doors, drawers, and cupboards
2. Keep cords off the floors and away from busy areas
3. Remind children to be gentle when playing and to not run in the house
4. Play in areas where there are no sharp corners or items that can be tripped on.