Babysitting Safety

Babysitting is a job that carries a large responsibility and one should not  treat babysitting as just a way to earn money. Your child should approach  the job with a mature and responsible attitude. Every babysitting assignment should be carefully planned to ensure the safety and well being of both child and babysitter.

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  • Enrol your child in a babysitting course, which is available to young people over 11 years of age at most community centres. 
  • Enrol your child in a First Aid/CPR course
  • Babysitters should  clearly state the days they are available, hours of work, experience they have, and the pay they consider fair
  • They should get specific information such as: parent's name, address, phone number, number of children and their ages, escort and transportation that will be provided to and from the job, etc.
  • They should write all information down to avoid confusion or misunderstandings
  • They should not accept a job if they don't know the person calling. They should first ask who recommended them, then check back. If in doubt, they should refuse.
  • They should never advertise on bulletin boards. It may solicit unwanted responses.
Precautions that should be taken while babysitting:

  • Check all windows and lock all doors
  • Do not admit anyone without prior permission from your employer
  • Never admit on the telephone or at the door that you are the babysitter

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  • Get the children out of the home and call 9-1-1
  • Do not re-enter the home
  • Keep a close watch on the children so that they do not try and re-enter the home or get in the way of emergency personnel
  • Contact the home owner

How can babysitters guard against accidents?

  • Pick up toys left on the stairs, in hall or other pathways
  • Be alert to possible child hazards (medicines in bathroom, dangerous utensils in kitchen, electrical outlets)
  • Check frequently on children while they are playing
  • Do not operate appliances or equipment, unless permission was given by their employer

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  • Babysitters should never take the children into someone else's home or vehicle unless permission was granted by the children's parents
  • They should not take the children to secluded parks, woods, parking lots, or school yards  particularly late afternoon or evening
  • Precautions should be taken when attending after school activities:
  • Babysitters should plan the best route with their employer, avoiding unsafe/dangerous places
  • They should stay on that route and identify the neighbourhood safe houses, businesses, or stores they can go to in an emergency
  • Babysitters should always listen to their instincts, that little voice inside that tells them when something does not feel quite right

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  • A number where  employer can be reached
  • The children's routes to and from school
  • Neighbours or friends phone numbers
  • Emergency numbers: Poison Information Center, Police, Fire Department, and Ambulance
  • Location of the children's health cards
  • Medical Background for each child: allergies, epileptic seizures, etc. ( if medication is required, they should know the times and the proper dosage to be given)



Respect the homes and parents' wishes by:

  •  NOT eating any food unless you have permission
  •  NOT open closets or drawers or read personal letters open to view
  • NOT allow friends to visit while they are babysitting
  •  NOT make prolonged personal phone calls
  • Having specific instructions for handling incoming calls or actions to be taken if the doorbell rings - NEVER tell anyone who calls or visits that they are alone

Babysitting Safety Powerpoint 

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