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Babysitting Safety Tips

Milford Police Department

Address

1100 Atlantic Street
Milford, MI 48381

For Emergencies, Dial 911

Phone: 248.684.1815

Open 24 Hours

Milford Police Logo Final RGBCaring for a child is one of the most important jobs a person can do and it entails a great deal of responsibility and information. The Milford Police Department has created a Babysitter Information Sheet for parents to fill out and leave with the babysitter for reference. Additionally, below are safety tips for both parents and babysitters to follow to keep children as safe as possible.

For Parents
Choosing the Babysitter
  1. Choose a babysitter whom you know from a trusted friend or family member. If you cannot, seek multiple recommendations and then check for references.
  2. Ensure the babysitter is of a suitable age to watch your children- generally speaking, it is not wise to allow anyone under the age of 12 to babysit.
  3. Meet with the babysitter in advance and have them get to know you and your children. Watch how they interact with the children and note how you feel about those interactions.
  4. Check if the sitter knows CPR or first aid. If they do not, you can encourage them to take the class.
Leaving the Kids with the Babysitter
  1. Make sure the sitter is aware of safety procedures including the locations of exits, first aid supplies, and fire extinguishers.
  2. Leave the sitter contact information for you as well as backups in case you cannot be reached.
  3. Clearly explain any medications that need to be given; their name, dose, and time.
  4. Explain the rules of the house including how the sitter should handle any misbehavior.
  5. Inform the sitter what food and drinks are allowed and if there are any allergies.
  6. If bedtime will take place before you return, explain what time bedtime is and what routines need to be followed. 
For Babysitters
  1. Make sure you are left with all the information you will need to know (contact information, rules, medical information, timelines, etc.) before the parents leave.
  2. Do not leave the house unless you have the parents permission and they know where you are going.
  3. Keep all the doors and windows locked, even when inside the house.
  4. Do not let anyone know that you are home alone with the kids, especially strangers who come to the door or call on the phone. If they ask to speak to a parent, say that they are busy and ask if you can take a message.
  5. Do not let anyone into the home while babysitting unless the parents say it is okay and you personally know them.
  6. Know where the children are at all times and never leave them for too long by themselves if you have to step away from them for some reason.
  7. Always be willing to call or text if you encounter any problems or have any questions. If parents cannot be reached in an emergency, call 911 and the emergency contacts.
  8. If the children are asleep, make sure to check on them every 15 minutes.
  9. If a child ingests something they should not have, even by accident, make them spit out any that is in their mouth and then call the poison control hotline.
  10. Keep your phone on you and ready to be answered in case the parents call.