How to Babysit an Infant
Earning a little extra money babysitting infants can be more fun -- and a lot easier -- than schlepping food at your local diner.
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You Will Need
- Contact information
- Diapering supplies
- Bottles
- Milk or formula
- Pacifiers
- Toys
- Place to warm bottles
- Changes of clothing
- Burpcloths
Steps
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Step 1
Ask for contact information
Ask the infant's parents for all important contact information, including the pediatrician's number. Determine who to call if the parents are unavailable.
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Step 2
Locate supplies
Locate all of the diaper supplies, bottles, milk, toys, clothing, and burp cloths.
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Step 3
Ask about bottle warming
Ask the parents about their methods for bottle warming and about any feeding schedules they want you to follow.
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Having a bottle filled and ready for warming will save you time and tears with a hungry infant. Prepare a bottle while the baby is still happy and content.
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Step 4
Ask about any special needs
Ask the parents if the infant has any special needs or health concerns you should be aware of.
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Step 5
Determine schedule
Determine if the infant has a set schedule for naps, feeding times, play time, or medications that you need to follow.
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Step 6
Ask about sleep habits
Ask the parents if their baby has any special routine for sleep time, such as rocking, walking around, singing, or shushing.
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When putting a baby to sleep, always be sure to lay the baby on his or her back to sleep, and without blankets or pillows surrounding them.
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Step 7
Follow routine
Follow any routine the infant is accustomed to: play with and hold them, change their diaper, talk to the baby, and enjoy spending time with such a precious little person.
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A newborn baby can only see objects that are around 8 to 15 inches away.
