What Items to Bring When Babysitting

At the start of every babysitting job, ask the parents where they keep their first-aid kit, and get a tour of their house. Ask about the child's allergies, feeding times and any restricted foods or activities. Collect information about the parents' whereabouts and contact information as well as local emergency information. In addition to all of these things, a babysitting kit can prepare you for the evening.

  1. Information

    • If you have the child's allergy and emergency contact information before you arrive, pack this in your babysitting kit. This may be the case if you are babysitting for a child you know and have taken care of before. Also have the babysitter's manual you received if you took a babysitting course. You can put all of this together into a folder. Include several sheets of paper or a notebook in which you can write any special notes or record incidents that arise during the course of the evening and to which the parents should be alerted.

    Safety Items

    • Even if the family has shown you where they keep their first aid kit, it's a good idea for you to bring one so you have quick access to it. Depending on the age of the child, you may also wish to have a spare diaper and antiseptic wipes handy. A cell phone to use in case of an emergency and a flashlight with fresh batteries are also good ideas.

    Playtime Items

    • Probably the most used items in your babysitting kit will be the things you use to entertain the child. Bring several coloring books, crayons, construction paper and other simple items the child can play with. Make sure the items are all safe and not messy. If you want to bring a DVD movie, clear the title with the parents before showing it to the child. Puzzles, stickers and craft kits also appeal to kids.

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