Baby sitting can be a super way for you to earn money. And, it's a
good way for you to learn a lot about children, about families, about
having a job, about managing money ... and about PRODUCT SAFETY. Every
job has certain guidelines. Baby sitting is no exception. There are
certain things that will be expected of you as a sitter and things that
you should expect of the parents. That's why the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission has prepared this Super Sitter Guide. It is to help
you become more aware of some of these guidelines, particularly:
the need for constant observation and alertness to the child's environment
selecting toys for children that are not dangerous
the importance of children playing with toys in the proper manner
the need for keeping children's products in good condition so they
don't become dangerous for them to use
Section 2: WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THE SITTER
There are certain do's and don'ts. In addition to "sitting" with the children,
these are a few of the things you should know and remember as a Safe Sitter.
Before the parents leave, get the names and phone numbers suggested
in the Super Sitter's Very Important Phone Numbers List.
Have the parents show you through the house or apartment and point
out where the items you will need are located, such as the children's
clothing or playthings.
Always know where the emergency exits are located. In case of fire
don't stop to try to put it out by yourself! Get the children out
of the house without stopping to phone. Take them to a neighbor. Call
the fire department, and then call the parents to let them know where
you and the children are.
Keep the youngsters safe by preventing accidents. Know where the
potential hazards are, such as electrical outlets, appliances, and
exposed heating elements. Also ask the parents if all medicine, bleaches
and household cleaners are securely locked up.
Stairs can be dangerous for youngsters. Keep a curious toddler from
playing on or around them. Running or horseplay on them can lead to
falls, particularly if the youngsters are wearing socks or other "slippery"
footwear. Remember, too, that stairs are not meant to be a storage
area. Anything placed on the stairs can become an obstacle to fall
over.
If there is a gate across the stairway, make sure it is kept latched.
Babies in carriages, walkers or strollers should never be left unattended,
especially in an area around stairs or ramps -- whether indoors or
out. A malfunction of the carriage's safety brake or a sudden movement
by the child could put it right over the edge. If a gate is not provided,
place a barrier of some kind in front of the stairway that a child
cannot climb over. Accordion-style gates with large V-shaped or diamond-shaped
openings should not be used since they can entrap a child's head,
causing strangulation. A gate with a straight top or small V's and
diamond-shaped openings is safer. Make sure pressure gates are firmly
in place and can't be dislodged by the child.
Caution the child about the dangers of glass doors or windows. A
child running or riding on a trike or bike could easily go through
the glass. Be sure you keep toys, scatter rugs and other articles
that could cause someone to slip or trip away from these areas. If
you are caring for a particularly active child, place a large chair
or other piece of furniture in front of the glass area for safety's
sake. You also can suggest to the parents that large, colorful decals
at eye level for both children and adults can make glass doors safer.
Unless specifically instructed by the parents, do not bathe the
baby. A clean facecloth in lukewarm water will suffice in most cases
for cleaning the skin. Bathing a baby calls for utmost care and supervision;
aside from the risk of hot water scalds, there is always the danger
of drowning. While you may want to be of help to the parents, bathing
the infant is not recommended.
If you are changing the baby's diapers, plan on having everything
within immediate reach so you won't have to step away from the infant
even for a second. If you are not constantly watching them, babies
can roll over and fall from changing tables or other high places.
Have diapers, pins, etc., next to you so the baby is under constant
supervision.
Infants may choke on small items which they put in their mouths.
Small pieces of food, coins, pins and other non-toy items could lodge
in the baby's throat and cause choking or asphyxiation. It could also
occur with small toys or parts of toys intended for older children.
Watch the baby carefully to make sure these objects are not within
reach. In the event of accidental choking, apply first aid measures
to clear the child's airway. Also call the rescue squad. (If you don't
know first aid, contact your local American Red Cross office or an
approved community agency for instruction.)
A "super sitter" will look for hazards before they surface. Loose,
baggy clothing can be dangerous if it gets caught on furniture, cribs,
playpens, etc., as children climb, play or scamper about the room.
Clothing can also be a problem if it becomes tightly wound around
the baby. Be on the alert for hazards such as these, and adjust the
clothing so that it cannot become tangled.
To prevent accidental injuries, keep doors and windows locked at
all times. Remember that children, though under your supervision,
can at times just "seem to disappear" from your watchful eye.
Never open the door to strangers. If there is a question about someone
at the door, call the parents to check with them.
In case of accident or illness, don't try to be doctor or nurse
except for minor cuts and bruises. Call the parents for instructions.
If they cannot be reached, call your own parents or go to a neighbor
for help. The sick or hurt child may require a doctor or emergency
care.
Section 3: WHERE THE CHILD IS ...
With several children -- particularly toddlers (2 and 3 year olds)
-- you won't be doing much sitting." You'll be playing with them and
supervising their play activities. Where They Play ... Just a reminder
that whether you're actually playing with the children or supervising
them, keep them within safe play areas, preferably within your sight.
Keep them away from potential danger areas in the home such as the
kitchen, bathroom, workshop and storage areas. They move fast, so
you will have to be able to move even faster!
The Playpen
You should be aware of hazards to a child left alone in a playpen.
A string of toys across the top or even to one side of the playpen
could be a strangulation risk. Dropside mesh playpens and portable
mesh cribs, used with a side left down, can pose a serious hazard
to newborns and infants. When the side is down, the mesh forms a loose
pocket into which an infant can fall or roll and suffocate. Dropsides
should ALWAYS be up and locked securely in position when a child is
in the playpen or crib. Don't put any toys in the playpen that a child
can climb on to get out. And little fingers can get caught in hinges.
Baby Walkers ... the baby hot rod!
Baby walkers seem fun to scoot around in, but they also can scoot
down a flight of stairs, into a hot stove, against a table edge or
into a glass door. They offer limited balance to a child not yet completely
able to stand or walk. If unstable, walkers can easily tip over. Stay
with the child when he or she is in the walker, and assist it over
thresholds or carpeting.
High Chairs
A child in a high chair requires almost constant attention. Babies
can slip out of a high chair in an instant if not properly strapped
in. An unstable high chair can tip over ... with the baby in it! Make
sure that any safety belts or straps on the high chair are securely
fastened and that the tray is properly secured. Don't let the child
stand up while in the chair, and keep other children from climbing
on it. Keep the chair away from "traffic lanes," doorways, refrigerator
and stove, and far enough away from tables and walls so that the child
can't push the chair over.
The Crib
If baby is to sleep safely, make sure that the crib is as safe
as you can make it. If there is too much room (more than two fingersdth)
between the mattress and the side of the crib, an infant's head could
get caught in between and the infant could suffocate. Roll up a couple
of large bath towels and place them in the space. If the slats are
more than 2-3/8 inches apart, the baby's body can slide between the
slats and the baby can suffocate.
If the child is old enough to stand up, the parents should set the
mattress at its lowest position, with the side rail at its highest
position. Check the mattress support frequently to make sure it hasn't
become unhooked from the end panels. Any toys you leave in the crib
should never be ones that could be used to help in climbing out. Also,
do not use crib toys that may have strings or elastic attached to
them -- these can strangle or choke! Cribs with decorative knobs on
the cornerposts can be a strangulation hazard. Children's clothing
and strings or necklaces can catch on the protrusions, especially
if the child is trying to climb out. Crib gyms should be removed from
the crib when the baby is five months old or can push up on hands
and knees, otherwise the baby can get his/her chin across the crib
gym or catch clothing on it and strangle.
Section 4: TOYS THEY PLAY WITH ...
Teach children to play safely by showing them how to use their toys
in a safe manner and by teaching them to put their toys away after
play.
Be particularly aware of safe and unsafe toys. These are some toy
dangers you should be aware of:
1. SMALL PARTS.
Tiny toys and toys with small removable parts can be swallowed
or become lodged in a child's throat, windpipe, ears or nose. The
seams of poorly constructed stuffed dolls or animals can break open
and release small pellets that can be swallowed or inhaled.
2. SHARP EDGES.
Toys of brittle plastic or glass can be broken easily, leaving
dangerous, sharp, cutting edges. Metal and plastic toys sometimes
have sharp edges due to poor construction.
3. SHARP POINTS.
Broken toys can expose dangerous prongs and knifelike sharp points.
Pins and staples on dolls' clothes, hair and accessories can easily
puncture an unsuspecting child.
4. LOUD NOISES.
Toy caps and some noise-making guns and other toys can produce
sounds at noise levels that can damage hearing. Do not allow children
to fire cap guns closer than one foot to the ear; also, do not use
indoors.
5. PROPELLED OBJECTS.
Projectiles -- guided missiles and similar flying toys -- can
be turned into weapons and can injure eyes in particular. Children
should never be permitted to play with adult lawn darts or other hobby
or sporting equipment that have sharp points. Arrows or darts used
by children should have soft cork tips, rubber suction cups or other
protective tips intended to prevent injury. Teach children that these
toys should never be aimed at people or pets.
6. ELECTRIC TOYS.
Electric toys that are improperly constructed, wired or used can
shock or burn. Electric toys with heating elements are only recommended
for children over eight years old. Children should be taught to use
electric toys cautiously and under adult supervision.
7. WRONG TOY FOR THE WRONG AGE.
Toys that may be safe for older children -- like a chemistry or
hobby set or games with small pieces -- can be extremely dangerous
in the hands of little ones.
8. CORDS AND STRINGS.
Toys with long strings or cords may be dangerous for infants and
very young children. The cords may become wrapped around an infant's
neck, causing strangulation. Never hang toys with long strings, cords,
loops or ribbons in cribs or playpens. Pacifiers should never be attached
to strings or ribbons around a baby's neck.
Section 5: SUPER SITTER'S SURPRISE BOX
To overcome any outbursts from the children when the parents are leaving,
you may want to have your own Super Sitter's Surprise Box. This can
be anything in the way of toys or treasures for them to play with,
to stimulate curiosity and to take away fear of being left "forever."
The box can be of your own design. It can be as complicated and complex
as an overnight case filled with colorful, new, exciting and safe
toys you buy (or borrow from a younger sister or brother). It can
be as simple as a shoe box filled with toys you have made. It will
help ease those first difficult moments and many more besides.
Here's how you can make your Super Sitter's Surprise Box:
A variety of colors of "sticky-back" tape and a medium sized box with
a lid or an old overnight case are all you need. Cut the tape into
strips, squares, triangles and circles and tape them on to the box
or case. Besides being attractive and eye-catching, the shapes can
be educational. Fill the Surprise Box with any of the "surprises"
below:
rubber animals
plastic or wooden animals with smooth edges
soft plastic or cloth covered books
plastic or wooden toy cars or trucks with no small
detachableparts
large rubber ball
playing cards
set of measuring cups
different colored bandage strips to use as "puppets" on your
fingers, or on the baby's fingers.
Try to put a surprise or two -- a book, coloring book, game, puzzle
or some item of amusement into your box for an older brother or sister.
When making your Surprise Box, remember to use only safe toys! Check
to see that they don't have any of the toy dangers. Make your Super
Sitter's Surprise Box a safe surprise!
Section 6: PLAYING OUTDOORS
Some of your daytime sitting may include playing outdoors with the
children. Outdoor play equipment -- swings, seesaws and slides --
can be fun, but can be dangerous too. Play safety can be taught to
even the youngest toddlers.
Children often do the unexpected on playground equipment. They are
naturally and normally curious and adventuresome. Standing in a swing
is "bigger and better" than sitting in one. Climbing to the top, sitting
or swinging on it shows great daring. Little ones are unaware of risk
... often jumping off or in front of swings, seesaws or gliders. They
may walk in front or in back of a moving swing. In an atmosphere of
"the more the merrier," they may overload any one piece of equipment
and tip the entire structure. Hanging "rings" are particularly dangerous
to small children whose heads may be small enough to go through the
ring, turning it into a hanging "noose."
All children should be supervised when playing on this kind of equipment.
They should be told to sit in the center of a swing. Explain the following
hazards: walking in front or in back of a swing; pushing other children
off of the swing; swinging empty seats; twisting the swing chains;
and, climbing up the front of the slide. Roughhousing, overloading
equipment and misuse can be curbed from the start if you're there
supervising their play.
Older children can be taught certain safety rules and why they are
important. Asking them to assist you in supervising the younger ones
will help them to understand these rules better. Dangerous roughhousing,
stunts, overloading, abuse and misuse of equipment and showing off
are unacceptable.
Section 7: POOL SAFETY
Daytime sitting can also include time in or around a swimming pool,
wading pool or spa. Children are naturally attracted to water, therefore,
a "super sitter" must take precautions at all times to prevent accidents
from happening. Drowning is the third leading cause of accidental
death nationwide to children under five years of age. In addition,
some 3,000 youngsters in the same age group are treated each year
in hospital emergency rooms as a result of near-drownings; some of
these children are hospitalized for life as a result of near-drowning.
Drowning is a silent killer. When a child drowns, a baby sitter won't
hear a cry or even a splash. Drownings can happen very quickly.
How do children drown? How can you prevent a tragedy from happening?
Seconds count. In seconds, a child can leave the house and walk
to the edge of the pool. In seconds, a child can drown in only
a few inches of water. A child can drown in the few seconds taken
to answer a telephone in the house.
Eyes on the child at all times is your best bet. There is no
substitute for constant supervision of the child.
Children should be supervised and accompanied at all times,
even though the parents previously instructed the children not
to go near the water.
Make sure gates leading to the pool are closed and locked. Lock
all doors leading from the house to the pool area. Locks should
always be out of reach of children.
Don't consider a child to be water-safe even if the youngster
has had swimming lessons or water-familiarity class.
Don't assume a pool to be safe, even one with a pool cover or
a fence.
Don't allow children to play on the apron surrounding the pool.
If the pool is above-ground, remove the ladder to prevent access
by anyone.
Learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on
infants and young children. Contact your local chapter of the
American Heart Association or American Red Cross about registering
for classes.
If for any reason you discover the child to be missing, check
the pool, wading pool, spa or hot tub first.
Know the telephone numbers to call for emergency medical service.
In some locations you dial 911, in others a seven-digit number.
As a "super sitter" you can teach the children that safe play
can still be fun play!
Section 8: POISON: FOOD FOR THOUGHT ONLY!
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IT...
Not everything that goes into a child's mouth falls into the category
of food. Too often, what ends up in mouths and stomachs may be deadly!
Growing children are curious about things that glitter and shine,
pretty colored pills, bottles and containers of all kinds, and what's
in them. Children under the age of five are in stages of growth where
they are constantly exploring and investigating. This is how they
learn. Unfortunately, what children see and reach for, they put into
their mouths and swallow.
Every year thousands of youngsters across the country receive emergency
hospital or doctor's care because of accidental poisoning. These are
chiefly children under five who have ingested some common household
item which suddenly becomes poison in the wrong hands (and mouths).
These include medicines, cleaning products and preparations, insect
sprays, lighter fluid and kerosene, turpentine and paints.
You can help prevent accidental poisonings, while baby sitting and
in your own home too. Here are some things you should remember:
All household products and medicines should be stored
out of sight and reach of young children -- preferably locked up!
(If you are sitting where household cleaning agents are stored under
the sink and you are in charge of a "crawler" -- or the medicine
cabinet is accessible to a "climber" -- you can put protective tape
across the front of the cabinet as an extra precaution.)
As a baby sitter you should not be expected to give any
medication. But in certain circumstances, you may be asked to give
a medication during the time the parents are away. If it is absolutely
necessary that you do this, have the parents leave explicit, written
instructions for you.
SOME GENERAL POINTS TO REMEMBER ABOUT MEDICATIONS ARE:
1. Read the label on the container carefully as well as the instructions
from the parents.
2. Never leave the child alone with the medication. If the phone rings
take the medication with you.
3. Return the medication to its safe storage place with the safety
closure on securely.
4. Do not call the medication candy.
5. Do not give the medication in the dark.
6. Do not take any medication yourself in the presence of the child.
7. Be careful of what you might be bringing into the house.
Children are normally curious and can get into a pocketbook, briefcase
or overnight case of a guest which could contain medications. An otherwise
"poison-proof" household can become the scene of an accidental poisoning
incident.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW TO DO...
IF THERE IS A POISONING ACCIDENT:
1. DON'T WAIT to see what effect it may have. If you think the
child has swallowed medicine or a household product, call a Poison
Control Center, doctor, or hospital IMMEDIATELY! (These should be
emergency numbers on your list.) Describe what was taken and how much,
giving as much information as you can. Describe the condition of the
child -- vomiting, drowsiness, change of color, coldness of skin.
In the event no medical instructions are available, check the label
on the container for emergency procedures and directions, if any.
DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING UNLESS INSTRUCTED BY MEDICAL PERSONNEL OR THE
LABEL GIVES SUCH INSTRUCTIONS. IF INSTRUCTED TO INDUCE VOMITTING,
GIVE SYRUP OF IPECAC. (NOTE: PARENTS SHOULD KEEP ON HAND A ONE-OUNCE
BOTTLE OF SYRUP OF IPECAC FOR EACH CHILD IN THE HOME).
2. Call in a neighbor who can help you take care of this emergency;
get the child medical aid, or help take care of other children in
the family. At this point, don't try to take on all of the care and
responsibility yourself.
3. Call the parents. Explain what has happened, what has already been
done and what is yet to be done. If the child is to be taken to a
hospital or doctor's office, it may be more expedient to get the child
there and have the parents go there immediately rather than come home
first. Speed, of course, is important. But equally important is the
way you handle the situation. Try to keep control. A frightened and
sick child will become more frightened if you are excited or show
panic. Accidental poisoning is a frightening experience, but if you
know preventive measures, you will be able to handle the situation
when it happens. (Tell the parents about child resistant safety packaging
which can help prevent these kinds of accidents.)
Section 9: TIME TO LEAVE!
Before you realize it, the parents have arrived to find you and their
children safe and sound, and to see you home safely. During your first
sitting experience, you may have been nervous, but with each new one,
you will gain confidence, especially if you remember the Super Sitter
Tips we have discussed. Here is a summary of those tips which you
should keep foremost in your mind until you are confident that you
know them:
Know what to do in emergencies by being prepared for one, knowing
what could happen and how to react to it. Take first aid instructions.
Always know where the emergency exits are located.
Keep doors and windows locked for the safety of both yourself
and the children.
Know where the "danger" items are -- medicines, bleaches, household
cleaners and electrical appliances. Keep them out of children's
reach if the parents have not locked them away in a secure place.
In case of accident or illness, don't try to be a doctor or
nurse except for minor cuts and bruises.
Keep your emergency telephone list handy -- use these numbers
when you need them.
Depend on the parents or a neighbor in any emergency situation
that you are not sure how to handle yourself.
Prevent play accidents by keeping the youngsters safe -- supervise
where they play, what they play with and teach them safe play.
Keep these safety tips in mind ... they will make your baby sitting
experience both safe and fun for you and the children. They will
make you a SUPER SAFE SITTER.
Section 10: THE SUPER SITTER'S VERY IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Post these names and phone numbers by the telephone. Then you'll have
them when and if you need them.
Where parents will be:___________________________________________
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from
the unreasonable risk of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer
products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product
or a product-related injury, you can go to CPSC's forms page and use the first
on-line form on that page. Or, you can call CPSC's hotline at (800)
638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or send the information
to info@cpsc.gov. Consumers can obtain this publication
and additional publication information from the Publications section
of CPSC's web site or by sending your publication request to publications@cpsc.gov. If you would
like to receive CPSC's recall notices, subscribing to the email list
will send all press releases to you the day they are issued.
This document is in the public domain. It may be reproduced without
change in part or whole by an individual or organization without permission.
If it is reproduced, however, the Commission would appreciate knowing
how it is used. Write the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,
Office of Information and Public Affairs, Washington, D.C. 20207 or
send an e-mail to info@cpsc.gov.
Welcome
