6 Qualities You Should Look for in a Babysitter
If you are looking for a babysitter to take care of your child, you should make sure that he or she has a few basic qualities that are required for childcare. Here are a few characteristics that a good babysitter must have.
1. Basic knowledge of first aid and giving medicines
A babysitter must be aware of the standard procedures of administering first aid in case the child faces an emergency in the absence of parents. The babysitter should also be well versed with the child’s medicines and how to coax the child into taking them without throwing tantrums.
2. Good recommendations from previous employers
Insist on seeing the references of your potential babysitter and cross check them with previous employers. This way you will get a firsthand account of the babysitter’s qualities and worthiness. You will also be able to get an idea about the competitive wage you should be offering the new caretaker. Chances of being safe with a babysitter with good recommendations tend to be higher than with a babysitter who is hired out of listings or classifieds.
3. Good health
It is imperative that the person who takes care of your baby has to be in good health. If your babysitter has a history of falling ill often, you may want to be warned. Hiring a babysitter who may be carrying contagious diseases or who is easily prone to flu or cold may not be in the best interest of your child. Good health also includes being vice free, which means that a babysitter should not have an alcohol, drug or smoking related problem.