How to babysit for the first time, at a shop?

Are you looking for tips, activities or what to expect?

@gemiwing , everything you asked on you answer:D

Did you ask the mother if you could bring a friend along? She may or may not be OK with that. You should have no trouble, especially since the mother will not be far away.

I would talk to the Mother and ask where the child is allowed to play, if she can have a snack and basic routine. It’s just two hours so it should fly by quickly. As for things to do- since it’s a shop try quiet things like coloring, watching a movie, reading a book or playing with quiet toys.

As far as what to expect- that really depends on what the Mother wants you to do. It would be very professional of you to sit down with the Mother and ask her what she would like you to do and what you will be responsible for so there is no confusion.

@thriftymaid , No I didn’t ask the mother.

@gemiwing , I can’t remember her name, phone number:/ But I am not the one supposed to go with the books and coloring stuff?

Oh..21 months? Fun! OH… DON’T bring a friend if you didn’t ask the mother if it was OK.. she’ll see it as a distraction. Kids this age can’t colour in and books are only a small momentary distraction. They’re likely to eat the crayons and not colour with them. If it’s in a mall and the baby is getting anxious, I would put her/him in a shopping cart and take them for a walk. My little guy LOVED sitting in the cart and riding around. Also, going to little walks while you hold their hand is good too, but if they’re in the cart, you have more control. 2 hours isn’t that long and the pay rate looks pretty good!

Make sure there is a spot to change the diaper comfortable; also a quiet spot if/when the baby gets drowsy. Don’t worry about toys. Crayons and a blank pad might be useful, but not necessary.

Shopping cart or stroller (provided by mom) is a very good idea.

You can’t remember the woman’s name or phone number? That is a very bad start.

This is slightly under 2. Ever hear of the terrible twos? Things to be aware of are many. Children this age move very fast, get short tempered and scream and cry when things are taken from them, but also can choke on small objects. Turning your back for a minute can be disastrous. You have to keep the child from finding cleaning supplies and small objects. When I was your age I babysat one this age and he got into his own diaper changing supplies, covered his hair with vaseline and poured an entire bottle of baby powder on the floor. Basically don’t expect to read a book or watch a movie. You’re going to have to really watch a child this age closely, which is why the mother needs you even though she’s in the store.

You need to try to contain the child in a safe place, like a back room, and keep the child entertained. Since mother is there, if anything goes wrong you will be able to ask for help. Some toys say “not for children under three” because kids this age can choke on small objects. So if the kid picks up tiny things like a screw on the floor, you will have to the choke hazard away. The kid will then have a fit. Some children this age have drowned by leaning into mop buckets and falling in head first. Some children this age have died by being hung up in cords such as on blinds. They run in the street in front of cars if not held on to and they will try to drink windex or whatever they find. Your eyes are needed so the mother can work. It is great that she’s there though so you can ask for directions or help if it comes to that.

The problem is their legs start working before their brains do. :) You have a very important and busy job.

Sing songs, play games like peek-a-boo and patty cake, soak the kid with lots of attention and try to keep him distracted with age appropriate toys. Mostly keep him from sticking things in electrical outlets, pulling things down on his head, or eating anything that is not food.

Taking a friend is a bad idea because it will take your attention away from what you were hired to do. Most mothers are careful about who they would want around their kids anyway. Most likely she knows nothing about your friend. It can cause drama. Visit friends after work not during.

Thank you everyone for your responses I just came home from babysitting her. I took my friend with me and it was all fine. The woman told us to come again next week and we have to look after the girl from 4–6 hrs. I like looking after her, but their shop is just air-less! I could not breathe well and it was very dirty there. I don’t know if I really want to look after her kid.

So people I got 2 jobs!-babysitting jobs. I babysit the other one from 4–6 in the evening and the other from 7–10 when she’s sleeping.