An infant can be best described as the young offspring of an animal or human. In Scotland, the term is also referred to as baby. Toddler is term used when the young one strives to walk. Usually, the term ‘infant’ is referred to children in the ages of one month to one year.

Babysitting as the word itself conveys is temporary care of a child. It is preferred by women of all ages. Baby sitters can be in different age groups, preferably from age of 12 to 70. They can be students who are in middle school, college or high school. Many of the college-goers opt for this job as part-time to fund their expenses. The job is not tough and they can get ample time to do their homework in the working hours.

The jobs that a baby sitter does can be changing the diapers, playing baby games, prepare baby food, keeping an eye on the sleeping child, or teaching the little one to read.

There are courses in some countries for baby sitters focusing mainly on the safety of the child and techniques on first aid that will be needed in case of adverse circumstances. If you want to be a baby sitter, you can check with your local hospital whether they are conducting any courses and if any, the dates available. The courses can equip you with information on how to keep the child safe in different weather and health situations.

How Much Should I Charge For Babysitting?

Many parents have the habit of paying babysitters only cash. But some experienced babysitters have their clients filing taxes on their behalf. This action can be attributed to development of a long time; trust and relationship as well ensure that their kids’ favorite friend is not lured away by a high pay neighbor.

Baby sitting services can be an alternate way to supplement your income when you are studying in college or looking for a part-time job. The advantages of this job are that you can learn how to handle yourself responsibly in the presence of others. One important aspect, which you have to note, is that you should maintain a decent rate while you are baby-sitting for family or family friends. Your services should not unrealized nor someone should undervalue your work.

You have opted for a baby-sitting part time job. The next step is to gain information about the minimum wage that is given to a baby sitter in your locality. It can be considered as an easy job, but the main part will be handling the kids. You can search the internet for vital information regarding baby-sitting services offered by an agency. You can login to www.sitteycity.com and use their rate calculator by typing the area code and you can get information on hourly charges.

As per the information given above, you can change your rates depending on the number of kids you have to care for. It is advisable in the initial stages that you opt for the post of a baby-sitter for only one baby. Doing the job for two or three, kids can be pretty much taxing in the initial stages.

If you have to care for infants below two years, you can charge a higher rate as they would have to be properly looked into. Kids in the age of five to ten are easy to look after. But kindly remember each age brings its own share of challenges. While you might need to cuddle and make a baby sleep, for children in the ages of five to ten, you might have to put up with their mischief and make them study. Older kids can ask you for stories and you have to be a part of their team in video games. They can change the color of the room by their pencils or sketch pens.

Consider adding any additional costs that you may have to incur. For example, you might have to cycle a long way to your client’s home. The cost can be added accordingly with the wishes of the client.

As the elders have wisely said, “Keep always a positive attitude and maintain good relations with every person in the world.” If you are a fresher in the job, you would not be able to charge as you would not have any experience and references. Always maintain good co-ordination with your client. After some time, when you want to go to college, ask your clients if they can be used as reference. You can easily charge a high hourly rate if you have excellent references. Maintain a diary in the initial and every stage and make a note of any new happenings and challenges. The notes will come in handy once you encounter a similar situation.

It is better that you have a proper discussion about the price you both have opted for. You do not want to leave the client gasping for air or red-eyed at the end of the month. If the rate does not suffice, then you can politely decline the offer.

Ensure that your safety is well-looked into or you can go for another job. Be straight about the expectations from your client and plan as to how you can get into and from safely in any situation. Your client’s house will be a new environment and the kid might not take to you in the initial stages. Stay calm and be patient and you will be a winner!

If you are feeling uncomfortable about caring for newborns or kids who need special care, do not take the initiative.

As A Babysitter

If you are a fresher, watch YouTube videos about changing a diaper or how to bathe children. Your utmost priority is to always uphold the security of the kids. Your job will have vicissitudes, but always maintain a calm and positive attitude in case of an emergency. Try to keep a list of emergency numbers of every accident such as ambulance number in case of a fracture etc. Have the right phone numbers of the parent and check with them regularly. If they have a new mobile number and the old one is unused in case of an emergency, then?

Have a backup number such as their office number or the person to contact in case of an untoward situation when they are not available.

Make notes about the dietary requirements of the kids taking the assistance of parents. Chances are, some might be allergic to nuts, foods that can cause stomach upset etc. As they are kids, if they are one year old, they will need your time and attention in addition to regular feedings and taking naps. IF the kid is three years or more, he/she will have their wants/wont’s. The internet can give you information on multiple aspects, but having a mentor in the babysitting area near your locality can work wonders.

Know the exact location where the first aid kit is kept and the medicines you can administer to kids. Also get the details on fire extinguishers, batteries and flashlights. Ask the parents for specific notes on medicines given to kids and when given, do not forget to check the expiry date. After giving the dose, remember to cork the bottle tightly.

Kids are always born explorers and they can get into trouble. It is your duty to not leave them unattended near water, appliances, heaters and other kinds of electrical equipment. Also, keep the sharp things along with any kid of medicine above their reach.

Do Not Become A Baby Sitter With The Chicken Soup

You can be a friend for the children, but you should also put your foot down in case of discipline. Do not let the children bully you in submission or the situation might go nasty. All kids have the habit of challenging their peers to see how far they can go with their boundaries. Do not bad-mouth anyone in front of kids. Do not eaves drop as well as changing your stance every time. You will lose their trust and respect. Once you have gained a child’s trust and respect, they will seek your guidance and obey your requests.

You are given a job where you have to lessen the burden of parents and not add to their woes. Parents usually love and respect baby sitters because their kids are kept safe along with their necessary requirements. If you are one who makes the kids have fun and learn at the same time, you can be accepted as a part of the family. To gain trust, ask the child to show their toys. A child will seldom show a new person his/her favorite toy and make them play new games.

Kids always love outdoors and if you can get a positive approval from the parent, you can take them to the park to play hide and seek. But do not let them out of your sight. The physical activity will make them eat properly and have a good night sleep.

If there is no park or playing ground, you can take them to libraries or community centers where they can meet other children. Find the house rules about computers and TV screens.

If you are living in a high profile city, consider hiking the wages because of high cost of living. If you are part of a family for many years, since you have been accepted as one of their family, you will be entitled to other benefits such as paid leave, health insurance etc. If you hold a certificate in first aid and life saving techniques in times of emergency, your wages will be more.

Your wages will rise if additional responsibilities are given to you – picking the child from school, helping the child cope with algebra and mathematics. You can expect a surprise gift from your little friend in times of festivals such as Christmas and New Years Day.