The Ultimate Parent's Guide to Having a Babysitter

As busy moms, it's no surprise that sometimes things slip our minds. That's where Moms on Call’s Babysitter Binder comes to the rescue!

We understand the challenges of juggling motherhood and everyday responsibilities, so we've created a comprehensive Babysitter Binder template to help you stay organized and prepared when leaving your little one(s) with a caregiver.

Your Babysitter Binder should contain the following:

• ️Contact Information
  • Mom, Dad, and (at least) 1 emergency contact
• Emergency Information
  • What to do, where to go, and who to call in the event of an emergency
• Other Important Information
  • Any allergies, medications, or other information a babysitter should know about your child(ren)
• Babysitter Notes
  • A sheet for your caregiver to fill out that tells you what happened while you were out
• Typical Daily Schedule
  • Found in the Moms on Call books & Online Courses (you can also print and share these from the MOC Scheduler app!)
• Quick Reference Guides for CPR and Choking (included with Moms on Call's Infant and Child CPR, Choking and First Aid Online Course )

The Moms on Call Babysitter Binder allows us to customize our template according to your specific needs; emergency contacts, daily routines, dietary preferences, and bedtime. You can tailor the binder to include the information that matters most to you and your little one(s). Once completed, all you need to do is print, email, or text the binder to your caregiver, providing them with a comprehensive resource to refer to during their time with your child.

The Importance of Having Up-to-Date CPR, Choking, and First Aid Knowledge

Ensuring that all caregivers (babysitters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, etc.) are up-to-date on CPR and choking skills is of utmost importance for several reasons. Here at Moms on Call, we're committed to keeping your little ones safe and sound, which is why we've designed our Infant + Child CPR, Choking, and First Aid Online Safety Course! This comprehensive course helps guide caregivers to handle emergency situations with confidence.

But that's not all! We also provide quick reference guides complete with illustrative pictures. These guides serve as a handy refresher for caregivers, guiding them through the steps of CPR, managing choking incidents, and handling first aid scenarios. They're easily downloadable and perfect for your essential Babysitter Binder!

Along with your family, we recommend having caregivers watch our Online Course as a great way to ensure that they are ready to respond in an emergency situation. So, equip yourself and your caregivers with the knowledge and skills to keep your children safe. Join our safety courses today and make sure you're always prepared!

If your child has recently turned 1 year old, what do you do for CPR and Choking changes? Stay up to date on these skills with this Online Course. You should refresh your CPR skills at least every 12 months, which is easy to do with lifetime access to our Online Course!

Tips to Help Your Child(ren) Thrive in Your Absence, Building Confidence & Independence

We want you to be prepared with some tips to help your child to thrive in your absence because it is important to practice being apart! This will make enjoying a date night, dinner with your friends, or even a trip to the grocery store alone easier. Try out these tips to make being apart more enjoyable for everyone!

• Establish a Routine : Consistency is key in helping your child feel secure in your absence. Create a predictable routine with familiar activities, such as reading a bedtime story or singing a special song before leaving. This will provide comfort and a sense of normalcy for your child.
• Practice Short Separations : Start with short periods of separation to gradually build your child's confidence and independence. Begin by leaving for a shorter period of time and gradually increase the time as your child becomes more comfortable. This helps them understand that you will always return.
• Create a goodbye routine.  Give them hugs and kisses and try and keep it short and sweet. You can say, "Mommy/Daddy loves you, and I will always return.” We want to begin by speaking the truth into your child’s heart.
• Parent out of truth and love, not fear. The truth is our little one can thrive in our absence! Our children are capable, adaptable, and strong (and so are we)! You’ve got this!

Choosing a Trusted Caregiver

Selecting a caregiver you trust and who shares similar values can greatly ease any concerns about leaving your child. Take the time to thoroughly vet potential caregivers and ensure they have the qualifications and experience to provide the best care.

• Start within your community . The best place to start looking is within your community, church, local schools, neighborhood, or workplace.
• Personal recommendations . The best way to find a trustworthy babysitter is through personal recommendations from friends, family members, and coworkers.
• Consider experience, energy, and engagement levels . A good babysitter should have experience with children and be energetic enough to keep up and engage them in activities. Bonus if they've had experience in Moms on Call's Typical Day Schedules and Guidelines!
• References and background checks . Always call references and conduct background checks to ensure the safety and reliability of the babysitter.
• Interview potential babysitters . Meeting in person and talking with potential applicants is always a good idea. Ask about their strengths, interests, and babysitting philosophy to find the perfect fit.
• Trust your gut . Lastly, always trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, looking for another candidate is okay.

Having a well-thought-out plan and being prepared is beneficial for our peace of mind as parents and makes the experience easier and more enjoyable for our children. Consistency and preparation are key to ensuring a smooth transition when you need to be apart from your little ones.

Don't forget to download the free Babysitter Binder template provided by Moms on Call. This valuable tool helps compile all the essential information your caregiver might need in one convenient place. Before leaving, have Grandma, the babysitter, or any other caregiver review the details in the binder. This ensures they're well-prepared and know how to provide your child's care in your absence.