When can I leave my baby with a babysitter?

When you choose to leave your baby with someone else is up to you. Some moms can’t bear to leave their babies for months, whereas others start to plan their first night out straight after the birth!

Leaving your baby with someone else also depends on whether you breast or bottlefeed. If you breastfeed you’ll only have a fairly short window before your baby needs to feed. You can opt to leave expressed milk for the sitter to feed to your baby in a bottle, but bear in mind that at some point your breasts will start to feel uncomfortably full.

Who should I get to babysit?

If you do plan to go out, choose your babysitter carefully. Ideally you want somebody like your partner, your parents or siblings, or close friends who’ve had children of their own. Many teenagers boost their allowance with babysitting jobs, and while you may be happy arranging for a friend’s daughter or a trustworthy neighboring teenager to babysit for your older children, you should consider whether a teenager has the necessary maturity and presence of mind to look after a newborn.

If you can’t ask a family member, get a personal recommendation from friends or other moms. Be sure to interview any prospective babysitter carefully, and try to ascertain how they’d cope with certain situations. For example, ask them what they’d do if your newborn developed a sudden fever, started vomiting or was crying inconsolably. You should also check they’ve taken a course in basic first aid and infant CPR.

Ask what experience they have of looking after babies – possibly in their own family or for other neighboring families – and be sure to check all references thoroughly.

Preparing your babysitter

If you’ve found someone you like, you might want to invite them over to your house to spend some time with your baby before their first evening’s babysitting. This will give you a good opportunity to see how they interact with your newborn. You can also use this opportunity to show them round your home and explain where your first aid kit is stored.

Go through your baby’s routine with your sitter so she’s familiar with what you expect from her in the way of baby care. Be sure she is aware of when and how to give feeds and where the diapers are; and give her tips on how best to comfort your baby if she’s distressed.

It’s important to set house rules for your sitter in regard to bringing a friend, watching TV or using the phone or internet. Make sure that you leave emergency contact numbers – preferably a cell and landline number – for your sitter, and make it clear where you’ll be and when you expect to get back. Make sure you’re able to get back to your house quickly in case your sitter is having a tough time?, and if you’re going to be later than anticipated let her know. It might be a good idea to go out for short amounts of time at first so that you and the babysitter can get used to the arrangement.

Leave some refreshments for your sitter – soda or juice and a light snack should be enough – but discuss this with your sitter beforehand. Lastly, ensure that your sitter is able to get home safely. If you’re returning late, either take her home yourself or arrange a taxi.

Cost

Rates for babysitters may vary enormously depending on the age of the sitter, your child’s age, your location and the hours involved. Get a feel from other parents in your area who employ babysitters, or from your prospective sitter’s references.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.