Baby-Sitters & Day Care

This than be a touchy subject for several people. Everyone is ready at different times to leave their child in someone else's care. Angelina was four months old before I even left her with my parents (and that was only for an hour!). I have gone out a few times since, and she has stayed with her grandparents on those nights. It was very difficult at first, and I'm still getting used to it. I still feel guilty when I leave her with someone else (usually her grandparents) for the night.

Now learn from my mistakes. One thing to remember is that the sooner you start, the easier it will be down the road. I think I actually started leaving Angelina with other people a little later than I should have. She has been going to daycare during the daytime (while her father and I are at work) since she was four months old. Before that, her aunt watched her when I went back to work. So it's been interesting. Now I'm not saying you should be going out and partying it up all night three days after you bring your baby home from the hospital. But just remember that you will eventually need to trust someone else to watch her. You not only deserve but need time for yourself and time to just have some fun and/or relax. It's necessary for you to be at your best for your little one. If you never have any time for yourself (being at work does not count), you'll end up going crazy!

When you begin letting someone else watch your baby earlier, it also helps with separation anxiety down the road. If your baby recognizes from the very beginning that when you go out for the evening you always come back, this will relieve some of her distress (and your guilt). It will become sort of a routine. As long as she knows mommy (or daddy) is coming back, she won't fret quite so much when you leave.

Things Every Parent Should Let Their Baby-Sitter Know:

1. Contact information for you and your spouse.
Home phone, work phone, beeper, and cell phone numbers, as well as the number at the place you'll be (restaurant, friends' house, etc.). Tell your sitter if anyone will be stopping by or calling and not to open the door to anyone she's not expecting.

2. Emergency contact information.
This includes fire, police, doctor, and hospital numbers. Another good idea: Designate one or two nearby friends or relatives as local contacts. Leave their names, numbers, addresses. Your sitter can ask these people for help with miscellaneous mishaps such as a pet that gets loose or a power outage. Also, leave clear written directions to your house in case they're needed in an emergency.

3. A mapped escape route.
In case of fire or some other emergency that requires hasty evacuation, your sitter should be aware of alternate ways to exit from the house. Also, make sure the sitter knows where to find the fire extinguisher, the first-aid kit, the circuit breaker, water shutoff, and a flashlight.

4. Medical information about your baby.
If your child has any allergies or needs to take medication, tell your sitter about it in advance. Also inform her of any additional medical problems such as a bad case of diaper rash or a tendency to spit up food. Also, just in case you or your contact person can't be found in an emergency, leave a healthcare authorization form that allows your babysitter or childcare provider to get medical attention for your child.

5. Food and drink list.
Don't leave this to chance. A teen may not be aware of foods that pose choking hazards. Leave specific instructions outlining exactly what your baby can and cannot eat and drink.

6.Activity schedule.
It's important for your baby to have a routine, so let your provider know what time your child eats his meals, what time he goes to bed, whether he's allowed to watch videos, and if so, which ones. It's also wise to let your sitter know about any special words for favorite toys or security objects.

Be sure to stop by Baby to Bee before you leave today. The link is found on the left side of this page-as I'm sure you saw. This is a newer affiliate of mine. They have SO much stuff there! I was kind of surprised. They have health advice for parents, gift vouchers, discount coupons, FREE subscriptions to top baby magazines, FREE diaper coupons and samples, and MORE!