Any advice to a new babysitter?

[Smiles]

So I've been looking for a job for a while and when this opportunity came up I couldn't really pass up the chance. I am not great with kids but I have boundless patience and have had babysitting jobs when I was in my teens, though nothing much since then.

the only thing is I've never had to deal with a toddler before. The children I am currently babysitting five days a week for four hourse are both one and two years old.

any advice about how to take care of both at once while not neglecting the other? the baby is extremely clingy and the toddler is a little brat if she doesn't get enough attention... which is always because the baby is so demanding...

Edit: Oh yes and another issue I have is getting the baby to take a nap when it is obvious that she is very tired(rubbing eyes a lot, falling forward from crawling, less steady on her feet than normal.) and a little cranky pants. I asked her parents and they have no advice for me and no regular habits that she does before sleeping, they say to just give her a bottle and if she is still crying after five minutes than shes not ready for a nap...

 

[Smiles]

Okay so the baby is teething which is why she doesn't seem to want to nap, or have her bottle or anything besides cling to me and cry...

 

[Acier]

Aww, sorry that she's teething. That can be very grating. I would ask her parents for a teething ring or if they have something like orajel or baby aspirin.

And well, Toddlers can be hard. The most important thing is to never get angry at the kids. You can be stern, but when it comes to disciplining them make sure you have *clear* instructions from the parents. I suggest activities that you can do with the toddler but easily break away to tend to the baby (coloring/playing with figurines/watching a movie etc)

 

[trollnystan]

So I've been looking for a job for a while and when this opportunity came up I couldn't really pass up the chance. I am not great with kids but I have boundless patience and have had babysitting jobs when I was in my teens, though nothing much since then.

the only thing is I've never had to deal with a toddler before. The children I am currently babysitting five days a week for four hourse are both one and two years old.

any advice about how to take care of both at once while not neglecting the other? the baby is extremely clingy and the toddler is a little brat if she doesn't get enough attention... which is always because the baby is so demanding...

Edit: Oh yes and another issue I have is getting the baby to take a nap when it is obvious that she is very tired(rubbing eyes a lot, falling forward from crawling, less steady on her feet than normal.) and a little cranky pants. I asked her parents and they have no advice for me and no regular habits that she does before sleeping, they say to just give her a bottle and if she is still crying after five minutes than shes not ready for a nap...

I regularly babysit several toddlers/babies, two of them at the same time, and I'd say if she's that tired I'd plonk her in her crib, give her her bottle and when she's done leave - or if you feel confident about it leave her with her bottle. If she starts crying then I'd wait her out and if she doesn't stop maybe pick her up and walk with her in a dark room for a little bit and then try again. I usually sing to them too but humming gently is good too; keeps them calm.

While you're doing that, you can probably distract the toddler by putting on her favourite film. Then when you're done putting the baby down you can focus on the toddler. Be prepared for an extremely short attention span and be ready to switch focus as she goes from wanting to draw to playing with cars within 5 minutes.

I second what @EClaris said too; don't get angry with them but if they're doing something bad/wrong/dangerous then say "no" in a firm voice. I tend to make my voice a little darker too. You probably know this from previous babysitting job, but it's good advice all the same.

EDIT: Oh and if she's teething I hope the family has a teething ring? Preferably one with liquid which you can then freeze. Those are awesome. Otherwise I'd try putting the teething ring in the freezer anyway; the cold always soothes a little.

 

[Smiles]

ah yes thank you for the advice, trying to put the baby to bed and singing is hard because shes so heavy I get out of breath! I'm getting used to it now though and the little ones seem to like me so they don't get too difficult...

 

[trollnystan]

ah yes thank you for the advice, trying to put the baby to bed and singing is hard because shes so heavy I get out of breath! I'm getting used to it now though and the little ones seem to like me so they don't get too difficult...

Lol, is she that chubby? Maybe I just more used to carrying babies around 'cos I can carry a toddler in each arm. *strikes narcissistic body-builder pose*

Anyway, I'm glad it's working out for you =)

 

[wakenbake]

Try asking the toddler to help you with the baby, like, asking her to get stuff for you or to choose some toys the baby might like. If you involve the toddler in all the baby stuff, she gets to feel important, especially if you heap praise on her, frequently telling her what a good girl she is (IF she is!). Making those situations where you get to give her praise will eventually get her to start doing those things by herself.

As for the sleeping, gently patting the baby (in a heartbeat style) can work, or softly rubbing her tummy. Or rocking in a reclined pushchair or pram - just amke sure YOU are relaxed and the baby will pick up on that and feel more inclined to relax too.

Good luck!!

 

[Smiles]

heh thanks guys.

 

[Smiles]

Hey I was also wondering if anyone knows of any apps for iPad or iPhone that are good for babies and toddlers? I wouldn't mind downloading some just to give them something new to play with. we are at their nana's house everyday and she doesn't have very many of their toys there and some rather innapropriate ones for their age group and such. I know it can be dangerous letting little kids play with my iPad but it has a protective case and stuff so I'm not too worried about it.

 

[latiasracer]

Hey I was also wondering if anyone knows of any apps for iPad or iPhone that are good for babies and toddlers? I wouldn't mind downloading some just to give them something new to play with. we are at their nana's house everyday and she doesn't have very many of their toys there and some rather innapropriate ones for their age group and such. I know it can be dangerous letting little kids play with my iPad but it has a protective case and stuff so I'm not too worried about it.

. I think there's a "Kids" section on the AppStore, but my suggestion is fruit ninja (especially as you have an iPad). My cousins enjoyed it when they where over (Ages 1 &3), Hope I'm of some use.

 

[Smiles]

Hey I was also wondering if anyone knows of any apps for iPad or iPhone that are good for babies and toddlers? I wouldn't mind downloading some just to give them something new to play with. we are at their nana's house everyday and she doesn't have very many of their toys there and some rather innapropriate ones for their age group and such. I know it can be dangerous letting little kids play with my iPad but it has a protective case and stuff so I'm not too worried about it.

. I think there's a "Kids" section on the AppStore, but my suggestion is fruit ninja (especially as you have an iPad). My cousins enjoyed it when they where over (Ages 1 &3), Hope I'm of some use.

thanks I will check it out!