Choosing & Training a Babysitter

With the high cost of living and raising kids in Singapore, it is common for most families to be dual-income, and kids are usually left in the care of grandparents, domestic helpers or babysitters. Some of us may not be privileged to have our parents look after our children, and we are left with the option of getting a domestic helper, or for some, a babysitter to just mind our children while we're at work.

For parents looking to engage a babysitter or nanny to care for their children, here are some information that may help you in your search. These may also apply to domestic helpers as well.

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Entrusting someone to care for your kids can be difficult. Finding a qualified babysitter requires time and effort, but your reward is assurance that your child is in capable hands. Qualities to look for include maturity, friendliness, common sense, and a genuine fondness for children.

The recommendations of people you know and trust are your best bet for finding a reliable and capable babysitter. If you're new to the area and don't know how to go about finding a sitter, ask your neighbors or coworkers for recommendations, inquire at your place of worship, or ask your child's doctor or nurse practitioner for suggestions. If your child is already enrolled in a daycare or after-school care program, staff members who are already familiar with your child may be willing to either babysit or provide sitter recommendations.

Interviewing prospective sitters and checking their references will help you narrow down your sitter choices. Ask about a sitter's experience caring for children and whether he or she is certified in infant and child CPR.

In addition, consider inviting the sitter over for a dry run while you're at home to familiarize him or her with your household and observe the interactions with your child.


BABYSITTER INSTRUCTIONS

Before you walk out the door, prepare the sitter with the following information:

• Go over your child's usual routine (for example, homework, bedtime, mealtimes) and your general house rules (for example, any limits on TV, computer use, video games, playing outside, etc.).
  
• Make sure the sitter knows where you will be and how to reach you at all times, and under what circumstances to call 999 before contacting you.
  
• Make sure the sitter knows what to do in an emergency. Provide an emergency phone list that includes neighbors, friends, relatives, and your doctor. Write your own phone number and address on the list, so that in case of an emergency, the sitter can provide that information to the police or paramedics.
  
• Show the babysitter where emergency exits, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers are located. Demonstrate how to enable and disable security systems and alarms.
  
• Show the sitter where you keep the door keys in case a child locks himself or herself inside a room.
  
• Let the sitter know of any special problems your child may have, such as an allergy to bee stings, certain foods, or household products, or the need for medication at a specific time (the directions for which should be clearly explained and written down). Show the sitter where first-aid items are kept.
  
• Teach older kids the meaning of 999 and how to call for help, so that if something happens to your babysitter, they know what to do.

Let your babysitter know your expectations before you leave your home. If you'd prefer that the sitter not leave the house with your child, make that clear. If the phone and visitors are off limits, discuss those restrictions.


BABYSITTER SAFETY

Make sure the sitter knows the following safety rules:

• Don't give your child any medicine without your written instructions.
  
• Don't leave kids alone in the house or garden, even for a minute.
  
• Don't leave kids unattended near water. Infants and small children can drown in only a few inches of water, even in a bucket or toilet.
  
• Don't feed kids under 4 years old nuts, popcorn, hard candy, raw carrots, or any hard, smooth foods that can block the windpipe and cause choking. Foods such as hot dogs or grapes should never be served whole and should be chopped into very small pieces (skin should also be removed from hot dogs).
  
• Don't let kids play with plastic bags, latex balloons, coins, or other small objects they could choke on.
  
• Don't let kids play near stairs, windows, stoves, or electrical outlets.

After you return home, ask your child if he or she enjoyed the sitter's visit. If you find a reliable sitter your child likes, you'll probably have a more relaxing and enjoyable time away from home.


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In Singapore, it is more common for parents to send their children to the house of the nanny or babysitter, versus having the babysitter/nanny come over to their homes.

The same above pointers should also apply, but in addition, do ask the potential sitter if she wouldn't mind you having a look around her place, to ensure the environment is baby-proofed and/or baby friendly.

Do ask her if she has other errands/chores that she does during the day that may distract her from taking care of your child. If she has other children in her care, too, do find out if she has help, or otherwise, how she manages her care and attention among the children.