How to Babysit an Infant

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Earning a little extra money babysitting infants can be more fun -- and a lot easier -- than schlepping food at your local diner.

Step 1: Ask for contact information
Ask the infant's parents for all important contact information, including the pediatrician's number. Determine who to call if the parents are unavailable.

Step 2: Locate supplies
Locate all of the diaper supplies, bottles, milk, toys, clothing, and burp cloths.

Step 3: Ask about bottle warming
Ask the parents about their methods for bottle warming and about any feeding schedules they want you to follow.

Tip
Having a bottle filled and ready for warming will save you time and tears with a hungry infant. Prepare a bottle while the baby is still happy and content.

Step 4: Ask about any special needs
Ask the parents if the infant has any special needs or health concerns you should be aware of.

Step 5: Determine schedule
Determine if the infant has a set schedule for naps, feeding times, play time, or medications that you need to follow.

Step 6: Ask about sleep habits
Ask the parents if their baby has any special routine for sleep time, such as rocking, walking around, singing, or shushing.

Tip
When putting a baby to sleep, always be sure to lay the baby on his or her back to sleep, and without blankets or pillows surrounding them.

Step 7: Follow routine
Follow any routine the infant is accustomed to: play with and hold them, change their diaper, talk to the baby, and enjoy spending time with such a precious little person.

Did You Know?
A newborn baby can only see objects that are around 8 to 15 inches away.