Accidental injuries are the leading cause of death in children over age 1 in the U.S. Five children under 5 die every day from accidents in the home. Because teenagers are a large source of today's babysitters, it is important skills to prevent an emergency.

St. John Ambulance - This award-winning course teaches the skills necessary to care for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers. It emphasizes safety, dealing with emergencies, and first aid basics. Course materials include a student activity book, a certificate suitable for framing, and a wallet-size certificate.

Phone A Babysitter - Connecting parents and babysitters nationwide.

Before You Hire A Babysitter: What You Should Know - Finding a babysitter you can trust.

The Babysitter Safety Guide - Some great tips for parents AND babysitters.

What You and Your Babysitter Need to Know - Canada Safety Council

Click here to download our Babysitter Info Sheet. Feel free to distribute it to anyone you think may need it (i.e. those who use babysitters).

TIPS:
Make sure the babysitter knows where to find:
- telephones
- first aid supplies
- fire extinguishers
- flashlights
- extra blankets

And if the sitter will be doing any cooking, please remind her (or him) to:
- turn the pot handle into the stove
- use the back element
- be vigilant when the stove is on
- forget the stove, and use the microwave to reheat food you have prepared yourself.

 

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