How to Identify a Bad Baby Sitter

With the increase of woman in work place and due to the need of double income to support the increasing cost of living, demand for child care centre, baby sitter and nanny is also increasing.

Well, choosing a baby sitter or nanny is as important as we choose our career. A good baby sitter would be the right combination of a co-mother and teacher (giving guidance) to your child. Having a bad baby sitter would totally be a nightmare.

How to know your baby sitter or nanny is doing the job? To find out, it is not easy. You may have to do some detective work like surprise visits or use surveillance equipment. However, through thorough observation, there are some signs that will tell you this.

You may need to consider your baby sitter or nanny not doing the job if:

Your child seems reluctant to go to the baby sitter or nanny’s place and is unhappy to see the baby sitter or nanny;

Yes, agreed that bonding between parents and the child can never be replaced by any baby sitter or nanny. But, it doesn’t mean that your child does not bond with others whom he or she spends a lot of time with, like the baby sitter or nanny. In fact, if the baby sitter or nanny is providing the kind of warmth, love and comfort to your little one, the child must be very happy to see the baby sitter or nanny. Children instinct is very sharp. They know who cares for them. Trust your child’s instinct and observe his or her reactions. If your child is uneasy and withdrawn, be alert. I have seen a child crying when his parents send him to the nanny and continue to cry even long after his parents left. This happens frequently. Time to change the nanny, don’t you think?

Your baby sitter or nanny always complains about your child or other child in front of you;

If your baby sitter or nanny is always complaining about the misbehaviors of your child or telling you she has to put a lot of attention for taking care of your child, start your observation. Or probably, she may complain on the misbehavior or naughtiness of other parents’ child. Be observant and try to find out the truth behind the story. It could be the sign that the baby sitter or nanny isn’t the right person to take care of your child and providing your child with love, warmth, and care and being patient. She probably has other stuffs going on in her mind and child care is just another source of income.

Your baby sitter or nanny seems reluctant to communicate about your child’s daily routine;

Your child’s daily routine should be communicated openly. Some professional baby sitter or nanny will keep a record of the daily routine for the parents to review. As most of the parents will want to know what their child did while they are away. Questions like how many meals a day, how many hours of sleep or probably how many times of “potty” per day are common communications between parents and the baby sitter or nanny. If your baby sitter or nanny is not forth coming with these answers, either she's does not know or she is hiding something from you.

Your baby sitter or nanny is pushing away responsibilities;

Baby sitter or nanny’s responsibility is taking good care of your child. Make sure hygiene and safety are the top priority. She does not report to you if something happens to your child. When you find out, she will find a lot of excuses to cover it. So, never tolerate someone who is dishonest. You have to be able to trust your baby sitter or nanny in order to leave your precious one under her care.

Fundamental disagreement and your baby sitter or nanny insists on her own way of child care;

Both parents and baby sitter or nanny are playing an important role in influencing the child. Normally, the baby sitter or nanny will be much older than the child’s parents. It would be a perfect team if both are working well together. The baby sitter or nanny may be more experienced in child care and can give you good advice. And you should always welcome suggestions from your baby sitters or nanny, especially if she spends a lot of time with your ever-growing child. If both of you are not on the same frequency, even on the basics like food, sleep, and safety, then you may need to rethink your options.

Your child is frequently involved in “accidents” which can be prevented;

Your baby sitter or nanny has to be aware of your child’s activities and prevent him or her from getting hurt. She is not supposed to be doing her own work or other stuffs and neglecting your child. She is not supposed to leave your child unattended even when he sleeps. Many accidents can be prevented if due attention is given.

Your baby sitter or nanny always not reachable during care time and always not able to shown up due to a thousand of excuses;

A responsible and understanding baby sitter or nanny will always be contactable whenever you need to communicate with her or your child. But, some irresponsible baby sitter or nanny will leave you in a worry state. For instance, the baby sitter or nanny will bring your child out without your permission. In order for you to not find out, she will not answer your call. Some will tell you in last minute that she needs to go on leave for some personal reason. This leaves the working parents a dilemma, as in such a short notice how are they going to get an alternative baby sitter or nanny to take care of their child. Eventually, it may affect the job performance of the working parents. Find someone who is committed to the job. Inconsistency and frequent absences may indicate that she is unreliable in other aspects as well.

Your child often looks untidy and dirty or too often sick;

Hygiene is very important especially for children as their immune system is not fully developed. Many diseases may start to say “hello” to your child if hygiene is not taken care of. If your baby sitter or nanny cannot even take care of the basics, it may be a sign that she is suitable for the job. Parents should visit the baby sitter or nanny’s house to check her hygiene awareness and concerns. Previously, I have many a time took my baby home only to find out that the baby sitter did not even know that he has done “potty” in his diaper. This seriously meant something and I have changed the baby sitter.

Just be observant and the above will surface automatically if your baby sitter or nanny is not up to the job. Who says that being a nanny is easy?

What is BPA? Baby bottle danger.

Recent reports suggest that the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in the plastics used to make many types of baby bottles could cause behavioral changes in babies or contribute to early onset of puberty in girls.

Baby Care – Feeding Bottle Sterilization

Do you need to sterilize baby bottle? Some believe that sterilization is not required with the current supply of water being treated and sanitized. But many parents still play it safe and sterilize their baby’s feeding bottles. Why?

Click here to see te final result of HubNuggets - The Next Generation. This hub is under the Home & Family Category.