THE SUPER SITTER
Consumer Product Safety Commission
THE SUPER SITTER
CPSC Document #243
Contents Section
The Super Sitter 1
What is expected of the Super Sitter 2
Where the Child is ... 3
Where they play
The Play Pen
Baby Walkers ... the baby hot rod
High Chairs
The Crib
Toys they play with 4
Super Sitter's Surprise Box 5
Playing Outdoors 6
Pool Safety 7
Poison: Food for thought only! 8
What you should know about it
What you should know to do
Time to Leave 9
Super Sitter's Very Important Phone Numbers 10
Section 1: THE SUPER SITTER
Baby sitting can be a super way for you to earn money. And,
it's a good way for you to learn a lot about children, about
families, about having a job, about managing money ... and about
PRODUCT SAFETY. Every job has certain guidelines. Baby sitting
is no exception. There are certain things that will be expected
of you as a sitter and things that you should expect of the
parents. That's why the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
has prepared this Super Sitter Guide. It is to help you become
more aware of some of these guidelines, particularly:
- the need for constant observation and alertness to the
child's environment
- selecting toys for children that are not dangerous
- the importance of children playing with toys in the proper
manner
- the need for keeping children's products in good condition
so they don't become dangerous for them to use
Section 2: WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THE SITTER
There are certain do's and don'ts. In addition to "sitting"
with the children, these are a few of the things you should know
and remember as a Safe Sitter.
- Before the parents leave, get the names and phone numbers
suggested in the Super Sitter's Very Important Phone Numbers
List.
- Have the parents show you through the house or apartment and
point out where the items you will need are located, such as the
children's clothing or playthings.
- Always know where the emergency exits are located. In case
of fire don't stop to try to put it out by yourself! Get the
children out of the house without stopping to phone. Take them to
a neighbor. Call the fire department, and then call the parents
to let them know where you and the children are.
- Keep the youngsters safe by preventing accidents. Know
where the potential hazards are, such as electrical outlets,
appliances, and exposed heating elements. Also ask the parents
if all medicine, bleaches and household cleaners are securely
locked up.
- Stairs can be dangerous for youngsters. Keep a
curious toddler from playing on or around them. Running or
horseplay on them can lead to falls, particularly if the
youngsters are wearing socks or other "slippery" footwear.
Remember, too, that stairs are not meant to be a storage area.
Anything placed on the stairs can become an obstacle to fall
over.
- If there is a gate across the stairway, make sure it is
kept latched. Babies in carriages, walkers or strollers should
never be left unattended, especially in an area around stairs
or ramps -- whether indoors or out. A malfunction of the
carriage's safety brake or a sudden movement by the child could
put it right over the edge. If a gate is not provided, place a
barrier of some kind in front of the stairway that a child
cannot climb over. Accordion-style gates with large V-shaped
or diamond-shaped openings should not be used since they can
entrap a child's head, causing strangulation. A gate with a
straight top or small V's and diamond-shaped openings is safer.
Make sure pressure gates are firmly in place and can't be
dislodged by the child.
- Caution the child about the dangers of glass doors or
windows. A child running or riding on a trike or bike could
easily go through the glass. Be sure you keep toys, scatter rugs
and other articles that could cause someone to slip or trip away
from these areas. If you are caring for a particularly active
child, place a large chair or other piece of furniture in front
of the glass area for safety's sake. You also can suggest to the
parents that large, colorful decals at eye level for both
children and adults can make glass doors safer.
- Unless specifically instructed by the parents, do not bathe
the baby. A clean facecloth in lukewarm water will suffice in
most cases for cleaning the skin. Bathing a baby calls for
utmost care and supervision; aside from the risk of hot water
scalds, there is always the danger of drowning. While you may
want to be of help to the parents, bathing the infant is not
recommended.
- If you are changing the baby's diapers, plan on having
everything within immediate reach so you won't have to step away
from the infant even for a second. If you are not constantly
watching them, babies can roll over and fall from changing tables
or other high places. Have diapers, pins, etc., next to you so
the baby is under constant supervision.
- Infants may choke on small items which they put
in their mouths. Small pieces of food, coins, pins and other
non-toy items could lodge in the baby's throat and cause
choking or asphyxiation. It could also occur with small toys
or parts of toys intended for older children. Watch the baby
carefully to make sure these objects are not within reach. In
the event of accidental choking, apply first aid measures to
clear the child's airway. Also call the rescue squad. (If you
don't know first aid, contact your local American Red Cross
office or an approved community agency for instruction.)
- A "super sitter" will look for hazards before they surface.
Loose, baggy clothing can be dangerous if it gets caught on
furniture, cribs, playpens, etc., as children climb, play or
scamper about the room. Clothing can also be a problem if it
becomes tightly wound around the baby. Be on the alert for
hazards such as these, and adjust the clothing so that it
cannot become tangled.
- To prevent accidental injuries, keep doors and windows
locked at all times. Remember that children, though under your
supervision, can at times just "seem to disappear" from your
watchful eye.
- Never open the door to strangers. If there is a question
about someone at the door, call the parents to check with them.
- In case of accident or illness, don't try to be doctor or
nurse except for minor cuts and bruises. Call the parents for
instructions. If they cannot be reached, call your own parents
or go to a neighbor for help. The sick or hurt child may require
a doctor or emergency care.
Section 3: WHERE THE CHILD IS ...
With several children -- particularly toddlers (2 and 3 year
olds) -- you won't be doing much sitting." You'll be playing with
them and supervising their play activities. Where They Play ...
Just a reminder that whether you're actually playing with the
children or supervising them, keep them within safe play areas,
preferably within your sight. Keep them away from potential
danger areas in the home such as the kitchen, bathroom, workshop
and storage areas. They move fast, so you will have to be able
to move even faster!
The Playpen
You should be aware of hazards to a child left alone in a
playpen. A string of toys across the top or even to one side of
the playpen could be a strangulation risk. Dropside mesh
playpens and portable mesh cribs, used with a side left down, can
pose a serious hazard to newborns and infants. When the side is
down, the mesh forms a loose pocket into which an infant can fall
or roll and suffocate. Dropsides should ALWAYS be up and locked
securely in position when a child is in the playpen or crib.
Don't put any toys in the playpen that a child can climb on to
get out. And little fingers can get caught in hinges.
Baby Walkers ... the baby hot rod!
Baby walkers seem fun to scoot around in, but they also can
scoot down a flight of stairs, into a hot stove, against a table
edge or into a glass door. They offer limited balance to a child
not yet completely able to stand or walk. If unstable, walkers
can easily tip over. Stay with the child when he or she is in
the walker, and assist it over thresholds or carpeting.
High Chairs
A child in a high chair requires almost constant attention.
Babies can slip out of a high chair in an instant if not properly
strapped in. An unstable high chair can tip over ... with the
baby in it! Make sure that any safety belts or straps on the
high chair are securely fastened and that the tray is properly
secured. Don't let the child stand up while in the chair, and
keep other children from climbing on it. Keep the chair away
from "traffic lanes," doorways, refrigerator and stove, and far
enough away from tables and walls so that the child can't push
the chair over.
The Crib
If baby is to sleep safely, make sure that the crib is as safe
as you can make it. If there is too much room (more than two
fingersdth) between the mattress and the side of the crib, an
infant's head could get caught in between and the infant could
suffocate. Roll up a couple of large bath towels and place them
in the space. If the slats are more than 2-3/8 inches apart, the
baby's body can slide between the slats and the baby can
suffocate.
If the child is old enough to stand up, the parents should
set the mattress at its lowest position, with the side rail at
its highest position. Check the mattress support frequently to
make sure it hasn't become unhooked from the end panels. Any
toys you leave in the crib should never be ones that could be
used to help in climbing out. Also, do not use crib toys that
may have strings or elastic attached to them -- these can
strangle or choke! Cribs with decorative knobs on the cornerposts
can be a strangulation hazard. Children's clothing and strings
or necklaces can catch on the protrusions, especially if the
child is trying to climb out. Crib gyms should be removed from
the crib when the baby is five months old or can push up on hands
and knees, otherwise the baby can get his/her chin across the
crib gym or catch clothing on it and strangle.
Section 4: TOYS THEY PLAY WITH ...
Teach children to play safely by showing them how to use
their toys in a safe manner and by teaching them to put their
toys away after play.
Be particularly aware of safe and unsafe toys. These
are some toy dangers you should be aware of:
1. SMALL PARTS.
Tiny toys and toys with small removable parts can be
swallowed or become lodged in a child's throat, windpipe, ears or
nose. The seams of poorly constructed stuffed dolls or animals
can break open and release small pellets that can be swallowed or
inhaled.
2. SHARP EDGES.
Toys of brittle plastic or glass can be broken easily,
leaving dangerous, sharp, cutting edges. Metal and plastic
toys sometimes have sharp edges due to poor construction.
3. SHARP POINTS.
Broken toys can expose dangerous prongs and knifelike
sharp points. Pins and staples on dolls' clothes, hair and
accessories can easily puncture an unsuspecting child.
4. LOUD NOISES.
Toy caps and some noise-making guns and other toys can
produce sounds at noise levels that can damage hearing. Do not
allow children to fire cap guns closer than one foot to the ear;
also, do not use indoors.
5. PROPELLED OBJECTS.
Projectiles -- guided missiles and similar flying toys --
can be turned into weapons and can injure eyes in particular.
Children should never be permitted to play with adult lawn darts
or other hobby or sporting equipment that have sharp points.
Arrows or darts used by children should have soft cork tips,
rubber suction cups or other protective tips intended to prevent
injury. Teach children that these toys should never be aimed at
people or pets.
6. ELECTRIC TOYS.
Electric toys that are improperly constructed, wired or used
can shock or burn. Electric toys with heating elements are only
recommended for children over eight years old. Children should
be taught to use electric toys cautiously and under adult
supervision.
7. WRONG TOY FOR THE WRONG AGE.
Toys that may be safe for older children -- like a chemistry
or hobby set or games with small pieces -- can be extremely
dangerous in the hands of little ones.
8. CORDS AND STRINGS.
Toys with long strings or cords may be dangerous for infants
and very young children. The cords may become wrapped around an
infant's neck, causing strangulation. Never hang toys with long
strings, cords, loops or ribbons in cribs or playpens. Pacifiers
should never be attached to strings or ribbons around a baby's
neck.
Section 5: SUPER SITTER'S SURPRISE BOX
To overcome any outbursts from the children when the parents
are leaving, you may want to have your own Super Sitter's
Surprise Box. This can be anything in the way of toys or
treasures for them to play with, to stimulate curiosity and to
take away fear of being left "forever."
The box can be of your own design. It can be as complicated
and complex as an overnight case filled with colorful, new,
exciting and safe toys you buy (or borrow from a younger sister
or brother). It can be as simple as a shoe box filled with toys
you have made. It will help ease those first difficult moments
and many more besides.
Here's how you can make your Super Sitter's Surprise Box:
A variety of colors of "sticky-back" tape and a medium sized
box with a lid or an old overnight case are all you need. Cut
the tape into strips, squares, triangles and circles and tape
them on to the box or case. Besides being attractive and
eye-catching, the shapes can be educational. Fill the Surprise
Box with any of the "surprises" below:
- rubber animals
- plastic or wooden animals with smooth edges
- soft plastic or cloth covered books
- plastic or wooden toy cars or trucks with no small
- detachableparts
- large rubber ball
- playing cards
- set of measuring cups
- different colored bandage strips to use as "puppets" on
your fingers, or on the baby's fingers.
Try to put a surprise or two -- a book, coloring book, game,
puzzle or some item of amusement into your box for an older
brother or sister.
When making your Surprise Box, remember to use only safe
toys! Check to see that they don't have any of the toy dangers.
Make your Super Sitter's Surprise Box a safe surprise!
Section 6: PLAYING OUTDOORS
Some of your daytime sitting may include playing outdoors
with the children. Outdoor play equipment -- swings, seesaws and
slides -- can be fun, but can be dangerous too. Play safety can
be taught to even the youngest toddlers.
Children often do the unexpected on playground equipment.
They are naturally and normally curious and adventuresome.
Standing in a swing is "bigger and better" than sitting in one.
Climbing to the top, sitting or swinging on it shows great
daring. Little ones are unaware of risk ... often jumping off or
in front of swings, seesaws or gliders. They may walk in front
or in back of a moving swing. In an atmosphere of "the more the
merrier," they may overload any one piece of equipment and tip
the entire structure. Hanging "rings" are particularly dangerous
to small children whose heads may be small enough to go through
the ring, turning it into a hanging "noose."
All children should be supervised when playing on this kind
of equipment. They should be told to sit in the center of a
swing. Explain the following hazards: walking in front or in back
of a swing; pushing other children off of the swing; swinging
empty seats; twisting the swing chains; and, climbing up the
front of the slide. Roughhousing, overloading equipment and
misuse can be curbed from the start if you're there supervising
their play.
Older children can be taught certain safety rules and why
they are important. Asking them to assist you in supervising the
younger ones will help them to understand these rules better.
Dangerous roughhousing, stunts, overloading, abuse and misuse of
equipment and showing off are unacceptable.
Section 7: POOL SAFETY
Daytime sitting can also include time in or around a
swimming pool, wading pool or spa. Children are naturally
attracted to water, therefore, a "super sitter" must take
precautions at all times to prevent accidents from happening.
Drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death
nationwide to children under five years of age. In addition, some
3,000 youngsters in the same age group are treated each year in
hospital emergency rooms as a result of near-drownings; some of
these children are hospitalized for life as a result of
near-drowning.
Drowning is a silent killer. When a child drowns, a baby
sitter won't hear a cry or even a splash. Drownings can happen
very quickly.
How do children drown? How can you prevent a tragedy from
happening?
- Seconds count. In seconds, a child can leave the house and
walk to the edge of the pool. In seconds, a child can drown
in only a few inches of water. A child can drown in the few
seconds taken to answer a telephone in the house.
- Eyes on the child at all times is your best bet. There is
no substitute for constant supervision of the child.
- Children should be supervised and accompanied at all times,
even though the parents previously instructed the children
not to go near the water.
- Make sure gates leading to the pool are closed and locked.
Lock all doors leading from the house to the pool area.
Locks should always be out of reach of children.
- Don't consider a child to be water-safe even if the
youngster has had swimming lessons or water-familiarity
class.
- Don't assume a pool to be safe, even one with a pool cover
or a fence.
- Don't allow children to play on the apron surrounding the
pool.
- If the pool is above-ground, remove the ladder to prevent
access by anyone.
- Learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on
infants and young children. Contact your local chapter of
the American Heart Association or American Red Cross about
registering for classes.
- If for any reason you discover the child to be missing,
check the pool, wading pool, spa or hot tub first.
- Know the telephone numbers to call for emergency medical
service. In some locations you dial 911, in others a
seven-digit number. As a "super sitter" you can teach the
children that safe play can still be fun play!
Section 8: POISON: FOOD FOR THOUGHT ONLY!
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IT...
Not everything that goes into a child's mouth falls into the
category of food. Too often, what ends up in mouths and stomachs
may be deadly! Growing children are curious about things that
glitter and shine, pretty colored pills, bottles and containers
of all kinds, and what's in them. Children under the age of five
are in stages of growth where they are constantly exploring and
investigating. This is how they learn. Unfortunately, what
children see and reach for, they put into their mouths and
swallow.
Every year thousands of youngsters across the country
receive emergency hospital or doctor's care because of accidental
poisoning. These are chiefly children under five who have
ingested some common household item which suddenly becomes poison
in the wrong hands (and mouths). These include medicines,
cleaning products and preparations, insect sprays, lighter fluid
and kerosene, turpentine and paints.
You can help prevent accidental poisonings, while baby
sitting and in your own home too. Here are some things you
should remember:
All household products and medicines should be stored
out of sight and reach of young children -- preferably locked up!
(If you are sitting where household cleaning agents are stored
under the sink and you are in charge of a "crawler" -- or the
medicine cabinet is accessible to a "climber" -- you can put
protective tape across the front of the cabinet as an extra
precaution.)
As a baby sitter you should not be expected to
give any medication. But in certain circumstances, you may
be asked to give a medication during the time the parents are
away. If it is absolutely necessary that you do this, have
the parents leave explicit, written instructions for you.
SOME GENERAL POINTS TO REMEMBER ABOUT MEDICATIONS ARE:
1. Read the label on the container carefully as well as the
instructions from the parents.
2. Never leave the child alone with the medication. If the
phone rings take the medication with you.
3. Return the medication to its safe storage place with the
safety closure on securely.
4. Do not call the medication candy.
5. Do not give the medication in the dark.
6. Do not take any medication yourself in the presence of
the child.
7. Be careful of what you might be bringing into the house.
Children are normally curious and can get into a pocketbook,
briefcase or overnight case of a guest which could contain
medications. An otherwise "poison-proof" household can become
the scene of an accidental poisoning incident.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW TO DO...
IF THERE IS A POISONING ACCIDENT:
1. DON'T WAIT to see what effect it may have. If you think
the child has swallowed medicine or a household product, call a
Poison Control Center, doctor, or hospital IMMEDIATELY! (These
should be emergency numbers on your list.) Describe what was
taken and how much, giving as much information as you can.
Describe the condition of the child -- vomiting, drowsiness,
change of color, coldness of skin. In the event no medical
instructions are available, check the label on the container
for emergency procedures and directions, if any. DO NOT
INDUCE VOMITING UNLESS INSTRUCTED BY MEDICAL PERSONNEL OR THE
LABEL GIVES SUCH INSTRUCTIONS. IF INSTRUCTED TO INDUCE
VOMITTING, GIVE SYRUP OF IPECAC. (NOTE: PARENTS SHOULD KEEP
ON HAND A ONE-OUNCE BOTTLE OF SYRUP OF IPECAC FOR EACH CHILD
IN THE HOME).
2. Call in a neighbor who can help you take care of this
emergency; get the child medical aid, or help take care of
other children in the family. At this point, don't try to
take on all of the care and responsibility yourself.
3. Call the parents. Explain what has happened, what has
already been done and what is yet to be done. If the child is to
be taken to a hospital or doctor's office, it may be more
expedient to get the child there and have the parents go there
immediately rather than come home first. Speed, of course, is
important. But equally important is the way you handle the
situation. Try to keep control. A frightened and sick child
will become more frightened if you are excited or show panic.
Accidental poisoning is a frightening experience, but if you know
preventive measures, you will be able to handle the situation
when it happens. (Tell the parents about child resistant safety
packaging which can help prevent these kinds of accidents.)
Section 9: TIME TO LEAVE!
Before you realize it, the parents have arrived to find you
and their children safe and sound, and to see you home safely.
During your first sitting experience, you may have been nervous,
but with each new one, you will gain confidence, especially if
you remember the Super Sitter Tips we have discussed. Here is a
summary of those tips which you should keep foremost in your mind
until you are confident that you know them:
- Know what to do in emergencies by being prepared for one,
knowing what could happen and how to react to it. Take first
aid instructions.
- Always know where the emergency exits are located.
- Keep doors and windows locked for the safety of both
yourself and the children.
- Know where the "danger" items are -- medicines,
bleaches, household cleaners and electrical appliances. Keep
them out of children's reach if the parents have not locked
them away in a secure place.
- In case of accident or illness, don't try to be a doctor
or nurse except for minor cuts and bruises.
- Keep your emergency telephone list handy -- use these
numbers when you need them.
- Depend on the parents or a neighbor in any emergency
situation that you are not sure how to handle yourself.
- Prevent play accidents by keeping the
youngsters safe -- supervise where they play, what they play
with and teach them safe play. Keep these safety tips
in mind ... they will make your baby sitting experience both safe
and fun for you and the children. They will make you a SUPER
SAFE SITTER.
Section 10: THE SUPER SITTER'S VERY IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Post these names and phone numbers by the telephone. Then
you'll have them when and if you need them.
Where parents will be:___________________________________________
Nearby friend____________________________________________________
or relative______________________________________________________
or neighbor______________________________________________________
Children's doctor________________________________________________
Fire Department__________________________________________________
Police Department________________________________________________
Poison Control Center____________________________________________
Hospital_________________________________________________________