Being a new parent is the most rewarding and demanding job in the world. You and your baby share a bond that will last a lifetime. As your baby’s primary protector, you will be challenged to do everything you can to keep your baby safe. Here are a few important tips to help you, and everyone around you, protect your precious baby. 

Choosing a Safe Caregiver
Choosing a safe caregiver is one of the most important things you can do for your baby. As a new parent, you must think about everyone who may come into contact with your new baby.    

Potential caregivers are relatives, partners, neighbors, friends or anyone who cares for your baby. It is critical to analyze all of these caregivers to be sure that they are the best possible alternative to you.

Parents Tips to Choosing a Safe Caregiver
Always go over safety information with each person who is caring for your baby.  Even close friends and family who love your baby need to know how to care for him or her properly.

Before you leave your baby alone with someone else, consider these important points:

• You can never be too safe when choosing a caregiver for your baby. Collect references and conduct a background check. You can ask a caregiver for personal references and call those people to ask about their experiences with the caregiver. You can use this link to see if someone is a registered sex offender at no cost at www.familywatchdog.us. You can also sign up for sex offender alerts or get a criminal background check for $24 at www.fdle.state.fl.us.
  
• Don’t assume that everyone close to you is as committed to your child’s safety as you are. This includes close relatives and partners. Not every adult is equipped to care for an infant.
  
• Look for adult caregivers who have experience with infants. Infants require a  lot of attention and care, so make sure your caregiver has the necessary skills  and temperament needed to keep your infant safe and happy. He or she should know how to support your baby’s head, change a diaper, feed your baby, and soothe your baby if he or she is crying.
  
• Observe your caregiver before you leave your baby alone with him or her.  Does your caregiver possess nurturing qualities? Caregivers should hold, cuddle, talk to, and play with your baby.
  
• Never let anything take priority over the safety of your children. Life stressors and daily demands can make your role as a parent challenging, but try to make sure these complications do not interfere with the safety of your baby.
  
• Be sure that your caregiver is aware of safe sleep practices. Babies should always be put on their backs to sleep and adults should never co-sleep with a baby.
  
• Be sure that a caregiver is prepared to cope with your infant’s crying. Have a plan in place with your caregiver for what he or she will do when your baby cries. You can teach him or her simple soothing techniques that work best for your baby. Soothing techniques include rocking, swaying, swaddling, singing and playing music. If your baby continues to cry after trying to safely soothe him or her, tell your caregiver to put your baby safely down in the crib and call you.
  
• Do not leave your child with a caregiver watching too many children, so that he/she cannot give each child personal attention.
  
• Never leave a baby alone with an adult who has been drinking or using drugs.
  
• Never leave a baby alone with an adult that has a short temper or lacks self-control.
  
• It is recommended that caregivers have first aid training and know infant/child CPR.
  
• Ask your caregiver about how he or she would deal with problems or stressful situations that may arise.
  
• If you are taking your children to a caregiver’s home, be sure that his or her home is a safe and clean environment. Be sure that your baby will be able to sleep, play and eat safely.
  
• Look for a caregiver who is a good communicator. Be sure that he or she gives you reports on your infant’s day. Ask what your baby did while you were away and observe your baby’s behavior to be certain that your baby is as peaceful and happy as when you left.
  
• Let a caregiver know where you are going. Be sure to leave your contact information and inform a caregiver that you can be reached at any point with questions or concerns. Leave alternate names and numbers in case you are not available immediately. Remind a caregiver that it is ok to call for help if he or she needs it.
  
• Take your time to show a caregiver around your home and leave special instructions for him or her. Let the caregiver know about your baby’s feeding and sleeping schedule and share your baby’s likes and dislikes. It is always best to lay out expectations beforehand.
  
• Be confident that whoever is watching your baby is the safest person other than you. After taking all of these necessary precautions, remember to also trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, then it probably is.
  
  Choosing a Safe Caregiver Resources