How to Babysit an Infant

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.

[emmarose]

Awww! The bottle in the fridge has a “WARM ME” label! 🍼💕

[yarrow-_-]

When I first saw the title, I thought it said "How to babysit an elephant" >_<

[annaking]

I'm so happy this is uploaded! I'm taking care of a baby tomaro and for then to 1-2 months! I love these tips

[SuperNinjaMonkey]

Im babysitting an 8 month old tomorrow ;P Excited! tryin' to get tips i guess.. haha:)

[PLupa]

@cinda2030 Typically, an infant's age is seen as newborn to 12 months, a toddler is 1 - 3 years, and a preschooler is ages 3 - 5.

[peanutbutter]

Thanks! I'm babysitting a 1 year old alot this summer!!!!

[rebeccarobertz]

Thanks, tommorow im meeting the parents, excited but nervous! X

[thethk]

@purplegill10
ur not supposed to lay them in their stomachs-they could suffocate

[MsJBLoveStory]

I am starting to babysit. 3 kids for starters :\

Kayden= 1 year old.
Kyson= 5 1\2 months.
Kristen= 3 year old.

[KitaDyer]

I have to look after 3 of these tomorrow!! ANY help would be GREATLY appreciated!!

[andreapatane]

Infants need to be babysat once in awhile.

[sydneyyahner]

Babysitting a two year old and a five month old tomorrow. Both boys. Only 14!

[gjessie]

How old should you be to start babysitting.? Im 12 but have had previous experience with small children.

[azariageorge]

Very nice video thanks for the good tips!

[CuzImCoolLikeThat]

Im babysitting a one month old baby tomoro. Im excited!!!!

[guyOO]

howcast makes al least 50 videos each day

[Tumblelinas_Channel]

which is better
expertvillage or howcast?

[amirasworld]

I'm gonna start babysitting when I'm like 12/13 to make some money :) not infants tho, maybe like 3-9

[DevilChildRobin]

For my opinion, around 12. It depends how responsible you are. ;P

[sheshines]

why is there beer in the refrigerator when they are talkon about the warming bottles???