Q. This weekend, I will be babysitting twin two year old girls and a baby girl (4 months ish). I have babysat for just the twins before and did well, but I need advice on how to take care of all of them at once, and on what to do whit the infant. Thanks!
A. Hello! I've been babysitting for 4.5 years for children exactly those ages! The tough part of the job will be if the baby cries, which, at 4 months she probably will. Here are a few main causes of crying in infants:
-hungry
-needs to be burped
-needs diaper change
-uncomfortable
-too hot or cold
-too much noise and stimulation
-not enough stimulation
-separation anxiety (even babies that young can miss their mothers although that typically starts closer to 6 months)
So obviously, you are going to have to try various things to stop the crying.s Start by checking the diaper and try giving her a bottle. Even if it's not the exact time the mom said to feed her, she may be hungry anyway. Pat her gently on the back to burp her and wait for a burp. Try to figure out if she could be uncomfortable with her clothing or the temperature. If it's noisy, take her to a quiet place. If nothing is going on, try to get her interested in toys and give her some tummy time. Try putting her in a bouncer or baby swing. A white noise machine can work wonders. Try rocking her and holding her in various ways to see what works. Carry her and walk around, GENTLY bouncing your heels. Make shushing sounds, talk quietly, or sing soothing songs. Remember, it probably isn't your fault she is crying and she isn't doing it on purpose. Be patient and do not get frustrated! Do not shake her at all as that could lead to Brain damage or even death. If you grow frustrated, set her in her crib and step away for five minutes, it's okay of she cries for a few minutes. If you need to, call her mom and ask ahead of times what she does to soothe the baby. Meanwhile, let the toddlers play on their own just make sure that you can see them at all times!
Before the mom leaves, ask her what the babies schedule is. Here are a few questions to ask:
-how to prepare bottle
-when baby gets bottle
-how to change diaper (but you probably already know)
-how to put her to bed/naps
-when bed/nap is
-how to calm baby
-if she has a pacifier or anything to help calm her down
And anything else you can think of! Try to come with a few coloring books or old toys for the toddlers so that they don't get bored because sometimes dealing with the baby may take up a lot of the time. Some babies are naturally independent and happy though so you may not have a problem! If you babysat the twins before, you already know what to do with them so they will be easy! Have fun, hope I helped!
-hungry
-needs to be burped
-needs diaper change
-uncomfortable
-too hot or cold
-too much noise and stimulation
-not enough stimulation
-separation anxiety (even babies that young can miss their mothers although that typically starts closer to 6 months)
So obviously, you are going to have to try various things to stop the crying.s Start by checking the diaper and try giving her a bottle. Even if it's not the exact time the mom said to feed her, she may be hungry anyway. Pat her gently on the back to burp her and wait for a burp. Try to figure out if she could be uncomfortable with her clothing or the temperature. If it's noisy, take her to a quiet place. If nothing is going on, try to get her interested in toys and give her some tummy time. Try putting her in a bouncer or baby swing. A white noise machine can work wonders. Try rocking her and holding her in various ways to see what works. Carry her and walk around, GENTLY bouncing your heels. Make shushing sounds, talk quietly, or sing soothing songs. Remember, it probably isn't your fault she is crying and she isn't doing it on purpose. Be patient and do not get frustrated! Do not shake her at all as that could lead to Brain damage or even death. If you grow frustrated, set her in her crib and step away for five minutes, it's okay of she cries for a few minutes. If you need to, call her mom and ask ahead of times what she does to soothe the baby. Meanwhile, let the toddlers play on their own just make sure that you can see them at all times!
Before the mom leaves, ask her what the babies schedule is. Here are a few questions to ask:
-how to prepare bottle
-when baby gets bottle
-how to change diaper (but you probably already know)
-how to put her to bed/naps
-when bed/nap is
-how to calm baby
-if she has a pacifier or anything to help calm her down
And anything else you can think of! Try to come with a few coloring books or old toys for the toddlers so that they don't get bored because sometimes dealing with the baby may take up a lot of the time. Some babies are naturally independent and happy though so you may not have a problem! If you babysat the twins before, you already know what to do with them so they will be easy! Have fun, hope I helped!
Is it safe to put an infant to sleep in play yard?
Q. Our Master bedroom is tight on space, and I know that research has shown that if a baby sleeps in a separate bed in the room with mom and dad, there's a lesser risk of a SIDS related death. Is it safe to use a bassinet-equipped play yard nightly for baby to sleep in for the first few months? Or would a crib in another room be safer?
A. My son's pack and play (play yard) had an elevated bassinet part and he slept in that next to my bed sometimes. As long as they are on their backs and they are on a firm surface (free of blankets, toys, etc.) I think it's fine.
How does stuffed animals increase the chances of sudden infant death syndrome?
Q. If there are toys in the crib, on the opposite side of the crib will that affect the baby? (the baby wont be sleeping on the same side as the stuffed animals are. the toys will not be near him). also are bumpers bad to use in the crib?
burping a baby too hard causes sid? (something i just read) is this true?
burping a baby too hard causes sid? (something i just read) is this true?
A. Well, if your baby is not moving around yet, then the stuffed animals should not be able to suffocate. however, my daughter started moving around very very early, so why risk it? Sids is not caused from burping a baby too hard. If you burp a baby too hard, its because you're frustrated, and you shouldnt be near a baby if you're that frustrated. Good luck
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