Babysitting is a big job. You're a responsible babysitter and you want to know everything there is to know about it. There will be times when you need an answer to a question or a helpful tip on how to do something. You'll find many of them right here! If you don't find what you're looking for, or if you have a question about an experience you had while babysitting, let us know. You can also help other babysitters by sharing your own tips.
Child Care Essentials
Success on the Job
Safety for the Sitter
Babysitting as a Business
Rescue Skills
Preventing Problem Behavior and Behavior Management
Injury Prevention and Injury Management
Q: How do I know when to call the Poison Center? Jasmine, age 12
A: Any product or substance that can harm someone if used in the wrong way, by the wrong person, or in the wrong amount is a poison. Poison can enter the body through the eyes, ears, or skin or by breathing or swallowing something you shouldn't.
Call 9-1-1 if the child you are babysitting takes anything that might be poison and immediately gags, vomits, becomes sleepy, has trouble breathing, has convulsions (seizures), or loss of consciousness.
Call 800-222-1222, the Poison Center if the child takes anything that might be poison but has no immediate symptoms. Call a back-up adult to come help, and while the adult is on the way, call the Poison Center. Have the poison container available. The Poison Center can tell you whether or not there is a problem and what to do.
Be sure you call 9-1-1 or the Poison Center and do NOT look up what to do on the internet - it takes too much time and the information may not be reliable. Calling 9-1-1 gets the necessary medical help quickly. Calling the Poison Center, you can:
