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 how hard to hit with back blows or push for chest or abdominal thrusts? Zach, age 11
A: It depends on the size of the infant/child. The smaller the child, the more gentle you need to be. But you need to be quick and forceful enough to make the back blows and abdominal thrusts work!
Yes, if you were not being forceful enough to do any good (save the child) or if you pushed so hard, you might injure the child. It is more likely you'll injure the child from being in the wrong position than from the forcefulness of the thrust. And if you do nothing for fear of hurting the child, the child could die!
