- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
April 2013 Moms
StephiD
member
NBR: Babysitting a 1 year old-what to do?
StephiD
member
(NBR: Babysitting a 1 year old-what to do?)
My cousin has a 1 year old girl. She just got a new job and didn't have a babysitter. (I don't know how you go out and get a job with no childcare plans...but whatever) I told her that I can help her out on days that I am off. This will be awesome because we'll see what I have missed with childproofing (kids always find what you missed) and will give my dog (a very energetic and super friendly 4 year old corgi) some practice around kids.
Even though I am a ftm, though I have tons of experience with kids. It has been a few years since I have babysat, but I used to do it a lot in middle school, HS and a little in college. And many of my cousins have kids, so I have no problem with playing with them, talking to them, etc.
The problem with my cousin's daughter is that I have only really met her like twice and she is very shy. She may remember me, but she is not going to be happy with being left at my house for the whole day. At least, not at first. Do you have any suggestions for making the transition easier?
So far I have movies we can watch, I am asking her mom to pack a couple of her favorite toys(aside from xtra clothes, diapers, wipes, food, etc), and I am going to borrow some toys from another cousin (so there will be something here that is new for her to play with). There is a park nearby we can go to if the weather is nice, and by Monday there will be a couple of errands that I can run with her if we need to get out of the house.
Anyone have any suggestions as to A) how to make her transition to being at my house smoother and 
ideas of activities that we can do? Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Edit: I am also going to hit up pinterest for ideas.
<a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Getting Pregnant"><img src="http://global.thebump.com/tickers/tt1c74c9.aspx" alt=" BabyFruit Ticker" border="0" /></a>
<a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Parenting Tips"><img
This discussion has been closed.
Re: NBR: Babysitting a 1 year old-what to do?
I'm sure you did not intend this, but your post totally reads like you're going to let this child stick her finger in sockets and get eaten by your dog so that your baby doesn't have to.
Me, too.
Check in with your cousin and see what the baby enjoys doing. Some people are fine with movies for kids, other people not so much.
Reading books together is big at that age... my kids loved to cuddle and read picture books, ABC books, etc.
Funny, mine only cuddles when he's sick (key indicator that something is wrong). He's rough and tumble. The park trip would be necessary regardles off weather.
My random thoughts/advice on the subject:
Depending how mobile she is, I would either hit up the park or go for a little stroll.
Running errands will be a good distraction, too.
Stack toys and building blocks are usually pretty popular with kids that age.
You could even give her a bath - just let her have fun in the water!
I doubt a one-year old will be that interested in watching movies, so I'd nix that idea altogether.
I would keep the first few days low key (keep outings to a minimum except for places you are likely to take her on a regular basis - for instance, park = yay, errands = nay) to get her to know you and your house. I might also bring a few items from her house so she doesn't feel so lost. And depending on her reaction, I'd also keep your dog at bay for a while.
Good luck!
I was fortunate enough to have my mother watch my daughter once I had to return to work and a few things I did as her mother to make the time apart more positive were as follows:
I lightly sprayed my perfume on DD's favorite teddy bear, and I packed things she was familiar with from home (blanket, videos, toys, etc.) I also called often to check in. This worked wonders when her dad started coming around and she spent over nights with him. If I were you I would ask your cousin to do the same as far as packing familiar items from home.
As far as your house: I think you should baby proof it before you start watching your cousin's LO and really watch how your dog takes to the child because the last thing you want is an accident to happen that will harm the LOwhile she's in your care. You may think your dog will take well to her, but you never know.
Videos, books, and play time at the park all sounds great for entertainment! I would suggest being very attentive if she's shy to break her in and adjust her to separating from her mother. I would also reccomend you sit down with your cousin and discuss sleep schedules, snacks, and all-around "little things" that could be helpful when caring for her daughter. Good luck!!
Is there any way she can come with her mom for a quick pre-visit before the first day that you will babysit? This will get her familiar with you, your dog and your house without the additional stress of mom leaving. It can really be as brief as 15 minutes. The point is so that she isn't bombarded with an entirely new environment, a somewhat new person, AND having to deal with a separation from mom all at once.
If not, maybe the day mom has to drop her off, she can come about 45 minutes early so they can explore your house together and the LO can see that you are a safe person and mom trusts you, leading her to trust you more.
Those are just my tips as a DCP who deals with these kinds of transitions a lot.
Some fun things DD and I do together are going to the park and the library. Our library has story time and baby/toddler classes during the week so maybe check and see if that's an option? It's still young for her to pay much attention to story time but I took DD at that age just for the social interaction.
You could read her books and have some age-appropriate toys for her. As PP have said their attention span is very short so movies aren't going to entertain her for long. Also if/when she is walking you can have music on and dance with her. My DD LOVES to dance. I promise it won't take long for her to get to know you and you will learn her likes/dislikes. GL!