Babysitting a 5 month old and a 1 year old. any tips?(again)

Question

Next week i'm babysitting a 5 month old from 1:00-till late at night and maybe a 1 year old from 8:00-till late at night. (it depends on if the parents drop her off after the wedding or not). I've never babysat a 5 month old before, but i have babysat a few 1 year olds. any tips or suggestions?

any help would be appriectiated!

Answer 1

At 5 months he may be crawling or not.  If he isn't crawling if you have a playpen (or if the parents have one they can bring) you can put him in there with toys and he might stay fairly happy.  Just don't leave him unattended and make sure he doesn't have small toys.  If you don't have a playpen, then just make an area away from anything the baby can get into, put down a blanket and give him some soft toys.  At that age, it doesn't take much to keep them happy.  Anything with lights, colors or makes noise.

when the parents get there or if you have their number call them before hand.  But find out his feeding schedule and what he will eat.  More than likely he isn't eating solid foods, so the parents should bring babyfood for him and enough formula.  If the formula is not premade for you, find out how to make it before the mom leaves.  Directions are on the container just in case.  also find out about his sleeping patterns.  When he will nap and what time he goes to sleep at night and if there is a bedtime routine.  He is probably rolling over at this age, so don't leave him on the couch or a bed without supervison.  Try to keep the baby on the schedule he is used to and that will keep him from being fussy.  Ask whether he is teething or anything like that.  This will help you figure out what is wrong if he gets upset.  Lastly, make sure you have a number to get in touch with the parents in case an emergency comes up or if you have questions.

Main reasons babies cry is 1. they are hungry, 2. Need a diaper change, 3. Sleepy...remember it is possible for a baby to get too sleepy and then not go to sleep, but be very upset.  Put them in a quiet room without distractions. This usually helps.  If you have tried those 3 things and he is still fussy, he probably doesn't feel well (teeth, belly ache etc...)

Good luck

Answer 2

if it crys it wants something like a bottle or changed nappy or it justs tired so pick it up and comfert it