Has this ever happened to you, and what would you do about it? Babysitting?

Question

Hi guys, my daughter is 4 months old and today my sister in law looked after her while I went to work for a few hours, I own my own business so its pretty flexible and I dont always work on a Wednesday, but she has Wednesdays off so she minded her for me, she said to me that she was going out for a coffee with a friend before she left and I thought that was fine but she woke her up after only 2 hours sleep to go out, when she normally has 3 or 4 hours, then kept her awake for ages while she was out and then bought her into work to me and she had a dirty nappy and it must have been like that for ages because it was all soaked into the nappy, and I have only just got her to sleep because she was up for about 4 or 5 hours at a time when she should have had 2 sleeps in that time and she was so overtired, I just feel a bit annoyed that she was just having fun she also was going to go into the city with another friend but thankfully the friend canceled otherwise she never would have gone to sleep, I know its not the biggest deal in the world but I guess I just feel annoyed that she couldnt just stayed home or only gone out for a little while with her, has anyone had a bad babysitting experience, and what would you do??

Answer 1

Never let her babysit again.

I had someone I know watch my son for one hour.  It was just so I could go to the doctor.  She would take him for a stroll around the area until I was done.  She fed him during that time and when I came back to him, he was covered in vomit.  She said she didn't notice...  I won't let her watch my son ever again.

Answer 2

that does seem very inconsiderate but did you talk to her about your daughters schedule before she watched her? I think bringing her to you to changer her nappy is enough to know that you need to sit down with her and explain what you expect from her while she is caring for your child...if she doesn't change a nappy when its dirty is she feeding the baby while she cries for her bottle??? If anything else maybe you should find someone else to watch your baby and she can visit while your there to supervise  

Answer 3

I don't have children but I have babysitted and worked with children.

I advise you to take it as a learning lesson with no hard feelings towards her.  Just express that you felt next time it be best that if she can stay home or limit the time out so your child can sleep.

With her bein 4 months old, I imagine she slept in the car or at some point, even if a 10 to 15 min nap.

However I agree. Messing up her sleeping schedule can be a pain as her sleeping pattern can get off and she can get cranky/fussy easier etc.

Just set limits and rules before you leave your house. "Please be beck with in a few hours so she can have her sleep routine and I know you do, but makes me feel better saying to check her diaper often".  You can add in there "as I think she has skin irritations and might get rashes often. so want to limit that by checking and changing her as soon as she went the bathroom"

So she doesn't feel it is a personal attack and get offended that you put a little fact of "avoiding a rash" in there.

Answer 4

you could try talking to her about it. either do it now or if this incident repeats again.

Answer 5

What a little angel you've got! Of course, I agree with you that this isn't the most horrible thing in the world for your baby however, I'd be perterbed to the max too. If I were you, I wouldn't create any more of a rift because it is family and you probably don't need the extra drama and upset in your life. Just know that in the future, this person would be a great help watching your sweetheart if it truly doesn't matter if or when she sleeps and an even better help after she's potty trained. Maybe when she's a bit older you can call up your sister in law. For now, I'd find other reliable sources. She helped you out just in her way, not yours. Remember that. Not everyone thinks about the other person or child before they think of themself.  

Answer 6

I honestly would let your sister babysit her, seeings as she is such a good little neice for your sister. Ok ok im being biased because that's me, but whenever i look after her, i try to stay home and keep her in a routine so that she doesnt get grumpy and uncomfortable. Plus it makes my day easier because she is easier to settle and is happier when we play together. I dont think its something you should let slide, because lets be honest, its something that could keep happening. Just explain to her that babys (especially at addy's age) need routine and actually prefer routine. Think about it though, adults prefer routine as well dont they? I mean imagine being up all night, you wouldnt feel very happy the next day, thats what it would have been like for addy. As she doesnt have kids of her own its worth explaining, but if the problem continues after that, then it might be a matter of trying to find someone else to babysit.

Answer 7

yes, i left my children with my younger sister, while i visited my gran in hospital for a few hours. when i came home, my babies, then 9 months, were in their playpen, she was kissing her boyfriend on the sofa, one baby was crying, the other one was napping, both of them had dirty nappies and had dirty clothes. i was very angry, but remained calm and told her how i felt about this. you should do the same!! xox