What things should I take with me while babysitting?

Question

I want to start babysitting soon. What things should I put in my bag that I'll be bringing along to entertain the kids? I only have some picture books in there, but I think I need more. If there is any parents answering, what would you like the babysitter to bring? Thanks!

Answer 1

I always bring my cell phone, a pad of paper, crayons, first aid supplies, pencils, and home work for once the kids are asleep

Answer 2

you dont really need to bring anything. if your going over to the kids house they will have all their toys and everything they need there already. if anything you should bring things to entertain yourself. like an ipod or mp3 player, laptop if you have one, your phone, a book for yourself if you like reading anything that will keep you busy.

ive been babysittingnkids for 9 hours a day for almost a year now and i have three younger siblings so im always looking after a small child. its really easy.

Answer 3

You shouldn't need anything for the kids.  They should have toys at their house.  I don't expect my sitter to haul anything back and forth.  

The only thing I ever took babysitting was a book.  That way I had something to do while the kids were sleeping.

Answer 4

a cell phone and that's about it and make sure in case of a natural disaster your know where to go

Answer 5

Well, you want to bring stuff for the kids, but you also want to bring stuff for you... it depends on the age of the kids.

You may find it useful to bring your cell phone if you have one, and maybe a magazine or a book that your currently reading if you have some down-time, or the kids are asleep. I always bring my favorite snack food in case they don't have something that you like.

For the kids, it just depends on age.

Newborns- Well, I doubt parents will ask for a babysitter at this age, but... they really don't need anything. Maybe just use those picture books that you have.

Infants(1-2)- Kids these age are just discovering things, like movies and storybooks. You may want to bring some children's movies, like Barney or Teletubbies if you have access, or something of the sort. And, once again, those picture books will come in handy.

Toddlers(3-4)- Children this age are into bigger things... they are a bit more mischievous than the others. I would say that you should make a little scavenger hunt and have them search for things around the house... that would be fun. Maybe a computer game age-appropriate if you know that they have a computer.

Little Kids(5-8)- Well, they are in school, so they should be busy with their 'homework' for a little while, but they will get bored easily if they don't have anything to do. They are now pretty good at understanding board games... Hi Ho Cherry-O is a good game... Don't Wake Daddy, things like that.

Older Kids(9-12+)- They will definately be busy with homework... but they'll want to hang out with you since they are closer in age to you. They'll probably like to do stuff you did when you were that age... play more difficult board games... they aren't as hyper, so maybe they'll watch a movie, or a favorite TV show.

And for all ages, they LOVE to play outside. Just keep a close eye on them.

Well, hope I helped!