Key takeaways: Before leaving your baby with a sitter or grandparent, review safe sleep, feeding, soothing, and emergency plans. Write down emergency numbers, your address, your baby’s medical information, and Poison Control’s number (1-800-222-1222). Make sure caregivers know never to shake a baby, and ideally have taken infant CPR.
Leaving your baby with someone else is easier when everyone knows the plan.
Safe Sleep
- Back to sleep for every sleep.
- Firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet, or play yard.
- Nothing in the crib.
- No sleeping on couches, adult beds, or in car seats, swings, or bouncers.
- Don’t fall asleep with the baby on a couch or chair.
Feeding
- How much and how often your baby eats.
- How to prepare and warm milk safely (no microwave).
- Breast milk storage times.
- Paced bottle feeding.
- Foods your baby can eat and choking hazards to avoid.
- Allergies.
Soothing
- What calms your baby.
- Never shake a baby. If frustrated, place the baby safely in the crib and take a break.
Safety
- Never leave the baby alone on a raised surface.
- Keep small objects, medicines, and button batteries out of reach.
- Stay within arm’s reach during baths, and never leave the baby alone in water.
- Use car seats correctly for every ride.
- Keep hot drinks away.
Health
- Medicines and doses, if any.
- How to take a temperature.
- When to call you or the doctor.
Emergency Information
Write down:
- Your phone numbers.
- Your address (for 911).
- Pediatrician’s number.
- Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.
- Nearest hospital.
- Baby’s full name, birthday, weight, allergies, and medical conditions.
Grandparents and Changing Advice
Baby advice has changed over the years. Share updates kindly, such as back sleeping, no bumpers, no cereal in bottles, and car seat rules.
Training
Encourage caregivers to take an infant CPR and first aid class.
The Bottom Line
A clear safety briefing helps caregivers keep your baby safe. Write it down and review it together.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Babysitter safety; tips for grandparents. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
- Moon RY, Carlin RF, Hand I; Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; Committee on Fetus and Newborn. Sleep-related infant deaths: updated 2022 recommendations for reducing infant deaths in the sleep environment. Pediatrics. 2022;150(1):e2022057990.
- National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. https://www.dontshake.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
