Babysitting Safety Basics

Is your child ready to babysit younger kids, and how do you safely prepare them?

Many families depend on older children to babysit their siblings, and babysitting is a great way for kids to learn responsibility. If kids are in charge, they need first aid training.

"You never know when an emergency will happen," said Jennifer Piehl, M.D., a Cook Children's pediatrician in Celina. "Being prepared can prevent panic and poor decisions."

Skills needed to babysit

Learning CPR and basic first aid skills is important for any caregiver. Every child should know to call 911 in case of emergency.

Being able to perform CPR before the ambulance arrives can save a life. That's why it's important for any kid in charge to be old enough to take CPR training.

"It depends on the maturity level of the child, but I recommend 13 as a minimum age to babysit," Dr. Piehl said. 'Kids under 13 may not be mature enough to handle caretaking."

Tips for when kids babysit

Even the most mature kid does not have adult strength or decision-making skills. That's why it's a good idea to limit some activities while your child has a babysitter in your home.

• Be clear about when and where driving is permitted.
• Discuss what internet and television is or is not allowed.
• Don't let anyone get in the pool.
• Don't let other kids come over.
• Stay off phones, tablets or other distracting devices.

If you own guns, always make sure they are locked away and unloaded before the babysitter arrives.

When you go out, make sure your oldest child or the babysitter knows where the emergency numbers are. Also, provide a list of any allergies and medical history for each child.

Where to find training

If your child is interested in babysitting, get them the training they need. Many libraries, community centers and even hospitals offer CPR training classes. For more regularly scheduled classes, go online or visit your local YMCA.

The American Red Cross offers online babysitting safety classes and online and in-person CPR and first aid training. redcross.org/take-a-class

The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas offers American Heart Association and American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) CPR and first aid classes. They also offer the ASHI Child and Babysitting Safety program. ymcadallas.org

The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth offers CPR and first aid training. ymcafw.org