I’m babysitting tomorrow for these people my mom is friends with. They have a 4 month old son. I’ve never taken care of a baby before…the youngest child I’ve babysat for was 3. It’s a little intimidating so if anyone has tips or suggestions about changing diapers, feeding him, keeping him entertained, etc. I’d appreciate it.
It’s a lot of fun….well except the diapers part, but anyway make sure when you hold it…hold it from the bottom of the back. and use your other hand as a rest on his neck…the baby’s neck is a very sensitive area and if he’s left without neck support…he’ll cry and i don’t think you’ll like it.
Well make sure you try to change the diaper fast and cover up if he’s peeing a lot…cover up the peeing part of his body then change the diaper.
Keeping entertained…just play something with noise…babies love noise.
When you’re taking care of him (holding him, etc) do what feels most natural. He will tell you (whether he realizes it or not) what feels comfortable for him and what he needs. If he’s just eaten and he’s fussy, then burp him. If he’s grunting a lot or is acting frustrated, check his diaper shortly thereafter :o) If he’s putting his hands in his mouth a lot and is seemingly short-tempered or grumpy, then try feeding him. Reading his signs will become SO EASY after a little bit of trial and error.
You’re babysitting because you’re choosing to and with that said, I’m sure you’re naturally great with kids. Babies are great because they just love you no matter what :o) Just read his signs and try to listen to what feels right to you.
If he starts crying, don’t become frustrated: Just remember that when he is crying, he is simply trying to tell you something because he has no other way to tell you. Just try different things, and you will just "know" when you’ve solved the mystery of what he was trying to tell you.
Hope it helps!
References :
I’ve cared for two newborns myself
Here’s some information about how to soothe a fussy baby. That’s what always made me nervous.
http://infantstoddlers.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_soothe_a_crying_baby
When changing him- never leave him on the changing pad alone- 4 month olds can sometimes roll off.
As far as entertainment, 4 month olds don’t need a lot of entertainment. Talk to him, play peekaboo, tickle him, walk him around and tell him what things are, take a walk, etc. Keep it simple and have fun!
References :
I have two children.
It’s a lot of fun….well except the diapers part, but anyway make sure when you hold it…hold it from the bottom of the back. and use your other hand as a rest on his neck…the baby’s neck is a very sensitive area and if he’s left without neck support…he’ll cry and i don’t think you’ll like it.
Well make sure you try to change the diaper fast and cover up if he’s peeing a lot…cover up the peeing part of his body then change the diaper.
Keeping entertained…just play something with noise…babies love noise.
References :
I’m not the most experienced guy in this, but i babysit sometimes.
R Zeckoski Captain US Marines