The Safe Kids Mid-South, headquartered at Le Bonheur, recommends you ask any prospective babysitter the following questions:

• Is the sitter experienced and reliable?
• Does the sitter have any references?
• Did he or she take a special "babysitter" training course?
• Is the sitter certified in infant and child CPR?
• Is the sitter willing to accept parental guidelines in taking care of children?
• Does the sitter understand how important it is to watch your children at all times?
• Does the sitter know what to do in an emergency? 
• Is the sitter old enough (at least 13 years old) and responsible enough to care for a child?

Before leaving a child with the sitter:

• Give a tour of their home. Be sure to point out the specific safety precautions that have been taken (for example, baby gates, electrical outlet covers, toilet locks, smoke detectors).
• Write down emergency telephone numbers and leave them by the phones.
• Map out the approved play areas in the home. 
   Instruct the sitter never to leave children alone – even for a second.
• Show the sitter where children's protective gear is stored (for example, if children are allowed to ride a bicycle, skateboard or in-line skates while parents are away, make sure the sitter knows where to find the children's helmets, knee pads and other protective gear and insists they wear them).

By taking a few precautions, you and your babysitter can help protect your child.

For more information, please call Safe Kids Mid-South, headquartered at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, at (901) 287-6730.