Health Tip: Babysitter Safety

(HealthDay News) — Before letting a babysitter stay with your child, make sure the sitter knows the answers to a few basic safety questions.

The University of Michigan Health System suggests discussing:

The sitter’s knowledge of CPR and first aid.
The need to put babies to sleep on the back, with no blankets, pillows or toys in the crib.
How to soothe a crying baby, and the dangers of shaking a baby.
Choking hazards and food allergies.
Never giving the child medication, unless specifically shown how by parents.
Household safety, such as locking doors and turning on exterior lights, never letting anyone into the home, and knowing when to call the police or an ambulance.
Never leaving a child alone in the bathtub, even for a moment.
Fire-safety guidelines, including having several routes for leaving the home.