Health Tip: Want to Be a Babysitter?

(HealthDay News) — If you’ve got your eye on becoming a babysitter, make sure you know how to keep your charges safe.

The University of Michigan Health System offers this advice:

Take classes in babysitting, first aid and CPR. Understand the basics of sleep safety for babies, such as the need to have them sleep on the back.
Bring a list of questions and information you will need from the parents. Make sure you have everything you need before the parents leave.
Learn how to help prevent choking. But do not give children food or medication unless instructed to do so by the parents.
Check on children about every 15 minutes while they’re sleeping.
Make sure all outside doors and windows are locked.
Do not allow anyone in the home, and call police if you suspect danger.
Never leave a child alone in the bathtub for even a moment.
Make sure you are prepared in the event of an emergency, such as a fire.