The Babysitter’s Survival Kit: What to Bring on Every Job

Babysitting can be a fun and rewarding way to earn some extra cash, but it can also be a challenging and stressful experience. You never know what kind of kids, parents, or pets you might encounter, or the type of situations you will have to deal with. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for anything and everything. Here are some essential items that you should always bring with you on every babysitting job, to make your life easier and your clients happier.

1. A Phone Charger

This probably seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many babysitters forget to bring their phone chargers with them. Your phone is your lifeline in case of emergencies, or if you need to contact the parents, or if you just want to kill some time while the kids are asleep. The last thing you want is to run out of battery and be left in the dark. So, always pack a phone charger and make sure you have access to an outlet in the house.

2. A First Aid Kit

Kids are prone to accidents, and sometimes they can get hurt while playing, running, or doing other activities. You don’t want to panic or be unprepared if something happens, so always bring a first aid kit with you. It should include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tape, scissors, tweezers, and painkillers. You should also know how to use them and when to call for help. And don’t forget to ask the parents about any allergies or medical conditions that the kids might have.

3. A Snack Bag

Babysitting can be hungry work, and you might not always have access to the food in the house. It’s not a given that the parents will leave you some snacks, and there’s always the chance that if they do, it might be something you don’t like, or can’t eat. So, bring your own snack bag with you, loaded up with some healthy and tasty options that you can munch on. Think granola bars, nuts, dried fruits, crackers, cheese, etc. And don’t forget to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

4. A Game Box

One of the hardest parts of babysitting is keeping the kids entertained and happy. Sometimes they’ll have their own toys or games, but it’s good to provide something new. That’s why it’s a smart move to bring your own game box with you, with some fun and engaging activities that you can do with the kids. Think cards, board games, puzzles, coloring books, stickers, etc. And don’t forget to bring some extra batteries for any electronic devices.

5. A Backup Plan

No matter how well you plan and prepare, sometimes things can go wrong while babysitting. The kids could get sick, the power might go out, the parents might come back late, or something else might happen that you didn’t expect. That’s why it’s essential to have a backup plan for any situation that could arise. Think of alternative ways to deal with problems, have some emergency contacts ready, and know how to handle any potential crises. And don’t forget to stay calm and positive.

Babysitting can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of work. By bringing these items with you on every job, you can make sure that you are ready for anything and that you have a great time with the kids. And who knows, you hopefully will even get some repeat customers and referrals. Happy babysitting!