When Can I Leave My Newborn With A Sitter?
Every mother deeply believes that only she can take the best care of her baby, and yet there comes a time when it becomes inevitable to hand over the baby to a babysitter or a nanny, while you cater to the other pressing things.
Though it’s a personal choice, the best time to let go of control to a baby sitter, is when there has been time for bonding, developing a connection with the baby and a set rhythm to the daily routine.
Before you leave the baby with a babysitter, it is important to habituate it to being taken care of by someone else. And it is also recommended to do it early, even before the age of six months, which is when ‘separation anxiety’ sets in, where the baby cries incessantly out of anxiety when left alone, fearing that the mother will never return. Early practice will make the baby realize and feel secure enough to trust that you will return, which can save you a lot of trouble.
It is also a good idea to be there with your babysitter for a day or two and get the baby accustomed with them and assure the baby of your security and love. In fact you may get more anxious and apprehensive than the baby. Ensure that you control your anxiety when your around your baby, else the baby will pick it up.
Things To Check Before Handing Over The Baby –
- Make a checklist of any food allergies or intolerances, likes and dislikes and keep any medications and any other food supplies within sight and reach of the babysitter.
- Make a map of the daily routine, roughly with all the times that the baby is expected to feel hungry or need cleaning.
- Make a list of all phone numbers (including yours and your patrners, close family members, ambulance, fire control, police, family doctor) that may be required during an emergency situation, in case you cannot make it in time! It may also help to update the babysitter of any expected behaviour from the baby, and the circumstances in which you must be contacted.
- It is also essential to inform the babysitter of your whereabouts and check in on them, periodically.
- Also keep any electrical or other dangerous objects out of reach of the baby. Also educate them of the fire and other safety procedures and equipments at home.
- It may also help to clarify house rules about watching TV, handling the baby while taking a toilet break, using the phone, playing music, inviting people home or ordering home delivery of food and the like, which may disturb the baby.
Run a background check of the babysitter, and preferably choose someone you know and trust, personally or through reference.
Though not all mothers get this initial bonding time, due to pressing career concerns, it is advisable to arrange for quality time with the baby.
