Leaving your baby - whether for a full work day, or just a few hours - can be difficult. Between the inevitable mom guilt, checklists and timetables, the process is enough to throw our hands up in the air and vow to stay at home forever. Yet at some point, every mom must leave their sweet baby in the capable hands of a family member, friend or professional. And in an effort to take the guesswork out of the process, I've compiled a list of tips, tricks and handy guidelines for entrusting your baby to someone else. Behold, the ultimate babysitter's guide!: - By Erin Loechner
The Routine
Be sure to prep your babysitter on a typical routine for your baby. A routine, rather than a schedule, offers wiggles room so your care provider isn't worried about meeting strict deadlines while watching your child. Familiarize the sitter with the order in which you navigate your day (i.e. naptime, then snack, then activity, then bath, then bedtime).
Photo by: Erin Loechner
The Routine
Be sure to prep your babysitter on a typical routine for your baby. A routine, rather than a schedule, offers wiggles room so your care provider isn't worried about meeting strict deadlines while watching your child. Familiarize the sitter with the order in which you navigate your day (i.e. naptime, then snack, then activity, then bath, then bedtime).