Whether you need a baby sitter for the odd occasion or if you need one on a regular basis, there are certain precautions that should be taken before entrusting your child or children in their care.

Word of mouth referrals from people you know and trust is one of the safest methods of choosing a baby sitter. You need to be able to trust a sitter with the life of your children and if they come highly recommended by someone else who has used their services, then they’re a pretty safe bet.

Interviewing sitters and checking their references will help you narrow down your choices. Prepare a list of questions to ask ahead of time. Ask about a sitter's experience caring for kids and whether he or she is certified in infant and child CPR or has taken a babysitter course.

Before you walk out the door, prepare the sitter with the following information:

• Go over your child's usual routine (homework, bedtime, mealtimes) and your general house rules, including any limits on TV, computer use, video games, etc.
• Make sure the sitter knows where you will be and how to reach you at all times.
• Point out where the sitter can find the number for the poison control center; it should be posted in a noticeable location (Ain Shams 24823314 – Kasr El Ainy 8007770999 – 23640402).
• Make sure the sitter knows whom to contact in an emergency. Provide an emergency phone list that includes neighbors, friends, relatives, and your doctor.
• Let the sitter know of any special problems your child may have, such as an allergy to bee stings, certain foods, or household products.
• Review the general safety rules with the sitter such as not giving medicine without your specific instruction, not leaving kids alone even for a minute, not leaving kids unattended near water, not feeding kids under 4 years old foods that can cause chocking, not letting kids play with plastic bags or coins, and not letting the kids play near stairs, windows, stoves, or electrical outlets.