Make a Babysitting Kit

When you go to babysit, you want to be prepared for emergencies and boredom. Whether the child cut his finger or they are in need of a craft, it’s always good to have a plan to keep them busy and be prepared for emergencies. Continue reading to learn how to make a babysitting kit.

[Edit]Steps

1. Find a bag. Get a brightly colored bag, or a plain canvas one that kids could decorate themselves. A backpack, tote, or a sling bag will work fine.
   
2. Fill it with crafts. Some kids like crafts more than others, but it is always good to have a backup project. These kids may already have their own crafts at their house, and if they’d prefer to use those instead of yours, you can. Whatever you bring along will interest them, so bring some of these along just in case:
   
   • Paper bags to make puppets
   • Googly eyes, cotton balls or pom-poms of different colors and sizes
   • Construction paper of different colors, plain paper, coloring books
   • Stencils, crayons, colored pencils, markers, pencils, etc.
   • Finger paint.
   • Glue or glue sticks, tape, stapler, safety scissors
   • A few adult t-shirts you don’t mind getting dirty (glue or paint can spill, and you don’t want that to happen on kids’ clothing)
3. Find some games. Board games or card games can keep kids entertained for hours. Put in some of your childhood games or bring some of these along:
   
   • (for younger kids) Candy Land, Yahtzee, Uno, Apples to Apples, twister, Simon swipe, Hullabaloo by cranium
   • (for older kids) Clue, Battleship, Bop-It!, Scrabble, BananaGrams
   • Puzzles
   • Deck of cards
4. Put in dolls or action-figures. Even though the kids may already have their own dolls they love to play with, bring some along to give them a pleasant surprise, or even have a play date with all of the dolls!
   
   • Teddy Bears
   • Dolls like American Girl, Baby Alive, etc.
   • Transformers, cars, trucks, superheros, etc.
5. Throw in some books and DVDs. When in doubt, get the popcorn rolling and pop in a DVD, or read the kids a couple of stories in a big fort you made. There are so many classic children’s literature and amazing movies to show to kids, so here are some suggestions you can easily rent from your library.
   
   • For babies and toddlers:
     • Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.
     • One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Suess
     • Elmo’s World series
   • For preschoolers:
     • Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
     • Curious George by H. A. Rey
     • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
   • For older kids:
     • Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg
     • Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
     • The Magic School Bus series
6. Purchase some snacks that parents have said are OK. Kids love a yummy treat, and babies do, too. Buy some gum, cookies, animal crackers, or a dry cereal for kids to munch on. Run them by parents to make sure that kids are not allergic to these and that they are allowed to have them.
   
7. Find a first aid kit. This isn’t the “fun” part of the ‘fun’ bag, but it’s one hundred percent needed. It should be in the front zipper of your backpack, an easy to get to place when you need it quick for emergencies. You can find a small, inexpensive first aid kit at any drugstore, or make one yourself. Make sure it contains Band-Aids, first aid cream, gauze and gauze scissors, and a throw away ice pack.
   
8. Pack something for yourself. When the kids go to bed or finish watching a movie, you should have something to entertain yourself with as well. Bring a book or some homework or your phone to play some games on while the children are busy, but make sure you are always watching them.
   

[Edit]Tips

• Are you babysitting a baby one year old or younger? You should still bring your bag, but fill it with more baby friendly things, like a rattle. Make sure you know where all of the baby’s food and formula is, and how to prepare it. Also, know where the parents want you changing a diaper and where all the things you need are.
• It helps to buy your own pre-made first aid kit as these are often cheaper. Make sure this contains rubber gloves for working close to blood.
• Be sure that the parents are alright with everything you put into the bag being used.
• You are responsible for the kids that you are watching, and parents are trusting you with their life. Be careful and take a babysitting, first aid and CPR Certification Class.
• Tell the children that they are not to go into your bag without your permission.
• You can buy some of these things for good quality and cheap prices at the dollar store for less than twenty dollars.
• If you are sitting for two kids and they are arguing, make them sit in two chairs across from each other and make mean faces at at each other. Before you know it, they’ll be laughing!
• Red cloths/bandages help too, as they make the blood look less alarming so as not to frighten children.
• Kids love colorful or action figure bandages; be sure to include these in your bag.

[Edit]Warnings

• Make sure that you watch kids closely while using any of these items. Glue could get stuck in hair, they could cut themselves on scissors, or even choke on something.
• Small items can be choking hazards, so bring an empty toilet paper roll to fit items through if it fits without touching the sides it is a choking hazard.