If you turn the page, you’ll see that your booklet tells you how to provide the BEST care for your grandchildren. Notice that B-E-S-T is also an acronym for the four routines you’ll need to know for each age group:
B – Bedtime E – Entertainment S – Snacks/Meals T – Toileting
When you are babysitting your grandchildren, you need to ask the parent about Bedtime, Entertainment, Snacks and Meals, and Toileting routines. It is important that you keep their routines consistent as much as possible.
• What kinds of information do you need about bedtime routines? (Information such as what time the child goes to bed, what the routine is before going to bed, what time naps are, etc.)
• Look at the bedtime tips listed in your booklet. How should you put an infant down to sleep? (On their back.) Always place infants on their back to sleep, even for short naps. This might be different from what you were taught when your own children were young. Does anyone know why it’s important that infants sleep on their back? (Infants who sleep on their backs are much less likely to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or accidental suffocation.)
• Is it okay to give infants a stuffed animal or blanket when you put them down to sleep? (No). Never put anything soft or plush in the crib. Why? (There is a risk of accidental suffocation.) Pillows, quilts, blankets, stuffed toys, and even bumper pads can potentially cause accidental suffocation.
• Let’s look at the information for Entertainment. Why is it dangerous to let children play with latex balloons? (They can accidentally inhale the balloon or pieces of the balloon and it can block their airway.) [Note: Mylar balloons – those made from the shiny silver material – are a safer option.]
• How should you warm up a bottle? (Use a bottle warmer or place the bottle in a bowl of warm – not hot – water.) Never use the microwave; it can produce hot spots that can burn a baby’s mouth. A stovetop or pot of boiling water is much too hot to safely warm a bottle.
• Why is it dangerous to play games or make children laugh while they are eating? (They can choke if they laugh or giggle with a mouthful of food.)
Turn the page. Page 16 of your booklet gives some toileting tips.
• Look at the section on Infants. Why do we not powder a baby’s bottom? (Talcum powder is easily inhaled and is dangerous to a young child’s lungs.) [Many baby powders also contain cornstarch, which could make a rash or infection worse.]
• What should you do if your toddler grandchild is in training or pull-up diapers? (Keep the routine consistent.) The child’s parent is in charge of potty-training, and your job is to keep their routine consistent. Never
GRANDPARENTS: GETTING STARTED INSTRUCTOR MANUAL | PAGE 9
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