My child is going to a babysitter for the first time

Your little one is going to the babysitter for the first time. This is exciting for any parent. Especially to put the care of your little one in someone else's hands. Often new parents who have no experience with this also put it off for as long as possible. But there comes a time when often both parents go back to work or want some more time for themselves and that's okay. 

Benefits for the child

Even though it is difficult for parents to leave their child with someone else for the first time, it is beneficial for the child's development. A major benefit is that through the babysitter, your little one quickly picks up social skills. Because the babysitter is with him or her all day and will talk to the little one, he or she will also get used to the idea of other people faster. Instead of just mom and dad. 

Benefits for parents

There are also benefits for the parents. When you take in a babysitter, you have more time to do your own things. Like Cleaning up, finishing your work and even going to the hairdresser. It is hard to entrust your child to someone else, but it should be one day. In this way, even as a parent, you learn to let go of your child a bit. Your child unfortunately cannot stay small forever. 

At home or with the babysitter?
In the beginning, it is better to have the babysitter come to your home. When a small child first gets to know a new person, this is already a lot. Let alone when they also have to get used to a new environment at the same time. When they are in their familiar surroundings, they will be less awkward and feel safer. Once your little one is fully accustomed to the new sitter, it can also be done at the sitter's home. It's just what you as parents like.

Shyness

Often when your child is between 8 and 16 months of age, 9 times out of 10 they will end up in the shy phase. If your child does become shy, this is actually a good sign. This way they know that it is not a given that Mommy is always there. So it is a progression. 

5 Tips for the 1st day with the babysitter

1: Give the babysitter a tour of your home. This is helpful so the sitter knows where all the important things are. Like the bathroom, possibly the child's room and the toilet.

2: Lay out all the necessities in advance. This way the babysitter doesn't have to search for everything and knows exactly what she needs.

3: Discuss your child's daily schedule. For example, if your child has a sleep routine, you obviously don't want it disrupted. Or if, for example, your child is taking certain medications on time, the babysitter should adhere to this. 

4: Give the babysitter a list of contact information. Imagine something is wrong, they have the numbers they can call in case of an emergency. 

5: Have a trial day with the babysitter first. This way you can properly show them how you want certain things done and how to do them. This way you can also see if your babysitter clicks well with your little one. 

The goodbye

The goodbye is tricky. Especially if it is for the first time. Each child would react differently to this. Some get used to new people faster and others a little less. The same goes for new environments. As a parent, this is also definitely a very difficult part. No one wants to see their child cry and then walk away. Still, it has to happen. You will also find that with time it gets easier, for both yourself and your child.