Helpful Bedtime Tips for Your New Babysitter

No matter how much experience a babysitter has, bedtime is always a struggle. Each child has their own routine, and even if the babysitter follows it perfectly, it can be difficult since it is the babysitter doing the routine. As the parent, there are things you can do and advice you can give to help your babysitter assist with your child’s bedtime routine.

Do a trial run

A trial run is a great way for your babysitter to get hands-on practice with your child’s bedtime routine. Conduct a trial run while you are in the house, but let the babysitter have control over the situation. Have them ask if they need assistance, but it is most helpful if they pretend you are not there. This allows your babysitter to get to know your child and their routine. Your child will also have a chance to get to know their babysitter and become comfortable with them, which will help with bedtime.

Stay calm

One of the biggest reasons children may resist bedtime and fight their routine is because they are nervous about the babysitter. This is a whole new person they still have to get to know and build trust with. It may be tempting for your babysitter to get frustrated that the child is not cooperating at bedtime, but it is important that they remain calm. This will help your child remain calm as well, making it easier for them to fall asleep and relax.

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Walk your sitter through bedtime

Your babysitter will not be successful in completing bedtime if they are not aware of the routine that you do with your child. During your initial meeting with the new sitter, be sure to go over your child’s bedtime routine. Mention things your sitter can do if your child is having a hard time with the babysitter. Knowing the routine and having a backup plan allows your babysitter to remain calm and have a plan for how to handle the situation.

Communicate with your child

Before leaving your child with the babysitter for the first time, have a conversation with them about who the babysitter is and their role in their life. In some instances, it may be useful to tell your child that the babysitter is watching them and is in charge. This will not be helpful for everyone, but it will help establish your babysitter’s authority while you are away.

Offer solutions

Your child may have a temper tantrum during their bedtime routine with the babysitter. This may be stressful, especially if your babysitter does not have much experience with babysitting yet. You know your child, so you have an idea of what helps your child calm down and settle in. Help your babysitter understand what may be causing the tantrum and steps they can take to help your child through the difficult moment. Give your babysitter solutions and alternatives, and allow your child to make decisions at their bedtime. There are times when your babysitter can walk away and let your child cry, so be sure to let your sitter know when this is an option so they feel validated.

Quiet time before bed

Before your child goes to bed, allow your babysitter to do a quiet activity with them. This can be anything from reading a book to talking about their day. These quiet moments and activities allow your child time to relax and settle, thinking about their day and reading a calming book. Avoid allowing the child TV time right before bed, as this will make it even more difficult for your child to go to sleep.

Have comfort items available

Many children have comforting items and rituals that allow them to go to bed. Before you leave the house, make sure these items are readily available and easy for your babysitter to find. Some children sleep with a specific stuffed animal or blanket, while other kids need a nightlight because they are afraid of the dark. Make sure your babysitter knows where these items are and how to work the nightlight so they can have a smooth bedtime. If you have a ritual, like spraying water under the bed to scare monsters, have these things ready as well.

Calm the child’s fears

Being with a babysitter is a huge change to your child’s routine, especially if it is their first time with a babysitter. Your child may just need someone who understands them and is willing to comfort them in that moment. They need to know that their fears are understood and that your babysitter is there to help comfort them and keep them safe. Your child may just need time to sit on the floor and talk to the babysitter until they feel comfortable enough to fall asleep. This may delay he routine a bit, but this will help your child out a lot.

Bedtime can be difficult for your babysitter, but there are things you can do as a parent to help make it easier for your babysitter and your child.