Keener said basic first aid for teen sitters is critical. She decided to found Safe Sitter in 1980 after a friend's toddler choked to death while with a babysitter who had not been trained in how to help a choking child. Check references if you get a referral for a family you don't know. The Safe Sitter minimum age for training is 11 years old, but Keener said young people vary widely on when they develop the skills needed to be a safe babysitter. Younger teens should not sit for children less than six months old, Keener said.
Toddlers can also be difficult.
Teens should only accept sitting for one kid at a time if the child is three or under, she said. While babysitting, doors should be kept locked and drapes closed. Robin Jones, a spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, echoed much of Keener's advice. She emphasized that teens should try to sit for only one child at a time. If you are a babysitter, or planning to be one you, there are several ways you can find out about training in your area.