So I have a question. Next weekend I have to work on Saturday, this is also a day my husband works, we can't really afford for him to take the day off. I have a close friend who watches our LO on Fridays and she isn't avaliable to do it however her partner offered. He's a great guy but has zero baby experience and my baby is about 4 months old. He said he'd come over this weekend to learn about taking care of her. He also said he wouldn't be offended if I say no to his offer. I'm in a bit of a bind, but the idea of this also makes me nervous. Anyone have any advice?
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The first time I ever babysat for my friend's 5 month old was the first time I'd ever been responsible in any way for a baby - and we both survived! I came over early so they could show me how to change a diaper and heat up his bottle, they left a nice detailed list of what to do if he started having a meltdown (bouncy chair, Olympic curling on TV and crank up the NPR) and it wound up being just fine. If you think he's a good, responsible guy and it's only one day, I wouldn't let the lack of baby experience stop you. Everyone has to start somewhere!
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I would go for it assuming you trust him!
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Do it! Since he's willing to learn ahead of time, I think you will be fine! The worst that could probably happen is you come home to a cranky baby, but that's not the end of the world.
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There's a first time for everyone! Similar to @KatieBklyn, When I babysat for a 4 or 5-month-old for the first time, the parents gave me a big long list of things to do, things to watch out for, reasons to call. Everything went great! But of course, do what's comfortable to you and DH.
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I think it's fine--he's willing to come over and learn, is helping you in a bind, and he can call you or DH if he gets stuck
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From my experience, those who have never watched a baby before can sometimes be the best sitters! They're extra concerned about doing everything right and will follow your instructions precisely! My son was the first baby my brother ever watched.
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So I just interviewed a high school girl for occasional date nights and she doesn't have a whole lot of experience. But I had her come over and meet my LO, and they kind if played together for half an hour and I saw her interact--them I showed her how to change a diaper and showed her LOs night time routine and she seemed eager to learn and overall great--and we're using her for the first time this Saturday.
We're going to go to a movie and maybe out for dinner, but all those things are in a half a mile radius from our house so if something goes terrible wrong, she can call us.
Maybe he can come over a night this week and play with your LO for a while, so you can see them interact?
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I'd take him up on his offer especially since he wants to come over and learn what to do.
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If you trust his character, then I would be willing to try it out and see how he is around the baby.
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I'm probably in the minority but I wouldn't do it.
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I wouldn't do it. This is my child - the little person I gave birth to and love more than anything in the world. I want someone with experience! Plus, the baby is 4 months old. To me, that is still so young. Maybe with my 2 year old who basically just needs someone to play with.
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I'm sure it would be fine! He's a responsible adult and everyone has to get their first experience somewhere.
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Well, I babysat babies close to that age when I was about 16. I'd like to think an adult would be equally or more responsible
he seems willing and eager to learn so I think I'd have him over, see how he does, and go from there!
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13 comments