Helpful Tips For Babysitters (And Parents!)
A sleepless child is a babysitter’s nightmare. To keep babies or young children sleeping soundly (and safely) keep these tips in mind:
Bedtime Fussing? Could Be Teething.
If the baby is under three and fussing, it could be teething pains. You can ease some of the discomfort by rubbing the baby’s gums with a wet gauze pad. Also, a chilled teething ring can soothe tender gums and help lead to sleep.
DON’T Bed Baby With A Bottle.
A teething ring is okay, but a bottle of milk or juice isn’t. Here’s why: at night, saliva flow decreases and milk or juice settles on the teeth. The liquid turns to acid and reacts with the teeth—it’s how cavities begin.
Ask Parents First.
Parents know a lot about a child’s habits (especially bedtime routine) that they may forget to mention. So do both of you a favor and ask!
Get Emergency Information
Be sure to write down parent cell phone numbers and any other emergency contact information they wish to provide. Babysitting is a big responsibility, so don’t be afraid to admit a mistake and ask for help when you need it. If it is a life-threatening emergency, always dial 911.
Dr. Angela Burns moved to Austin 10 years ago and instantly fell in love with our beautiful city. Dr. Burns is originally from the Texarkana area. She attended Texas A&M for her undergraduate degree and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center for her degree in dental surgery (DDS). Dr. Burns is committed to providing her patients with gentle, technologically advanced dental treatment. She attends an average of 60 hours of continuing education every year. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Texas Dental Association, and the Capital Area Dental Society. Dr. Burns and her husband, Gary, have an 11-year-old daughter, Sydney, who is a proud 6th grader at Hill Country Middle School. She is also very involved in the Eanes PTO, her church, and loves raising her family in the Westlake community. “Growing up, I was drawn to mediating and helping others feel more included and less anxious. I was a camp counselor, student government officer and being the oldest of five, I was the family mediator. I found that I had a calling to help alleviate stressful situations for others and realized that being a good listener was something that was key to this. These skills really helped guide me into becoming a dentist that has based my practice on relationships, empathy and a sense of comfort. I knew that I wanted to provide an atmosphere that felt like home when others walked in. Our practice is small, personal and state of the art and we hope you feel like you’re hanging out with friends when you are here!” When she is not practicing dentistry, Dr. Burns enjoys traveling, hiking the greenbelt, enjoying Austin’s music scene, and eating Amy’s Ice Cream.
