It should include parent emergency contact info, what to feed the baby, the baby's allergies, and other stuff you should know in case of an emergency. You can find one online or make your own if you prefer. Discomfort will lead to crying which will make the job a lot more stressful for you. If they do start crying, follow the steps below.   If the baby starts crying, check his or her diaper. If there is poop, or if the diaper is wet, the diaper needs to be changed. Get a fresh diaper before undoing the old one. To change a diaper, get out baby wipes, a fresh diaper, and something to keep the baby occupied while you change it. Wash your hands to avoid spreading germs, dirt, and bacteria, to the baby's fragile bottom. First, undo the diaper. Second, if the baby is male, place a clean diaper over his private area. If the baby is female, make sure to wipe front to back so you don't spread bacteria. Third, wipe the baby with as many wipes as you need, making sure to get into all the creases. Last, lift the baby's feet, remove the soiled diaper, and slide on a clean one. Latch the diaper, pattern side on the front. Wash your hands again, to wash off any pee or poop and to kill germs and bacteria so that they don't spread to other places in the house. Make sure that the baby's hands and feet are clean and free of any pee or poop after the diaper change.  If the baby is still crying or doesn't have a dirty diaper, that often means that the baby is hungry. So you will have to find the bottle and heat up the milk that the mother has told you to use. Remember, use one scoop of the formula for every two ounces and shake well. Then heat. Do not heat a bottle up in a microwave--microwaves can cause pockets of scalding hot milk and leave some parts unheated. Place the bottle in a pot on the stove and heat the water. After heating up the bottle, make sure the bottle cap is securely fastened and shake the bottle well. Then squirt some of the milk onto the meat of your wrist and if the milk is too hot, continue to shake the bottle until the milk isn't too hot anymore. Once the milk is ready for the baby to drink, prop the baby up and gently stick the rubber nipple into the baby's mouth. Do not point the nipple straight down because the baby could choke. Take breaks between sips. During breaks, sit the baby up and gently pat his/her back right between their shoulder blades. The baby will usually burp. If you have been asked to feed the baby solid food, usually you will need to feed him/her cereal or baby food. If the baby food is too watery, mix in a tablespoon of baby rice, if it has been approved by the parent. Next, put a bib on the baby and place them in their high chair. Never leave the baby unattended in the chair. Fill a small spoon halfway with baby food, and gently put the spoon in mouth. Do not force in the spoon. If it gags on the food or dodges the spoon, it is probably full. No matter when you babysit there will always be a little time for play unless it is only in the night. This should be gentle and at the baby's pace. Keep small objects away from the baby and be sure to watch what he or she puts into the mouth. The feet are okay!   Try singing songs. Try "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" or "An Itsy Bitsy Spider." Look into the infant's eyes as you sing. Hold a baby toy a few inches away from there face. Try moving the toy back and forth. Younger infants will watch the toy with their eyes, older infants will actually reach and grab the toy. Dance! Cradle the baby in your arms and gently move from side to side and sway to the music. Any music will do as long as it is not loud or inappropriate. Avoid this right after eating, wait about a half an hour after eating before trying this activity. Action rhymes and games are fun. Try "Hickory Dickory Dock." Move your fingers up the baby's body while you say the rhyme. Pinwheels are nice. Hold the pinwheel 6 inches away from the baby's face. Blow on it and watch the pretty colors! If the infant has an activity quilt that they can lay on, an activity gym, a baby bouncer, or a baby swing, lay them or sit them in one of these. Try pointing out the toys and activities, and encouraging interaction. Gently bounce or swing a baby if they are in a swing or bouncer, this calms them and helps them learn the difference between cause and effect, trust, and body awareness. Take a walk. Avoid a walk if it is over 85 degrees out, or if it is below 30 degrees. Also, avoid a walk if it is around the time when mosquitos are high. Place the infant in a stroller and strap them in for safety. Slowly walk and push the stroller. Point out items in nature such as: "Look! There's a duck!" Let baby feel items outside such as the cold snow or tickle grass on their tummy or feet. Read books. Books for infants should be cloth or board books to avoid infants from chewing up the pages or tearing them out. Many, bright, pictures with the little script are best. When the infant starts to lose interest, stop reading, even if you are in the middle of the book, and move on to something else. Books with different textures in them are also great for babies. Try mirrors! Use unbreakable mirrors made for children. Hold the mirror in front of the baby and let them see themselves for a while. Then, sit them on your lap and hold the mirror in front of both of you. Make faces such as silly, a frown, a smile, and twitching your nose. Then, gently lift the infant under its arms and bottom, and place it in the tub. Do not lay the baby down! Next, with a washcloth, pat on infant safe body wash. Still, be sure to get into every roll and crease. Rinse, but do not pour water over his/her face. Next, to wash the baby's head, do the same, but very, VERY gently. Rinse with a washcloth. When you are finished, dry the baby with a soft towel, and apply lotion. Let the baby drink more milk. Then pat the baby to make it burp.
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One-sentence summary -- Have a fill-in form ready for the parents. Make sure the baby is comfortable at all times. Feed the baby. Play with the baby. To bathe the baby, fill the tub up 1/4 way with lukewarm water. Put on a new diaper as you did before and then put the baby's pajamas on.


Go to the dentist every six months to get a professional cleaning and polishing.  The dentist will clean the plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line using special instruments. This ensures the health of your gums in the long run and prevents any gingival/periodontal/gum disease from developing. Medical conditions that seem unrelated to your mouth can nonetheless affect your oral hygiene, so be sure to alert your dentist about:  Cancer treatments Pregnancy Heart disease New medications A sealant is a coating that is placed over the teeth to protect them from decay. It can only be used on a healthy tooth without decay and it lasts a long time. Sealant is often a good option for children who are getting their healthy, permanent teeth. Talk to your dentist openly about any concerns, changes, or questions you may have about any procedures or treatments. You should never be afraid to advocate for yourself and "arm" yourself with information. The following questions can be useful in learning more about your dentist's services and your overall oral care.  What is your recommended treatment? Are any alternative treatments available? What differences in cost or durability do different treatments have? How urgent is treatment? What would happen with a delay? Are there any flexible options for payment, like insurance, discounts, or payment plans available?
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One-sentence summary --
Visit the dentist regularly to catch any oral disease early. Alert your dentist about any particular dental or oral concerns. Ask your dentist about sealants. Think of your dentist as a partner in health.