Babysitting Activities

Babysitting is a part-time job many teenagers would take up to make some quick extra money. There are times when even older people like a friend of yours would baby-sit in times of emergency. When you baby-sit, you have to plan out a few activities to keep the baby/children engaged. These activities have to be planned according to the age group of the babies. However, dancing, singing and reading out aloud from a storybook are some activities that are common to all age groups.

Activities should be planned keeping in mind the number of children you have to baby-sit. If you have to baby-sit for only one baby, then the indoor/outdoor activities are limited. If the baby is a toddler, then there are very few things a baby-sitter can do.

Activities for a Toddler

One thing, which a toddler would love to do, is draw on walls or on anything that is within their reach. Give them a few fat color crayons and some waste papers. You can ask them to draw anything that holds their fantasy. Allow them to let their imagination run wild. For waste paper, you can cut open the large grocery paper bags. To prevent the paper bag from moving away, you can stick it to the floor using a paper tape.

Activities for Kids of Ages Three and Above

There are many activities to keep for a three-year-old babies engaged. However, if you have to baby-sit on a wet day, then you can try out this activity. This activity is called "Guessing The Object". In a grocery bag, put some objects that have a distinctive feel and shape. For instance, you can use objects such as a ball, cubes, spoon, toys and so on. Let the child/children take turn in feeling the object and guess what is in the bag. You can allow the children to take turns in putting the object inside the bag and let the others guess.

Another babysitting activity that can be played by children all age groups is making faces. You can ask the child to face the mirror and make silly faces at themselves. You can ask them to make a face as if they are happy, sad, angry or afraid about something. If there are more babies, then you can hold a contest.

Activities for Kids of Ages Four and Above

A few of the activities that you can scheme out for the babies of age four years are treasure hunt, hide and seek, take them out for a walk, help them solve a puzzle and so on. If you happen to be babysitting on a rainy day, you can help them make fun crafts with materials that is usually found at home, read stories, give them a few color crayons and ask them to draw funny pictures and so on. However, on a bright day, take them out for a walk to the nearby park, allow them to use the baby swings and slides.

Planning various babysitting activities, while considering the age group and the interests of a baby is essential. However, ensure that you have permission of the parents to carry out various activities that you have planned out for their precious little ones. It is always wise to discuss the activities with the mother of the baby, before starting off.