When you arrive at the house where you are babysitting an infant, make sure that you obtain a list of emergency numbers from the parents.  This should include the number of the location they will be at, the pediatrician's number and a secondary emergency contact, such as grandparents, aunts and uncles.  Also, make sure you are aware of any medical conditions the baby may have and how you need to handle them.

Babysitter Reading a Book

Before the parents leave, ask them to show you where everything that will be necessary is located.  You will minimally need to know where diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, medicine, clothes and blankets are located.  You should also ask where they dispose of their diapers.

Babies are very dependent beings.  Hold the baby so that he or she feels safe and secure. 

Babysitter Acting Like A Baby

Play with the baby.  Depending on the age, the baby should have toys to entertain him or her.  For younger babies, this is often simply a stuffed animal or picture that emits music or noise. 

Babies cry.  That's their only way to communicate.  Several ways to deal with their tears follow, but here is a very important reminder: Do NOT shake the baby.  Babies are fragile and this can cause death or serious injuries.  If you cannot get the baby to stop crying with one of the following methods, call someone for advice or help.  Whatever you do with the baby, you must be gentle.

Baby Play Time

Often crying babies are hungry so make a bottle and feed the baby.  Make sure the bottle is not too hot and support the baby's head while he or she is eating.  After the baby finishes eating, and perhaps halfway through the bottle, put a cloth or blanket over your shoulder, position the baby's head by your shoulder, facing you, and gently pat his or her back.  Since babies cannot burp themselves, you need to help them.  Otherwise, they will get a stomachache and the tears will ensue.

Sometimes babies cry when they are wet.  In this case, you will need to change a diaper.  It is not always pleasant but it is easy and necessary.  Always wash your hands first and make sure you clean the area well using a wipe before putting a new diaper on the baby.  Dispose of the used diaper where the parents told you.

Put the baby to sleep.  Walking or rocking usually helps to soothe and relax the baby.  Once they are asleep, lay them in their crib on their back.  Continually check on the sleeping baby or use a baby monitor if the family has one.

Make sure the baby is always comfortable.  Make sure the baby is dressed appropriately for the temperature.  If the baby is crying, something is wrong.  Since babies cannot tell you how they feel, you need to exhaust your options.  If the baby is not hungry, wet or tired, playing with the baby often helps.  Remember to curb your frustrations.

Babysitter Slowly Going Insane.

Clean up after yourself and the baby before the parents return home.  Parents do not want to return to a mess so make sure you tidy up anything that you messed up.  Do not leave dirty bottles or used diapers lying around.  Make sure the house is at least as clean as it was when the parents left.