Babysitter Troubles

PinkandYellow

Thu, Mar 30 2006, 6:52 am

I have been sending ds to a new babysitter the past 2 mths. When I started sending she had around 3 other kids. As time went on she got more kids. My baby also stays 2 1/2 hrs later then all other kids and she doesn't like it (but I give her so many hrs she is doing it anyways) and for the last 2 1/2 hrs her kids are home (she has 7 kids).
My main prob is that ever since she started having more kids about a mth ago, my baby has been getting sick on and off- a cough and cold he couldn't shake. Now he has bronchitis which the dr says is almost pneumonia, and we got very strong anti-biotics. I haven't got a normal nite sleep in over a week and a half and one day my baby had 104 F/40 C temp (the day he got bronchitis).
I want to switch babysitters, the above being my main reason, but feel bad taking parnasa from a friend (even tho I don't like her much on a personal level, we are friendly).
What to do? What

technic

Thu, Mar 30 2006, 7:00 am

ur 1st priority is 2 ur baby, if u dont look out 4 him noone else will- hes not her only "client", shes taken on extra kids so ur reducing parnasa but not taking it ALL away cvs- the situation has changed since he started there (when u thought he would b w just 3 others all day) and I think ur justified, given the "big picture" and the effect on his health, of moving him out!!!!...refuah shlaima and good luck Very Happy

happymom

Thu, Mar 30 2006, 7:11 am

I agree your baby comes first before other peoples feelings!@ besides if all her kids are home at the end how can she be giving your baby attention??? just be aware that the likelyhood of babies getting sick at babysitters where there are other kids is very strong.

nicole81

Thu, Mar 30 2006, 9:38 am

I would not only be worried about the baby's health, but also the care he is getting being around so many other children. if there's just one woman taking on so many (I don't even know how many, but obviously more than 4) kids, she can't possible give your son the care and attention he needs. he is your number one priority and you need to do what's best for him. I think you should find another babysitter, and make sure she complies with the laws of babies/children to caregiver ratio, even if it's not a legal daycare center, they still shouldn't have such crazy numbers.

Brooklynite

Thu, Mar 30 2006, 2:53 pm

MosheDovid's mom:

Just a different viewpoint from the others...

I had the same experience (and still have) but chose to leave my baby there after hearing of many stay-at-home moms having similar troubles with their babies. At the Drs. office, which I unfortunately frequent, I've spoken to numerous mothers and found that there are children who just have a more difficult time springing back to normal and have recurrent colds. Of course, chances are stronger when around other children, especially when hygiene isn't what it would be in your home, but then again, I was extremely satisfied with the overall warmth and care provided by my babysitter. On the other hand, if you're generally dissatisfied, why leave him there? It is anyway a very legitimate excuse to switch sitters due to infections, so you don't have to feel bad. Just tell her you want to do what's best for your baby...so she can blame him if she wants...

Just an interesting point I read somewhere (don't remember where)
Children who have a lot of colds, infections, etc. when they're young (probably due to day care), are less prone to more major infections later in life. So what do we know?

happymom

Thu, Mar 30 2006, 3:44 pm

all children get colds and get sick alot and dont get them as much when older because then thier immune systems are better. I DO NOT THINK getting sick more because of day care is a bonus. its extra sickness that isnt from the body but from other kids.

Brooklynite

Thu, Mar 30 2006, 3:53 pm

Of course it's not a bonus!

I was just pointing out another way of looking at the situation - I didn't make that point up (I should find the source...). It does make sense though... Just imagine a child living on an island, with zero contact with other children (or people) - he'd get bacteria and viruses swarming his body the minute he's with humanity! And I didn't make this one up either - the ENT specialist enlightened me...

And I've heard a claim, albeit not from a medical source, that the same is the case with children growing up in a super-sterile home. (I'm talking EXTREME)

happyone

Thu, Mar 30 2006, 5:47 pm

I heard the same from Dr's too.
However, I would also consider finding a new babysitter. Explain to your current babysitter that you would like your child to be in a smaller group setting.

sheshycoco

Thu, Apr 06 2006, 4:12 pm

your kid def. comes first, however is this the final straw, or the first of your concerns. I will tell you why, my son who was at home with me only,got a very slight form of pnemonia, I have a nephew who had a private babysitter, who was close to it. Although they say it is more common when they go to schools, are you sure this is the cause? Maybe check your windows, we discovered an aweful draft in my son's room. If you have done so, and know it is from school, then yes, don;t risk any of this again by sending him back.

Mommamia

Fri, May 12 2006, 12:09 am

to me its not only the sick issue that wprries me. This mother has lots of other kids to watch plus seven of her own. is your baby getting the propercare he needs? If hes not happy about staying that would be a warning sign to me.
when it coemes to your own kids doesnt matter what anyone thinks not even your closest friend- your child is more important. Listen to him above all else, if hes happy great if hes not, change babysitterrs. These poor babies cant communicate any better the only way they can tell you something is wrong is showing you they are unhappy by cryong or being kvetcy.. lets listen to them!

raizy

Tue, May 23 2006, 11:24 pm

I am more worried about the seven of her own kids. that she watches plus yours.

I made a strict policy that the minete my first kid comes home my day care is closed. my kids need also my attention and the day care kid needs her mom at that late hour. at the end of the day the day care kids get cranky etc like normal children and they really do need their mom to comfort them etc. so how can a lady run a day care with 7 kids and have extra kids floating around her house.?