How to ease 1 year old into first babysitter?

Question

My daughter is a year old and is an only child. Because I am a stay-at-home mom she is with me nearly 100% of the time. In the past, I've taken her to the mall once a week to the local play center to participate in activities with other toddlers, however, on our last play visit she became clingy and wouldn't let me put her down. I know separation anxiety is normal at this age, however, I'm beginning to become concerned that she's spending TOO much time with mom and dad. I feel developmentally she not only needs interaction with other children, but needs to have a babysitter for shorts periods of time as well. I've found a good babysitter I know and trust to leave her and plan to have her watch for 3 hours within the next couple of week. I am going to take the baby to "visit" her several times prior.  Is there anything else I can do to help ease her into this? She literally has been with no one besides her daddy and I since she was 6 months old. (Long story but it's all on dad)

Laurel · Accepted Answer

It will be difficult for you and her.  I'd leave her with the sitter for a short period of time-just to run an errand and be back in 20-30 minutes.  Then she'll know that when you leave her with the sitter, you'll be back as soon as you're done.  Also, my kids would cry until I left the room and then they would stop within a minute or two.  Tell her bye and that you'll be back soon and leave.  You can listen outside the door if you want, but don't let her cling and try to delay your departure.  She'll get used to it...just takes time.  Once she is doing better, leave her regularly or you may have to start all over again.

Bachman-ette · Answer

Honestly? Just leave.

I used to teach preschoolers, and there were two little girls whose mother would come and sit with them for like, 45 minutes and then leave, making the girls throw a fit. One day she came in, dropped them off, and left, because she was running late. The girls had no problems at all!! She was stupid.

My stepson is two and he had the same problem--when he's with his mother, all he does is stay with her, so when we would get him when he was younger, he would cry (she used to keep him from us a lot because she's nasty).

Anyway, have the babysitter come over about thirty minutes before you have to leave and let her do all the handling of the child. When it's time to go, tell your child that you have to leave and that you will be back.

Don't "baby" your baby too much, or it'll make the anxiety worse. 

Good luck!!

Spud55 · Answer

You don't have to worry about easing your one year old into the first babysitter as much as you have to worry about easing Mom and Dad into it.  There's where the separation anxiety comes in.  Take her to the baby sitter, drop her off, and go home and take some valium.  You'll both survive.

toricp3 · Answer

So far sounds good.  When ever you leave her,  she will be crying, but have the sitter play with her somehow.  It will be tough, but after a few days, she should eventually get use to the sitter.  We had the same problems.  The first time is always hardest.  You and your baby will get use to it.  Most babies are fine after the parent leaves.  It is just watching them go that is so hard.

zaneta R · Answer

At first leave her for a short while with a friend of yours then gradually go on to someone else

wmkinger · Answer

Just have them come over a lot before you go. They need to see you both before you take off, just remember to come back once you are set free (lol). Good luck

Pinolera · Answer

You seem to have all grounds covered. Try and see how it works out.

Trending News

How to ease 1 year old into first babysitter?

7 Answers