Babysitters

Good maids are hard to find and this is especially the case when it comes to hiring responsible babysitters. Generally neighbours and relatives will help you out for some time. But it is not always possible to rope them in.

Therefore it is a good idea to approach the local maid or ayah for help. But make sure she has a good reputation in the neighbourhood.

Babysitting is usually a temporary solution and can relieve you for the few hours that you need to get your shopping or exercise done. There are also 24-hour housekeepers/nannies who you may want to consider. But can a mother depend on them to care for the entire household? After all, who's going to supervise the babysitter? This is a personal decision that you need to make, based on your requirements and the level of trust you have in the person.

Make sure you do a thorough background check on the person you hire for looking after your baby. Ask for the following documents:

• A photo ID
• Proof of residence
• Good references

• Make sure that she has no record of past misdemeanours
• She should have experience and be capable of handling babies.
• She should know how to use the phone and how to use the gas to warm the baby's milk.
• It's preferable if she stays nearby and is easy to reach.

Make sure your babysitter has all possible emergency numbers to reach you in case of a crisis. Let her know the allergies or health issues that your baby may have or are to be guarded against.

Caring with Crèches

Working couples making their living in cities, especially metropolises like Mumbai, Chennai, and even New Jersey are increasingly turning towards crèches to drop off their children in the morning. After a day of fun and learning, the kids can be picked up in the evening on the way back home.

Home daycares are often operated by a stay-at-home parent who seeks supplemental income while caring for his or her own child. Childcare or daycare is also provided by institutions like nurseries and daycare schools or by childcare givers who care for children in their own homes.

Crèches are a good option for Indian nuclear families that don't have relatives to look after their children. Every locality has a crèche these days and you can always check out a directory listing for crèches and childcare to find them.

When you find a childcare centre, check for

• Hygienic floor space
• Ventilated rooms
• Childproof devices (door stoppers, soft corners)
• Availability of pure water
• Availability of first-aid and medicine

Stay-at-Home Mother

Instead of depending on outsiders, some mothers prefer to be personally available to look after their children during their growing years. For them, this could very well be the dream job they've always been looking for. It is also a serious job, and a satisfying one to fulfil for most women.

From your child's perspective, there could hardly be a better option, than to grow up having the full measure of your affections and your attention. It also cuts down on expenditures

Being at home with your child is a fun and wholesome experience for both of you, allowing you the luxury of implementing your personal choice in all matters related to bringing up your child.

Here are some fun activities that will contribute to your child's development:

Decorating your child's room: If your child is old enough to handle paper scissors, let him cut out star and moon-shaped pieces of neon paper. Then help him stick them up on the walls and the ceiling around his bed. In the night, you can lie down with him and watch them glow.

Playing: Teach your growing child to play hide-and-seek and throw ball. Keep it simple and interesting. It is good exercise and a great way to connect with your child.

Cooking: Let your child help you around in the kitchen. Teach her the names of vegetables and kitchen implements. Children express curiosity and learn how things work by simple observation.

Being a stay-at-home mommy should not come as a forced option for any woman. It must be chosen after deliberate consideration of each individual's unique circumstances.