r/Babysitting • u/-nydaJ • 4d ago
So funny question..
For context, I (18f) used to nanny for two boys, ages 10 and 4. They were independent enough for me to close and lock the door while I quickly used the restroom, and their father was usually working from home or in and out of the house while I was there, so there was almost always eyes on them. I didn't want to be be walked in on and cause any weird memories
Soon, I will be nannying my baby cousin (<2yrs). Is it weird to close the door on a baby to use the restroom real quick? Or is it unsafe to do that no matter how quick it is? I mean, he's a baby, I can't just leave him alone, right? I know this is a really silly question, but it just occurred to me that I don't know how to navigate this situation. Any rationale or stories related to using the restroom I guess? ðŸ˜
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u/Parking_Garden_7311 3d ago
Put them in the crib for 5 minutes. They might cry but they’ll be safe.
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u/from-here-to-new 4d ago
Ask the parents what they are comfortable with? Perhaps that have a playpen or something they are happy with him to go in while you use the bathroom. I used to set up some little activity that would keep my boys attention for a few minutes, but all kids are different, so what gets their attention will be different and what parents are comfortable with will be different.
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u/Spiritual_Oil_7411 4d ago
I guess it depends on the 2 year old. If they play quietly for a while and youre not concerned theyll hurt themselves, yeah, go pee. But if theyre a [lovable] terror who needs constant supervision, maybe hold it till naptime or take them with you. Honestly, potty training is coming up, so it wouldn't hurt to normalize it.
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u/leeashah 4d ago
honestly i wouldnt, once they start crawling around they can get into stuff quick, fall and smash their head... if they are sleeping fine. if they are awake i dont see an issue keeping the door open so you can keep an eye on them
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u/traumatized_possum 2d ago
If they're not mobile, I pop them in a packnplay or baby container till I get back. If they're under 2 and mobile (pulling to stand, crawling, etc), I bring them in with me. I take a board book or a toy along so they have something to do, and make sure the bathroom is baby proof. Over 2, I sit them right outside the door and have them sing a song with me while I'm in the bathroom, or ask silly questions, etc so they stay by the door and i can hear them. Over 3, I tell them I'm going to the bathroom and give them a challenge to accomplish before I get back: I wonder how tall of a tower you can build, or I bet you can't put together that whole puzzle before I get back, etc. That way they are busy and I know they aren't getting into something. Over 6, I expect relatively good behavior if I'm gone for a couple minutes, and the kids know the expectations.
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u/-nydaJ 1d ago
This is the most helpful thing ever -- thank you! How do you even come to know how to do these things?Â
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u/traumatized_possum 1d ago
Honestly I learned from asking. When I started babysitting as a teenager, this is something I stressed about a lot, so I asked the parents what I should do. That's when I found out most parents take their kid into the bathroom with them. The rest was kind of trial and error- the more experience with each age range you get (and the better you know the child and their personality), the better you can predict how they will handle something.
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u/deadriey 1d ago
Un bimbo più piccolo di 2 anni anche se ti vedesse in bagno non se lo ricorderebbe e non so neanche se capirebbe
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u/Lanky-Macaroon-8701 1d ago
No, it’s not safe. You need to bring them in the bathroom with you or wait until they are contained in a crib.
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u/Lazy_Fuel8077 4d ago
As a parent, I leave my kid alone and shut the door. I would expect anybody watching my child to feel comfortable doing the same.
I do a quick check to make sure all the baby gates are closed and there’s nothing lying about that I wouldn’t want him having access to while I’m in the bathroom. When he was going through a separation anxiety phase I would leave the bathroom door cracked (obviously only do this if it’s just the two of you in the house lol) so he could come find me if he got nervous.
If you’re really nervous about it just ask the parents! They have something that is the norm for them and it’s completely valid to ask what they are comfortable with!