It can be difficult work taking care of children, especially when you are new to the job. Even if you’re a teen or young adult who really enjoys the company of children, being a babysitter can be fraught with various unplanned events. Though some parents may be willing to hire you if you haven’t babysat before, training to become a babysitter can help you be better prepared for your job. Training also makes you more employable, since parents know that they’re leaving their kids in capable hands.

A number of Parks and Recreation centers, organizations like the YMCA, and volunteer centers may offer training to become a babysitter. The most important first step is to get trained and certified in infant and child CPR. This may be a part of classes in a babysitter-training course, or it may be taken alone.

There may be some age restrictions in becoming certified in infant and child CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation). Even if you can’t get certification because of age, you should still take the class, and take a refresher course once a year. Hopefully nothing bad or dangerous will ever happen on your watch, yet if it does, you’ll be able to help a child who is choking, or who is not breathing. Self-defense classes may also be a good idea, especially when you’re taking kids on outings instead of just watching them at home.

Other types of training to become a babysitter, especially in babysitter classes, can help you do your job with greater ease. Classes can focus on how to entertain children, what disciplinary steps you should and shouldn’t take, how to break up fights between siblings, and standard care and entertainment requirements of each different age group. For instance if you’re going to be watching young children, you may need to know how to feed babies properly, and change diapers. If you’re not familiar with preparing meals, you may also want to make part of your training to become a babysitter some basic cooking classes.

When no classes in your area offer training to become a babysitter, enlist the help of moms needing help with kids, or your own parents if you have younger siblings. You can become better experienced at childsitting and childcare if you work as a mother’s helper. Most moms would delight in providing you with this opportunity to take care of a child while they do some light housework or take a shower. Furthermore, they’re on hand to answer questions or provide guidance on how to do some of the things you need to know. Lots of experience working as a mother’s helper prepares you to work solo when the opportunity arises.

Even though you don’t need training to become a babysitter, your childsitting services will probably be in high demand when you can demonstrate that through classes or experience, you’re going to offer the best possible care to kids. As you become more skilled at your job, don’t forget to ask parents for references that you can share with other parents who may be looking to hire you.