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Home › Articles › Issues for Mom › Surviving Date Night

Surviving Date Night

Help for Your Breastfed Baby and the Babysitter

By Shel Franco

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Play Time
Wade prepared the sitter for a fussy evening. "I totally expected Ashley to cry inconsolably," she says.

Calandro explains that it's important for sitters to realize that Baby is not only missing the food from the breast, he's missing Mommy, too. "I think taking the baby outside is the world's best trick, if it is possible," she says. "The change in temperature and sound usually helps a baby to think about something else for a few minutes at least."

Calandro's other time-tested tips:

  • Lots of snuggling and rocking.
  • While rocking the baby, let the baby suck on a freshly washed index finger with the finger pad up.
  • Try a swing.
  • Try putting the baby on a blanket on the floor and lying down beside the baby to play. Bring in new toys.
  • Sing to the baby.
  • Take the baby on a tour of the house and point out things.

Calandro also says that it's important to remind your sitter that every baby is different and will be soothed in different ways. Remind her to be flexible, and remember that the baby is a little confused and sad, and it is not to be taken personally if the baby is upset.

Wade showed her sitter a secret weapon in the event that Ashley could not be distracted any other way: the television. "Ashley caught a glimpse of the Teletubbies at my sister's house; she loved it," Wade says. "I bought a videotap on sale and use it when I am desperate for a break."

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