Baby sitting? Why is it called baby sitting?

India
December 4, 2008 3:04pm CST
Does any one knows why it is called Baby sitting and not Baby sleeping, Baby standing or Baby care?
1 person likes this
3 responses
• India
27 Mar 09
lol u sit around to look after the kids so baby-sitting P.S.-babies dont have to necessarily
@kaka135 (14994)
• Malaysia
25 Mar 09
It's really an interesting question, I've never thought of this before. I just did a search and found this in wikipedia, though I do not really understand the meaning. Just quote the meaning here for your reference. The term "baby-sit" (from "baby" plus the agent form of "sit") first appeared in 1937, and its short-form "sitter" is attested from 1943.[citation needed] The use of the word "sit" to abbreviate "to baby-sit" is recorded from 1800. The term probably originated from the action of the caretaker "sitting on" the baby in one room, while the parents were entertaining or busy in another. [Excerpted from wikipedia]
• United States
4 Dec 08
The name itself is disturbing indeed. Who would sit on a baby? I prefer the term childcare, or watching a kid. Because that's generally what you do. Me, I like to play with the kids because it's great to hear them laugh and see them having fun.