Parents worry about leaving their children with strangers—even if it’s just a few hours one evening. Made sure that your appointed babysitter knows CPR and first aid, and always check references. Once you have found a reliable babysitter, and you and your children feel comfortable with them, follow these tips. This list will help you prepare for leaving your children with the babysitter, and help put your mind at ease.
General Information
It is a good idea to give the babysitter a tour of your home and point out where the fire extinguisher, first aid kit, flashlights, and other emergency supplies are kept. Leave a list with the following information for the babysitter’s reference.
- Family name
- Address
- Phone number
- Nearest cross street
- Where to find house and car keys
- Directions to the home
- Locations of children’s medications
- Fire and emergency instructions
Contact Information
Provide the following information in case of an emergency.
- Mobile phone or pager number
- Phone number of where you are going
- Alternative emergency contact
- Neighbor’s phone number
- Police department
- Fire department
- Ambulance
- Poison Control Center
- Closest hospital
- Pediatrician name and contacts
Emergency Medical Consent Form
In case of a life-threatening emergency, make sure you have an Emergency Medical Consent form—your babysitter may need this for emergency medical treatment. Include a statement giving permission to licensed physicians to treat your child at the request of the babysitter. Include information about each child as detailed below.
- Name
- Date of birth
- Height and weight
- Medications and dosage
- Medical conditions and history
- Allergies
- Health insurance information—include the company, group, and ID numbers
- Parent signature
House Rules and Children’s Routine
It is important for the babysitter to be familiar with the household rules and child’s daily routine. Review these with the babysitter before you leave.
- Bedtime
- Scheduled appointments
- Acceptable foods
- Favorite games
- Permitted movies and television shows
- Playtime guidelines
- Discipline philosophy
Treat the Babysitter Well
If you have found a great babysitter, be sure to let them know how important you think they are, and reward them in a way that is appropriate for the high level of trust and responsibility that goes with the job of watching your children.
- Favorite snacks
- DVDs or movies of interest to watch after bedtime
- Birthday and holiday cards
- Drawings or crafts done by the children
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