5 Things to Tell Your Babysitter
Leaving your child with a babysitter for the first time can be nerve-racking, but it doesn’t have to be. If you have properly vetted your babysitter ahead of time by assessing quality references, background checks, experience, and more… he or she can probably handle nearly any situation that comes up. For even more peace of mind, you can prepare a babysitter info sheet to make sure your caregiver has all of the information to keep your child safe. Use the following “babysitter checklist” to cover your bases!
1. Medical information.
Perhaps the most important thing to tell your babysitter is any medical information about your child. This includes any allergies or food sensitivities. If your child has severe allergies that require immediate treatment upon exposure, leave his or her epi pen in a central location and make sure your babysitter knows how to use it.
When it comes to medical information, don’t leave your babysitter in a situation requiring a judgment call — remove the guesswork by providing as much information as possible. Try to find a sitter with first aid and CPR certification. Also prepare a list of emergency phone numbers, including your child’s pediatrician, Poison Control and the nearest urgent care center.
2. Communication.
Be clear about your expectations regarding communication with the babysitter. Some parents going out for a date prefer to be called only in an emergency situation. Others may want a check-in right before bed to ensure everything is going well. Also let your babysitter know whether you would prefer texts or a phone call. Make sure you leave information about where you are going (including address and phone number), your cell phone number, and as a backup, the phone number of at least one person who might be with you.
3. Bedtime routine.
Kids do best when they follow a predictable routine. Tell your babysitter everything he or she needs to know so that bedtime prep will go smoothly. What time do the kids eat? Take baths? Get into bed? Do you read them stories? Perhaps the babysitter should anticipate that little Susie might throw a fit whenever she is asked to brush her teeth… and how you deal with that. Any information that makes the bedtime transition easier will be much appreciated by your babysitter!
4. House rules.
Before leaving the house, make your expectations clear. If you are uncomfortable with a babysitter having a friend over after the kids go to bed, say so. The same goes for texting or checking their phone constantly — establish clear guidelines. Also clarify whether certain areas of the house are off limits and whether your children need to follow any rules about television or screen time.
5. Location of the exits and first aid supplies.
It’s helpful to give your babysitter a brief tour of the home so they know where the exits are in case of an emergency. Also provide information about the location of important supplies, such as the first-aid kit, scissors, bandages and any over-the-counter medications you may occasionally administer to your children.
Preparation is critical to a positive babysitter experience, so arm your sitter with a babysitter info sheet to make sure everyone is happy and safe.