Alright, so it’s time to hire a babysitter. For some parents, the thought of this can be a bit anxiety-inducing, but it doesn’t need to be. (That’s where we come in.)
We’re here to give you a rundown on everything you need to feel comfortable and safe leaving your little ones with a sitter. Let’s get started.
Do your research.
If you are hiring a babysitter from a website or social media, it is so important that you confirm references for them. It goes without saying – never hire a babysitter that you know nothing about. This will also help ease your mind knowing that they have successfully babysat for other families in the past.
While we’re on that topic, make sure to get your sitter’s full name, phone number, emergency contact, home address, and car make and model if they will be driving the kids anywhere.
Another important detail for parents to keep in mind: Look for babysitters that are trained in CPR in case of an emergency.
Share the details.
Let the babysitter know exactly where you will be and what time you expect to be home.
Leave those digits.
Here are some important phone numbers that you should leave for your babysitter:
- Your mobile phone number
- Your employer (if they are babysitting while you are at work)
- Your child’s pediatrician and any other specialists they might see in an emergency
- National Poison Control Hotline (800.222.1222)
- Emergency contact person and their relation to you
- The number for your home security provider’s monitoring center if you have a professionally monitored security system
The medical stuff.
If your child needs to take any medication, be clear about the dosage, how frequently they should take it, and any details or tips about how to administer it if necessary.
Is your child allergic to anything? Make sure to be very clear about this, too! Don’t forget to include what to do if your child experiences an allergic reaction.
Electronics.
Let them know what television shows, movies, music, video games, or websites are permitted and/or restricted. Include any time limits for certain devices, how long they’re allowed to watch TV, and what time electronics should be shut down at night.
Food and snacks.
If you expect the babysitter to prepare any food for the kids, let them know what to make and what time to make it. Make sure to include any instructions about desserts and sweets, and how much the kids are allowed to have, if any.
Also, let the babysitter know if they are allowed to help themselves to food and drinks in the fridge.
Homework.
If you want your child to work on homework while you’re not home, discuss how long you’d like them to work on school stuff with the sitter. It will also be helpful to give instructions about what to do if your child needs help with their schoolwork.
Time for bed.
Make your child’s bedtime routine as smooth as possible for your babysitter. Be sure to tell the sitter:
- What your child needs to wash up
- Any books, stories, music, etc. to help them fall asleep
- What time the lights should be turned off and any nightlights to keep on
- What to do if your child can’t fall asleep
- How to comfort a bad dream
Home emergencies.
Be prepared if there is any type of emergency while you are gone. Let the babysitter know:
- Any escape route that you practice with your child for emergencies and natural disasters
- Where the fire extinguisher is located and how to use it
- How to silence a beeping smoke alarm
- How to arm and disarm your home security system
- Any security codes needed for home security or automation
Everything else.
If there is any other special information that you want your babysitter to know, make sure to include it, such as:
- Special ‘dos and don’ts’
- Chores
- Games/activities
- Pet care
We’ve put together this helpful information sheet to leave with your babysitter. All you need to do is download it here and fill in your information!
You also might want to check out our Guardian Kid’s Safety Guide. Download it here.
