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When a new babysitter starts working for you for the first time, you'll want to make sure you give him or her all the information needed to care for your children in the best way possible. Ask the babysitter to arrive at least 15 minutes before the time you're scheduled 
to leave, so you can give the sitter a tour of the house, pointing out where telephones, first aid equipment, and alternative exits are located. Then go over other relevant information with the sitter, answering any questions that might arise.
Most of the information a babysitter will need is likely to be the same each time you go out, so it's a good idea to have a "permanent" checklist or information sheet that you keep in a safe place or post in an accessible spot. A "babysitter checklists" has been provided below, which you can customize to meet your specific needs. If you have a printed checklist that you reuse each time you go out, make sure you record any information specific to the occasion, such as where you will be, how you can be reached and when you will return
The following is information you should give to your babysitter:
General Information
- Family name
- Children's names and ages
- Home address and phone number
- Nearest cross street (for use in getting emergency assistance)
- Location and phone number where you can be reached
- What time you will be home
Important Names and Numbers
- Your cell phone/pager numbers, if applicable
- A nearby friend, relative, or neighbor that could be contacted in case of emergency
- Emergency numbers (911 and/or police, fire, and poison control center)
- Hospital or urgent care phone number
- Pediatrician's name and phone number
Household Rules and Routines
- What and where your children are allowed to eat and drink, including any foods that are off-limits
- How to use any baby equipment, if applicable (e.g. high chair, crib, baby monitor, etc.)
- Play activities your child enjoys
- Areas of the house or specific activities not permitted while you are out
- Rules for playing outdoors
- Guidelines for TV viewing-how much and what programs your children can watch
- Rules for use of the computer, phone, video games, etc.
- Guidelines regarding the children visiting friends or having them over
- Hour of naptime or bedtime and any bedtime routines
- How discipline issues should be handled
- Instructions for answering the phone
- Information about any pets and their care (if applicable)
General Safety Guidelines
- How to use the home alarm system, if any, and where it is located
- Locations of all exits, fire extinguishers, first aid supplies, flashlights, and circuit breaker panel
- How to operate window and door locks
- Warning not to give information about your absence over the phone; if answering the telephone, the sitter should tell callers that you're not available and take a message
- What to do in case of an emergency
- Types of less urgent situations that would warrant phoning you
Medical Information
- Date of birth, height, and weight of each child
- Any food allergies or other medical conditions
- Information about any medications
- Health insurance carrier and policy number
Special Requests
- Any rules for the babysitter regarding use of the telephone, computer, or TV, having friends over, etc.
Many parents like to have a new sitter babysit once or twice while they are home, in order to help him or her get to know the children and get used to the rules of the house. Another option is to have the sitter arrive an hour before the time of your scheduled departure; you can use the extra time to take care of household tasks and, if a problem arises, you're available in the next room. Carol Band, a columnist for Parenthood.com, recommends calling to check in about an hour after you've left the house, if a babysitter is new to your family. "This can put your mind at ease and give the sitter a chance to ask questions," writes Band.
Once you return home, make sure to talk with the babysitter about how things went and any questions or problems that may have arisen. The responses you receive might give you additional ideas about what information you should share with a sitter next time.
Hiring a new babysitter requires some adjustment on everyone's part--parents, children, and the sitter. However, armed with the necessary information, your babysitter will be well-prepared to care for your children, so you can enjoy your time away!
(April 2006) (
