What Information Should You Give Your Babysitter?

Leaving your children with a babysitter should feel reassuring, not stressful. One of the best ways to help the evening go smoothly is to make sure your sitter has the information they need before you leave.

Parents often assume they will remember to explain everything in the moment, but those final minutes before walking out the door can feel rushed. Having the most important details written down gives the babysitter something to refer back to and helps reduce unnecessary calls or texts throughout the evening.

You do not need to verbally explain every small detail. A brief conversation paired with a clear written guide is often the best approach.

Start With the Children’s Schedule

Your babysitter should have a general understanding of what the evening will look like.

This may include:

• Meal and snack times

• What foods the children may or may not have

• Bath time

• Bedtime

• Nap schedules for infants or younger children

• Homework or evening activities

• Any routines the children are used to following

The schedule does not need to be followed down to the minute, but it gives the sitter a helpful framework and allows them to maintain a sense of normalcy for the children.

Explain the Bedtime Routine

Bedtime is often the part of the evening when children are most likely to test boundaries or feel unsettled because their parents are away.

Let the babysitter know what your usual routine includes, such as:

• Pajamas and brushing teeth

• A specific book or song

• White noise, night-lights, or sleep sacks

• Where comfort items are kept

• Whether the child needs water or a final bathroom trip

• How you typically respond if the child gets out of bed

It is also helpful to explain what is flexible and what is not. For example, it may be fine to read an extra story, but screen time after bedtime may be a firm no.

Share Food Preferences and Allergies

Make sure the babysitter knows what the children are expected to eat and where the food is located.

This should include any:

• Food allergies

• Dietary restrictions

• Choking concerns

• Foods that are off-limits

• Feeding instructions for infants

• Rules about sweets, snacks, or drinks

If your child has a severe allergy, do not rely only on verbal instructions. Write the information down and clearly explain where emergency medication is stored and how it should be used.

Provide Medical Information in Writing

Parents should share any relevant medical information, even if it is unlikely to come up during the booking.

This may include:

• Allergies

• Medical conditions

• Medications

• Recent illnesses or injuries

• Emergency treatment instructions

• The location of medication and first-aid supplies

Written information is especially important because it can be difficult to remember detailed instructions during an emergency.

Leave a List of Emergency Contacts

Your babysitter should always have a written list of emergency contacts.

Include:

• Both parents’ phone numbers

• The address where you will be

• A nearby relative, neighbor, or trusted friend

• The child’s pediatrician, when appropriate

• The home address

Even if the sitter already has your phone number, writing everything in one place makes it easier to find quickly.

It is also important to show the babysitter where the fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, and emergency exits are located.

Explain the Household Guidelines

Every family has different expectations, so do not assume the babysitter automatically knows your preferences.

Discuss household rules related to:

• Screen time

• Discipline and redirection

• Visitors

• Pets

• Outdoor play

• Driving the children

• Taking the children on walks or to nearby activities

• Home security systems

• Cameras in the home

If the babysitter is allowed to drive the children, make sure they have the correct car seats, instructions, and emergency contact information before leaving.

Parents should also disclose any cameras in the home. Clear communication protects everyone and helps create a respectful working relationship.

Show Them Where Important Items Are Located

Give the babysitter a quick tour of the areas they will need to use.

Show them where to find:

• Diapers and wipes

• Pajamas and extra clothing

• Bottles and feeding supplies

• Medicine and first-aid supplies

• Cleaning supplies for small spills

• Flashlights

• Fire extinguishers

• Pet supplies

• Comfort items

You do not need to walk through every drawer in the house. Focus on the items they are most likely to need during the booking.

Do Not Forget the Small Details

Sometimes the information that gets forgotten is not related to childcare at all.

Parents frequently forget to share things like:

• The Wi-Fi password

• Garage or gate codes

• Alarm instructions

• Parking information

• Which door to use

• How to lock up at the end of the night

These details may seem minor, but they can make the sitter’s experience much easier.

Should You Leave Written Instructions?

Yes. A simple written guide can be extremely helpful, especially when the babysitter is new to your family.

The guide does not need to be long or overly detailed. It can include:

• Parent contact information

• Emergency contacts

• The home address

• The children’s schedule

• Bedtime instructions

• Food and allergy information

• Medical information

• Household rules

• Wi-Fi and security information

• The location of important supplies

You can keep a general version saved on your phone or computer and update it when necessary.

Avoid Overloading the Babysitter With Verbal Instructions

Parents sometimes try to explain everything in the final few minutes before leaving. This can be overwhelming for the sitter and makes it more likely that important details will be forgotten.

Focus the verbal conversation on the most immediate priorities:

• What the children need that evening

• Important safety or medical concerns

• The bedtime routine

• How to contact you

Everything else can be written down for the babysitter to review as needed.

Preparing Your Babysitter Helps Everyone Feel More Confident

Providing clear information is not about creating a rigid set of instructions. It is about giving your babysitter the tools they need to care for your children confidently.

When the sitter understands your routines, expectations, and safety information, they are less likely to need constant clarification. Your children are also more likely to feel secure because their evening remains familiar and predictable.

A little preparation before you leave can make the experience easier for the babysitter, more comfortable for the children, and far more relaxing for you.