Babysitters are essential for working parents who need someone to look after their children when they’re away. In scenarios where you need to leave your home for a few hours or an entire day, it is essential to leave enough information with your babysitter so that your child can be safe, comfortable, and entertained while you’re gone.
Here is a comprehensive checklist that will help you cover all the necessary information that you need to leave with your babysitter.
1. Contact Information
Ensure to leave your contact details such as phone number, email address, and home address. Also, give an emergency contact who can be reached if you’re unavailable. Provide clear instruction on what to do in case of an emergency, or if you can’t be reached.
2. Medical Information
Provide details about any medical conditions or allergies your child has, including medications and dosage instructions. Additionally, leave a list of doctors, hospitals, and emergency contacts who can be reached in case of a medical emergency.
3. Routine and Schedule
Share your child’s daily schedule, including their wake-up time, nap times, meal times, and bedtime. Inform the babysitter of any specific activities, playdates, and lessons your child has to attend while you’re away.
4. House Rules
Make sure to communicate your house rules to your babysitter to avoid any confusion. Inform the babysitter of dos and don’ts, chores you’d like them to do while they’re looking after the child, and specific areas they need to avoid in your home.
5. Safety and Security
Ensure that your babysitter is aware of any safety hazards in and around your home, such as sharp objects, hot surfaces, or poisonous substances. Share information on how to operate the smoke alarm, fire extinguisher, and other essential safety features. Additionally, give clear instructions on who is allowed to enter your home while you’re away.
6. Entertainment
Provide your babysitter with a list of your child’s favorite toys, games, and activities. Also, suggest appropriate TV shows and movies that your child is allowed to watch.
7. Meal and Snack Guidelines
Leave detailed instructions on what your child can and cannot eat. If you have specific dietary requirements, make this known. Outline what the child should eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
In conclusion, leaving your child with a babysitter can be stressful. However, you can ease your worries by providing your babysitter with a comprehensive checklist that covers important information they need to know. With this checklist, you’ll be sure to have peace of mind when you leave your child in the hands of a babysitter.
