Before the babysitter arrives
- Confirm the sitter's arrival and departure time, rate and transportation.
- Charge your phone and save the sitter's number.
- Write down your address, two parent numbers and a nearby emergency contact.
- List allergies, medications and relevant health information.
- Secure firearms, alcohol, medications and private documents.
Walk through the home
Show the sitter exits, smoke alarms, fire extinguisher, first-aid supplies and areas that are off limits. Explain locks, alarms, pool rules and which neighbors can help. If pets are present, describe their behavior and keep animals separated when appropriate.
Explain each child's routine
Review meals, snacks, bedtime, screen-time limits, comfort items and discipline expectations. Be specific about foods children may not eat and whether the sitter may take them outdoors. Never assume a new caregiver knows the routine.
Set communication expectations
Tell the sitter when you would like updates and what requires an immediate call. Share where you will be and approximately when you will return. If plans change, communicate promptly.
When you return
Ask how the visit went, whether any injury or unusual behavior occurred, and if instructions were unclear. Pay the agreed amount and arrange safe transportation home when needed. Keep notes about what worked before scheduling again.
A five-minute handoff you can actually use
Before heading out, ask the sitter to repeat three details: your address, the fastest way to reach you and the rule for calling emergency services. Point to the written contact sheet. Have the sitter test the door or gate she will use, and explain which spaces are never part of the visit. If a pool is present, choose a clear no-pool rule unless the caregiver, supervision plan and equipment are suitable for swimming.
Agree on boundaries before the children ask
Write down who may enter the home, whether children can go to a neighbor's house, which rooms are off limits and whether the sitter may post images of your children. State whether walks, rides, food delivery or friends visiting are allowed. A vague “use your judgment” leaves the sitter to decide family policy in the middle of a disagreement. Keep your own phones charged and tell the sitter where you will actually be.
Example note for the refrigerator
Tonight: Children: [names and ages]. Dinner: [approved food and allergy warnings]. Bedtime: [time and comfort item]. Outdoors/pool: [specific rule]. Pets: [task or no task]. Parent 1: [number]. Parent 2: [number]. Nearby helper: [name and number]. Address: [full address]. Call 911 for an emergency, then notify us as soon as safe. Please send one update at [time].
Fill this in for each visit; do not leave a blank template as the only instruction. Use our printable handoff sheet or the companion contact-sheet guide explains what to include when a child has medical needs. Parents remain responsible for choosing an appropriate caregiver and maintaining safe conditions at home.