Leaving your child with a babysitter for the first time can feel nerve-wracking, even when you trust them completely. Having been on both sides — as a parent leaving my kids, and as a babysitter myself for many families — I know there are a few key things every sitter needs before you head out the door.
A little preparation goes a long way. It gives you peace of mind, gives your babysitter confidence, and helps your child settle in for a smooth evening. Here are 10 of the most essential things to tell the babysitter.
#1. Contact Numbers
You need peace of mind that they can reach you, and they need peace of mind that they know how. Contact numbers are essential number one on any babysitting checklist.
Write down all key contact numbers before you leave — your mobile, your partner’s mobile, and a backup number for a nearby relative or friend.
#2. Any House Rules
If you have specific house rules — screen time limits, no snacks before bedtime, no going upstairs unsupervised — make sure your sitter knows about them clearly before you go.
#3. Any Bedtime Specifics
Let them know exactly what the bedtime routine looks like. Do you read a story together? Does your child need the hall light left on? Walking through the routine step by step means fewer surprises for everyone at bedtime.
Recommended reading: 10 Babysitting Tips to Make You the Best Babysitter Ever
#4. Any Special Cuddly Toys
Make sure the sitter knows the full bedtime routine — whether your child likes a story, needs the hall light on, prefers the bedroom door open, or likes a glass of water nearby.
Just as important: show them where the favourite cuddly toy or blanket lives, and which child cuddles which toy. A missing “blankie” at bedtime can turn a calm evening into a stressful one.
#5. Safety Stuff
Talk your sitter through the essentials:
- Where the smoke alarms are.
- Where the fire extinguisher or fire blanket is kept.
- Where to find the first aid box.
- Your planned exit route in case of an emergency.
- House directions written down, in case they ever need to call emergency services.
- The name and number of a neighbour they can turn to if needed.
- How to use and disarm your alarm system, if you have one.
A few minutes covering this before you leave means your sitter feels confident, not caught off guard.
#6. Any Allergy or Medical Information
If your child has an allergy or a medical condition the sitter should be aware of, leave clear written information for them — a simple info sheet or folder works well. Keep this to information the sitter needs to know and respond to; anything involving medication timing or doses is best confirmed directly between you and your regular carer or GP, not left to guesswork on the night.
#7. Any Food Rules
Don’t assume your babysitter will know what your child is or isn’t allowed to eat before bedtime.
Save them the hunting-around time by showing them where any bedtime snacks or essentials are kept, and flagging anything that’s off the menu.
#8. Where They Can Find Drinks and Snacks
Once the kids are tucked up, your sitter deserves a cup of tea and something to eat too. Show them where to find drinks and snacks for themselves.
#9. Technology and Entertainment
If you’re happy for them to use it, show them how to access the wifi and how the TV remote works. A relaxed evening for the sitter usually means a smoother one for you too.
#10. What Time You’ll Be Back (and Stick to It!)
There’s nothing worse for a babysitter than waiting later and later, especially when they’re tired too. Stick to the time you agreed — a sitter who’s kept waiting without warning is a sitter who won’t want to come back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most important thing to tell a babysitter?
Contact numbers come first — for you, your partner, and a backup contact — followed closely by any house rules and your child’s bedtime routine.
Should I leave written instructions for the babysitter?
Yes, especially for anything safety-related, allergy or medical information, and bedtime routines. A simple written sheet or folder means nothing gets forgotten in the moment.
What should I tell a babysitter about my child’s allergies?
Give them clear, written information about the allergy and what to do if a reaction occurs. If your child needs medication as part of managing a condition, arrange this directly with your regular carer or GP rather than leaving it to on-the-night instructions.
How early should I brief a new babysitter?
Where possible, run through house rules, bedtime routine and safety information before the evening itself, so you’re not rushing through everything as you’re heading out the door.
Related Articles
- 10 Babysitting Tips to Make You the Best Babysitter Ever
- How to Find a Babysitter You Can Trust
- Setting Up a Babysitting Circle With Other Parents
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