Babysitter Checklist: What to Leave for a Sitter

A good babysitter checklist is a single page near the kitchen phone or on the fridge that lists emergency contacts, medical needs, house rules, bedtime routine and meals. Fill it in before the sitter arrives, walk through it together, and keep a copy on your own phone. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests leaving key phone numbers in writing, including the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, and telling the sitter about allergies, feeding and sleeping arrangements, and where you will be.

Contacts and emergency info

Print or copy this table and fill in the blanks. Keep it where the sitter can see it without searching.

Item	Fill in
Parent 1 cell number	__________
Parent 2 cell number	__________
Where you will be, and when you will be back	__________
Neighbor or relative nearby	__________
Pediatrician	__________
Poison Help line (U.S.)	1-800-222-1222
Fire, police, ambulance	911
Home address and landline (if any)	__________
Each child’s date of birth and approximate weight	__________
Allergies, medical conditions, medications	__________

The AAP’s babysitting reminders include most of these items, plus fire escape routes and the location of the first aid supplies. Write the address in full, because a sitter calling 911 may be too rattled to remember it.

The house

Where the flashlight, first aid kit and fire extinguisher are.
Fire escape routes and a meeting spot outside.
Rooms that are off-limits and any gates, locks or alarms.
How to lock and unlock the doors, and who may be let in. The usual rule is that no guests are allowed unless you have said so in advance.
Wi-Fi password, TV remote and how to start a show.
Pets: feeding, bathroom schedule and whether they stay in or out.
Any area with water, such as a pool, hot tub or pond, and the rule that children never go there without an adult.

Routine and rules

Bedtime: Time, order of steps, favorite book, night-light, and what to do if a child calls out.
Safe sleep for babies: The AAP recommends putting infants to sleep on their backs, alone, on a firm, flat sleep surface such as a crib or bassinet, with nothing soft in it. Tell the sitter and show them where the baby sleeps.
Bath time: If the sitter will give a bath, an adult must stay within arm’s reach of a young child in the water at all times. AAP’s water safety guidance calls this touch supervision. If you prefer, skip the bath for the night.
Screens: What shows are allowed, how long, and when they stop.
Snacks and treats: What is allowed, what is not, and whether dessert is available.
Discipline: Keep it simple: use the calm steps you already use, such as a short break, and never physical punishment. Tell the sitter to call you if a problem comes up.
Phones and the door: Whether the sitter may take the children outside, drive them anywhere or let them play at a neighbor’s home.

Meals and medicine

Write down what to serve, how to heat it and when. Label leftovers in the fridge, or set out a note about what is for dinner.
List every allergy clearly, including which foods are off-limits. If a child has a food allergy, show the sitter where emergency medication is and how to use it, and write the plan down.
Cut food into small pieces for babies and toddlers. The AAP lists foods such as whole grapes, nuts, hot dog pieces and popcorn as choking hazards for children under 4, so choose carefully.
Give medication only when you have written down the name, dose and time. Better yet, give the dose yourself before you leave when possible, and ask your pediatrician if you are unsure.

Questions to ask a new sitter

Meet or talk before the first night, and consider a short trial while you are still at home.

What ages have you cared for, and for how long?
Do you have infant and child CPR or first aid training?
Can you share two references?
How do you handle a child who will not go to bed, or who is upset?
Are you comfortable with our pets, our rules on screens and our bedtime?
How will you get here and home? Can we arrange a ride if it is late?
Can you stay off your phone except for emergencies and updates?
What rate do you charge, and what is the minimum for a night?

A sitter’s age and training matter, but so does fit. Trust your own sense of how they interact with your child. Check any local rules for hiring teens, and ask your pediatrician about readiness if your child has special medical needs.

Before you leave and when you return

Introduce the sitter to your children and give them a few minutes to talk.
Walk through the checklist out loud. Ask the sitter to repeat back any rule you care most about.
Put your phone on loud, text a check-in time and keep to it.
When you return, ask about the evening and check on the children quietly. Pay on time and thank them.

For quiet-time ideas the sitter can use, point them to our boredom jar ideas or our list of screen-free activities by age. If the sitter will cover the after-school hours, our after-school routine gives them a schedule to follow.

Bottom line

Leave contacts, medical needs, house rules and bedtime steps on one page, walk through it with the sitter and keep it updated as your children grow. A short, clear list makes the sitter more confident, and it makes it easier for you to relax while you are out.

FAQ

What should I always leave for a babysitter?

Your phone numbers, a nearby adult’s number, the pediatrician, the Poison Help line, your address, allergies and medical needs, and when you will be home.

Should I tell the sitter about cameras in the house?

If you use cameras, tell the sitter in advance, and follow any local rules on recording. Honesty keeps trust high.

How long should a first sitter visit be?

A short trial of two or three hours close to home, with a call or text halfway, is a gentle way to start.

What if my child has a medical condition?

Write down the plan in detail and review it with the sitter in person. Ask your child’s doctor to help you with the plan, and consider whether the sitter needs extra training.