How to Leave Instructions for Babysitters When Going Out of Town

Let the babysitter know your child's favorite games and activities.

Most parents feel considerable anxiety about leaving town without their children, even for unavoidable reasons, such as a family emergency or business trip, or even just necessary time for the two of you as a couple. Once you've found a reliable babysitter and checked her references, though, another step you can take is to leave her with detailed instructions. Use a checklist to make sure your babysitter knows just what to do.

Instructions

1. Create a document on your computer or download a prepared checklist. Set up different sections of the document, such as "Contact Information" or "Medical Information."

2. Start with your travel information, including airline reservations and flight numbers and times; the name, address and phone number of any hotels in which you'll be staying; the name and phone number of any business at which you'll be meeting -- for example, with clients; and your personal cell phone number and email address if you'll be checking that.

3. List the names, addresses and phone numbers of the children's doctors and dentists, as well as the nearest hospital. Mention whether the kids are on any medications and whether they have any illnesses or allergies.

4. Leave a notarized consent giving your sitter the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of the children. If the babysitter has to take the child to the emergency room and you cannot be reached, the sitter may have to authorize surgery in an emergency.

5. Let the sitter know whether the kids are on any special diets or have any particular restrictions or allergies. List mealtimes, favorite foods and give an idea of what food is available. Suggest several meal ideas and whether you've left money for shopping or pizza delivery. Make sure you're specific about feeding times and amounts for infants.

6. Include details on school schedules as well as after-school activities. If the sitters will be driving your children to any scheduled events, include directions. Make sure there's enough gas or money for gas. Leave your mechanic's name, address and phone number. If the sitter will be using public transportation with the kids, leave bus, train or subway schedules and money for fares. Make it clear if the children are allowed to accept rides with a friend or a friend's parent.

7. Detail house rules, such as nap times, bedtimes and how much time the children can spend watching television, talking on the phone or playing video games. Note if the babysitter needs to check homework or if the kids should spend a set amount of time studying. For older children, include curfews and driving rules.

8. Leave phone numbers for your child's school, including an attendance number in case your children become sick, and a list of helpful friends or neighbors the sitter can call on in a pinch.

9. If the babysitters will also be caring for your pets, make sure to leave detailed instructions and the veterinarian's phone number.

10. If the babysitter will be staying at your house for several days or more, leave helpful information such as which day is trash day, what time mail arrives, if any deliveries are expected and whether any work is scheduled on the house. Leave names and numbers for your plumber and electrician.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the information is organized by section so the sitter can find what's needed quickly. Don't expect that the sitter will read through every word ahead of time.

References

• Parenting Weekly: Overnight Instructions for the Babysitter
• Care for Kids: Babysitter Checklist