Babysitter Information Sheet: What Parents Should Leave
A clear information sheet helps a babysitter feel confident, and it helps you relax while you are out. Post it on the fridge or leave it on the counter, and go over it before you leave.
What parents should include
Emergency information - Your cell numbers and where you will be, with the address if you can - A backup adult nearby - Pediatrician and poison control numbers - The home address, for calling 911 - Any allergies, medications or medical conditions
The kids - Names and ages - Bedtime and wake-up routines, and favorite comfort items - Meals, snacks and foods to avoid - Screen time rules - Behavior tips: what works, what to avoid
The house - Wi-Fi password - Where the first aid kit, flashlights and fire extinguisher are - Pet care instructions - Who is allowed at the door (usually no one) - Any areas that are off limits
Payment and timing - Expected return time - The rate, and how you will pay
What sitters should track
A short log gives parents peace of mind and protects the sitter:
- Arrival and departure times
- Meals, snacks and bedtimes
- Medications given, if any
- Notable events or concerns
- Messages for the parents
Babysitting timesheets
If you babysit regularly, a simple timesheet with date, hours, rate and total helps you stay paid on time and keep clean records. It also helps families who have a regular sitter track what they owe.
Frequently asked questions
Printables for parents and sitters
Find ready-made babysitting info sheets and timesheets on Etsy.
Frequently asked questions
What information should I give a babysitter?
Give emergency contacts, allergies and medical information, the home address, routines, meal and bedtime rules, house rules, where safety supplies are, and when you will be back.
What should a babysitter write down?
A babysitter should record arrival and departure times, meals, bedtime, any medications given, notable events and messages for the parents.
How do babysitters track their hours?
Many sitters keep a timesheet listing the date, start and end times, hourly rate and total, so the family and the sitter agree on what is owed.