Checklists

Information to Leave for Your Babysitter or Nanny

It's nerve racking to leave your child in someone else's care. Here's a list of information you should be sure to leave for your babysitter or nanny.

General information:

Names of all family members, including pets
Names of neighbors, and their children
Your exact address
A list of things, including food items or medication, to which your child is allergic

Specific contact information:

Your cell phone number
Information about where you will be while you are out
The name, address, and phone number of someone else to contact in case of emergency (if you can't be reached)
Local phone numbers for police, fire, poison control, and emergency services (internet-based phone systems, like Vonage, and cell phone systems do not necessarily work with local 911 services)

Medical information:

A photocopy of your child's health insurance card
The name, address, and phone numbers for your child's pediatritian
The name, address, and phone number of a nearby hospital
Information about any over-the-counter or prescription medication your child takes (including doseage)
The name, address, and phone number of the vet, if you have pets

Other Information:

A list of the house rules (what TV programs kids can or can't watch, what kids can or can't eat, bed times, anything that is not allowed, etc.)
Homework information, if necessary, in order to help school-age children
A cheat sheet of where important items (first aid kid, flashlights, medications, fire extinguisher, emergency preparedness kit, etc.) are located in the house
What to do in case of fire or other emergency

Find out more: