You have chosen a good baby sitter for your child so that he is safe and supervised throughout the day. You hope that the care giver can look after your child nearly as well as you do, so that you don’t have to feel guilty about going to build a career for yourself while your children are being looked after by someone else.

Here are a few things your children’s babysitter should know so that they can ensure that your child is safe and happy while you are away.

• Let your babysitter know your plans like when you will be back, where you will be going and the like.

• Make sure that the caregiver has both moms and dad’s cell phone numbers and emergency contact numbers, so that they know which number to dial in case of emergency.

• Give the number and address of a couple of friends or relatives who live nearby so that they can be contacted in case you are not reachable.

• Let the babysitter know where the car keys, first aid box and fire extinguisher are located.

• Tell them to contact you in case of dire situations, for instance if your child has developed fever or is crying uncontrollably.

• Make sure the babysitter knows the number of emergency services like police, fire station and hospitals. Write down these numbers and stick it near the phone so that the sitter can access it easily in case of emergencies.

• Give the sitter a briefing about first aid in case she is not well versed in it. Tell them what to in case of superficial injuries, how to administer first aid to someone who is unconscious and the basics of CPR.

• Tell your babysitter what to do in case of fire. Small fires can be dealt with using your home fire extinguisher but in case of larger fires, the sitter ought to assemble your children and get them out of the house as soon as possible and call 9-1-1. She should be aware about the plan of the house so that she knows where the exits are.

• In case your baby sitter has to go to the hospital with one of your kids when you are not around, let them know the details about your insurance policy such as the insurance company and policy holder name. She will need these details at the hospital.

• Make sure that the babysitter is aware of any food allergies, health conditions, medications or other special needs that your child may have.

• Instruct the caregiver about the foods to feed your children and how they should be served. For instance, you ought to let the sitter know that small children need their food cut into tiny bits.

• Ensure that the babysitter knows the rules of the house. She should be able to adhere to the routine you have established for your children. Bed time, diner time and such routines must be maintained.

• The sitter should know what kinds of movies are permitted, whether your child is permitted to play outside the house and which friends are permitted.

These basic things will go a long way in helping the babysitter give maximum care and attention to your children.

Jonathan Pitts

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