When you are leaving your child in a new babysitter's hands, it is important to provide her with all the information that could be needed while you are away. From your contact information to emergency numbers, reviewing this information with your babysitter ensures a smooth experience and good communication.
Significance
Keeping information on hand for your babysitter helps him to best orient himself with your home and with your wishes for caring for your child, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Even the most experienced of babysitters should receive information in order to understand your child's unique health or behavioral conditions. Preparing this information before your babysitter arrives helps him to respond quickly to any emergencies that may arise.
Identification
Your on-hand information should include a map of an escape route should the need for an evacuation arise, according to Baby Center. This may be necessary in case of a fire or attempted burglary. Identify exits in your home and the location of a fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, circuit breaker, flashlight, air-conditioner controls and water shutoff.
Contact Information
Provide your sitter with contact information for you as well as neighbors or nearby relatives. Make a list with your name and phone number, and location where you can be reached. Include your home address and the phone number, and the names of any emergency contacts. Include the contact information for your child's pediatrician, nearby medical or urgent care center and relevant civil services, such as poison control or the police department, according to Sitters.com.
Considerations
Information left for your sitter should not begin and end with contact information. You should also include personal and health information about your children, according to Parenting Exchange. Name, birth date, age, medical conditions and medication information also should be included. If you are working with a new sitter, it's a good idea to have her arrive 15 minutes early in order to review this information. In the event of a crisis, your sitter will likely not have time to review this information, making the need for preliminary review important.
Warning
Before hiring a sitter, it's important to ensure he is acquainted with safety precautions. A sitter that is first-aid and/or CPR certified can be an asset should an emergency occur, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Your sitter should also know about safety precautions in relation to your child's age. For example, if you have an infant, your sitter should know safe sleeping requirements and infant bathing safety standards.
