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The first time you babysit for a new family, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need in order to do the best job possible. Ask the parents if it’s okay to arrive at least 15 minutes early so that you’ll have a chance to learn where everything is located and to discuss any other information you’ll need to know. Arriving early also allows the children to get comfortable with you while the parents are still at home.
If you haven’t already had one, ask for a tour of the house so that you can learn the location of telephones, emergency exits, and first aid supplies, as well as any items you might need, such as the children’s clothing or toys.
Make sure the parents give you the following information:
General Information
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Family name |
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Children's names and ages |
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Home address and phone number |
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Nearest cross street (for use in getting emergency assistance |
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Location and phone number where parents can be reached |
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Time parents expect to return home |
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Important Names and Numbers
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Parents’ cell phone/pager numbers, if applicable |
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A nearby friend, relative, or neighbor that could be contacted in case of emergency |
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Emergency numbers (911 and/or police, fire, and poison control center) |
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Hospital or urgent care phone number |
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Pediatrician's name and phone number |
Household Rules and Routines
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What and when to feed the children, including foods that are off-limits |
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How to use any baby equipment, if applicable (e.g. high chair, crib, baby monitor, etc.) |
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Favorite games or play activities the parents would like you to enjoy with the children |
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Areas of the house or specific activities not permitted while parents are out |
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Rules for playing outdoors |
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Guidelines for TV viewing—how much and what programs can be watched by the children |
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Rules for children’s use of the computer, phone, video games, etc. |
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Guidelines regarding the children visiting friends or having them over |
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Hour of naptime or bedtime and any bedtime routines |
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How discipline issues should be handled |
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Instructions for answering the phone |
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Whether there are any pets in the house and how they should be cared for |
General Safety Guidelines
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How to use the home alarm system, if any, and where it is located |
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Locations of all exits, fire extinguishers, first aid supplies, flashlights, and circuit breaker panel |
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How to operate window and door locks |
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Medical Information
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Date of birth, height, and weight of each child |
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Any food allergies or other medical conditions |
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Information about any medications |
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Health insurance carrier and policy number |
Other Useful Questions to Ask Parents
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Do the children have any favorite toys, stories, or other bedtime rituals that will help put them at ease? |
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Are you expecting any visitors or deliveries that I should be aware of? |
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Do the children have homework or chores that you’d like me to make sure they complete? |
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Are there any non-emergency situations that should warrant my phoning you? |
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Are there any rules I should observe in your home, such as use of the TV or computer, snacks I can prepare for myself, etc.? |
Things to Remember While Parents Are Out
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Keep a close eye on children at all times |
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Keep children away from sharp or dangerous objects |
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Do not open the door to strangers or indicate that you are alone with the children |
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If answering the telephone, do not give information about the parents’ absence; tell callers that the parent is not available at the moment and take a message |
Having all the information you need will minimize the risk of problems and prepare you to handle them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—this shows that you are doing everything you can to do the best job possible. Be relaxed, friendly, and professional.
When parents return home, give them a report of what happened while they were gone. Be sure to mention any phone calls, problems, or unusual events. If something went wrong or a child misbehaved, you should not be afraid to tell a parent. Keep the lines of communication open, and you will be well-prepared to return as a babysitter again! |