My newest family binder addition is a Babysitter Information Sheet so that you can be sure to leave all the information your babysitter will need while you are out. I don’t know about you, but usually I’m dashing around trying to make sure I’ve got my phone, ID, and purse while spouting out partial instructions as I dash around the house.
You can find all of my printables (like my Kid Coupons and Lunch Notes) by clicking the “Printables” tab in the sub-menu of “Mom Life” in the menu at the top of this post.
This information sheet will let your sitter know where you’ll be, how to reach you, when to expect you home, along with your expectations for the evening. If you have something you want the sitter to know that I didn’t include, you can add it in the notes section at the bottom of the form.
As with most of my functional forms, you’ll find that I don’t embellish with a lot of flourishes or graphics. I like simplicity so you don’t get distracted when you’re looking for information. I don’t want one of the kids grabbing the babysitter information sheet to try to draw a replica of a cute character in the corner.
Now, before you get too excited about filling in this form, please read these very wise and salient points from Susan at Organized 31 on things to consider when you hire a babysitter. Remember that even though they will be watching your babies, the sitter is someone else’s baby. Susan shares her experience as the mother of a teen babysitter who had a few troubling incidents that could have been avoided with a little forethought and consideration.
Corinne Schmitt
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My kids are grown, but I remember the first time I had to hire a babysitter. I think I wrote a book on what to do, what not to do, etc. I could have used this printable back then to condense my instructions.
I understand Alli. The first time I left my kids, I left an entire binder of information! Apparently, I thought it was critical for the sitter to have all of their medical histories, insurance cards, and a map to the nearest urgent care along with every detail of their routines.
Some people may think it to be an information overload but I strongly agree a babysitter needs to get as much information as possible to ensure both she/he and the kids bond well and have a stress free time while Mom and Dad are out.
I remember when I used to babysit how the kids would make up all sorts of things (my bedtime is midnight, my parents always let me have Oreos as a snack). For me, having a sheet like this is a quick and easy way for me to jot down the most important stuff for the sitter without overloading them (though I’m sure you are right that some might think even this is a bit too much).
I really wish I would have had something like this when my daughter was young. I would just jot things down and I was never sure if the sitter knew where to find all of my notes! Love the idea of a binder!
Great info! Is it weird to say that I’m 22 and never had a babysitter? My babysitter was always my big sister (saved my mom a few bucks!) I guess since my mom, sister and I are so close, my mom never really left us alone growing up. It was always the three musketeers hanging out!
Rare maybe, but not weird. I think that’s amazing and wonderful that your family is so close and that it was necessary for you to have a sitter. Heartwarming!
I had some un-easy moments when I was a teen babysitter and I’ve always tried to keep in mind what i needed when I babysat for the times when we’ve used sitters
I usually just get my older children to watch the younger ones. It’s free and easy for me. But those are some great looking planners. I would use them if I had too.
I was a babysitter when I was younger, and then when I had my own kids, I left them with a sitter frequently. A few years later, I have a 4 year old that has never been with a sitter, but I’m a SAHM so it’s not really an issue. This printable is awesome. I’ll be sharing it with my friends. Thank you!
This is so great! I love printables like these. I totally need to update my family binder.
This is such a nice printable babysitter form. I have never hired one but I used to take care of a friend’s daughter.
Thank you for sharing this I will not only use if for this but also because I do watch others children as well and I find that this will be useful to get their information so that all is well. These are so helpful.
The information would really help guide the baby sitter while you are away. They would have easy access on where to contact you and how to manage things.
Clear, concise directions are important for the visiting care-giver and peace of mind for the parents.
This is a great way to remember all the information the sitter needs. It always seems in the rush to get out the door I forget to tell the sitter something important.
This is a great idea and would put my mind at rest if I was going out and needed a sitter. Mine are still too young for a sitter but I’m going to do this for when they are older!
What a great check list! Perfect to keep on the fridge!
Great idea for a printable! I need to print this out and give it to my sister for her kids.
If only the parents who hired my daughters to babysit had used your checklist! You’ve got every important area covered. My girls can babysit for you anytime, Corinne.
I was a teen babysitter, but I have never hired one. This is a great printable to have.
That is a cool form, I do not have kids yet but i have been fortunate to come from a large family where our extended family were our sitters and knew us from birth.
You are fortunate! As a military family, we have always lived far from our immediate family and often had to rely on people we only knew through recommendations. Thanks for stopping by!
Love this! It’s so hard leaving your kids with someone but this would make it a little easier! Thanks for sharing on the Momma Told Me Link Party!
~Jen
This just what I needed. Thank you so much for the information form to leave my babysitter.