The babysitter care card checklist
By The Baby Care Cards teamUpdated 6 min read
Short answer
A babysitter care card should cover seven things: who the child is, feeding, daily routine, nap and bedtime, medication, emergency contacts, and the pediatrician's name, phone and address. Write it in that order so a sitter can find what they need in seconds, and leave one copy visible in the home plus a shareable digital copy.
Most babysitting problems are not caused by bad sitters. They are caused by missing information: nobody wrote down that the stair gate sticks, that the last bottle should be smaller before bed, or that the pediatrician's line closes at noon on Saturdays.
This checklist is the same structure Baby Care Cards uses, and you can work through it in about two minutes per child.
1. Who the child is
Start with the basics a stranger cannot guess: name, age, allergies, and temperament. Age matters because it changes everything from portion size to bedtime. Temperament tells the sitter what normal looks like.
- Name, nickname and a recent photo
- Age, allergies and any medical conditions
- Weight (approximate is fine, useful if a pediatrician asks)
- Personality notes: shy with strangers, scared of the vacuum, comfort object needed to settle
- Preferred way to be comforted when upset
2. Feeding
Be specific about amounts and containers. "A bit of milk" means nothing to someone who has never made your child's bottle.
- Formula or food brand and where it is stored
- Amount per feed or meal, in ounces or grams
- Number of feeds/meals and the times
- Snacks: which ones, how many per day
- Foods to avoid, including choking hazards and known allergens
- Cup or bottle preferences and how to warm a bottle safely
3. Daily routine
Routine is what keeps a small child calm while you are away. Write the shape of the day rather than an exact schedule.
- Nap times and typical length
- Diaper change or bathroom routine
- Playtime and what they actually enjoy
- Bedtime routine, in order, step by step
- Screen time rules and any household limits
4. Medication
List only what your pediatrician has already prescribed: the name, the dose exactly as written on the label, when it is given, and how. Note where the medication is stored and what to do if a dose is missed.
5. Emergency information
This section should be visually separate from everything else so it can be found under stress.
- Your phone number, plus a second contact who can make decisions
- Pediatrician's clinic name, phone number and full address
- Nearest urgent care or children's emergency room
- Any spending authorisation you want to give in writing
- Known conditions, allergies and reactions
6. House details the sitter will need
- Where diapers, wipes, spare clothes and cleaning supplies live
- Alarm codes, door locks and parking instructions
- Anything that is off limits, including rooms or stairs
7. Leave it in two places
Print one copy and leave it on the fridge or by the changing table, and share a digital copy so the sitter has it on their phone when they are out for a walk. A QR code taped near the door covers both.
Frequently asked questions
- How much detail is too much for a babysitter?
- If a detail changes what the sitter does, include it. If it only explains why, leave it out. One page per child is a good target, with the emergency section always visible.
- Should I give the sitter permission to authorise medical care?
- Yes, in writing. State a limit you are comfortable with and confirm it with your pediatrician's office, so treatment is not delayed while someone tries to reach you.
- What if I have more than one child?
- Make a separate card for each child. Shared instructions get skimmed, and feeding or nap mix-ups between children are one of the most common sitter mistakes.