Writing medication instructions for a babysitter
By The Baby Care Cards teamUpdated 5 min read
Short answer
Copy each medication exactly as your pediatrician labelled it: medication name, dose, how often, how it is given, and start and end dates. Add where it is stored, what to do about a missed or spat-out dose, and the pediatrician's number to call with questions. Never ask a babysitter to judge a dose.
The app does not provide medical advice or recommend medications or dosages. It only helps parents organize instructions they provide. Always follow your pediatrician.
Medication is the part of child care where vague notes cause real harm. The goal is a babysitter who never has to interpret anything.
Copy the label, do not paraphrase
Write the medication name, strength and dose exactly as printed on your pediatrician's label, including the units. If the label says half a teaspoon, say half a teaspoon and note which measuring device to use.
One line per medication
- Medication name and strength
- Dose, exactly as labelled
- Times of day, written as clock times
- With food or without
- How it is given: liquid, chewable, drops
- Start and end date, if the course ends
- Where it is stored, including anything refrigerated
Make the timing unmissable
Attach medication to something the caregiver already does, such as the evening meal. A reminder on their phone plus a written schedule works better than either alone.
Missed and refused doses
Ask your pediatrician in advance what to do if a dose is missed or the child spits it out, and write down their answer. Then the babysitter follows your pediatrician's instruction rather than guessing.
When to call
- Two or more missed doses
- Vomiting shortly after a dose
- Any new symptom after a medication change
- Anything the babysitter is unsure about
Hand over the actual packaging
Leave the medication in its original labelled container. It confirms your written notes and gives a pediatrician everything they need if something goes wrong.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I ask a babysitter to give an epinephrine auto-injector?
- Only if they have agreed, are comfortable doing it, and have been shown how by you or a medical professional. Confirm it before booking rather than on the day, and always call emergency services after use.
- What should the babysitter do if unsure about a dose?
- They should not give it and should call your pediatrician's office, which is why the clinic number belongs on the same page as the medication list.