First Time Having a Babysitter? How to Be Prepared
First Time Having a Babysitter? How to Be Prepared
Hiring a babysitter for the first time can be a big milestone for your family. It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves — after all, you’re inviting someone new into your home to care for your most precious people. With the right preparation, you can leave feeling confident and return to happy kids. TLC for Kids connects families with experienced, carefully screened babysitters, so you can focus on enjoying your time away.
Before the Babysitter Arrives
- Organize the environment: Make it clear which rooms and areas are for play, and which are off-limits. Remove breakables and put away hazardous items like cleaning supplies.
- Gather essentials: Keep pajamas, diapers/pull-ups, wipes, bottles, pacifiers, bedtime books, and snacks in one spot so the sitter doesn’t have to search.
- Safety check: Secure doors and windows, check that smoke detectors are working, and lock up medicine cabinets. If you have pets, decide whether they’ll be in the same space or safely separated.
What Instructions to Leave
A written guide is invaluable, even for experienced sitters:
- Your information: Cell phone number, backup contact, home address (for emergencies).
- Schedule: Include normal routines — meals, naps, baths, and bedtimes — plus any evening rules about screen time or dessert.
- Food guidance: Approved snacks, portion sizes, allergies, and any dietary restrictions.
- House rules: Indoor/outdoor boundaries, neighborhood rules, and any “non-negotiables” (like no roughhousing near the stairs).
- Emergency plan: Pediatrician contact, location of first aid kit, and any medication details (with exact dosages).
TLC Tip: Even if you’ve written it all down, walk your sitter through the highlights before you leave. Seeing you explain routines confidently helps both the sitter and your child feel secure.