Okay, you have made your babysitter go through the interview process and feel comfortable that you have chosen a reliable person to care for your child while you are not available. If you want to make sure that the babysitter is properly prepared for any situation that might happen, you should present them with a checklist that outlines all the rules you wish to implement, as well as exhaustive safety and contact information in case of emergencies.

Safety

If your child is baby and you have child-safety measures such as stair gates installed in your home, ensure that your babysitter is aware of their existence and make sure that they are always in use. Tell the babysitter never to open the door to someone she doesn't know and to make sure all doors and windows are locked at all times. If you allow with your children playing in the front or back yard, ask your sitter to keep a watchful eye on them in all circumstances.

Food and Food Allergies

If your babysitter is not able to cook food, have food already prepared for your children when she comes in. Tell her on what time she must feed the children, as well as instructions on the portion size each child requires. It is also important to tell her of any food allergies your children may have, regardless of whether of who will be preparing their food. You can also tell your sitter what she can and can't take out of the freezer and fridge.

Contact and Emergency Information

Provide detailed contact list for your sitter in case of an emergency. Write down the names and phone numbers of anyone the babysitter should contact in case she is not able to reach you. Your list should include family members, friends and neighbours. If your child has any particular health problem you should also include the phone number of your child's doctor. Instruct the babysitter to call 911 in case of emergency and then call you immediately.

Visitors Policy

Make it crystal clear from day one what your policy is regarding visitors. If you know the babysitter for a long time and know who her guests are, then you might feel comfortable to allow them staying with the babysitter for company. In any other case, it is highly advisable not to authorize visitors. Even the sitter's strongest guarantees and promises cannot be held up against the safety of your child/children, and it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Written Reminders

If you are using a certain babysitter for the first time, then it’s appropriate to leave a few post-it notes around the house and a note on the fridge with a copy of your checklist. Notes should be placed on the doors to rooms where you don't want the babysitter to enter. You may also place instructions for the preparation of food on cupboards. This may seem to be redundant, but repeated information will contribute to ensure the safety of the children.