Consider leaving this information with a babysitter or caregiver when you leave them with your baby.
General
Your planned location(s) and cell phone number(s)
Your home address (in case it's needed by emergency personnel)
Your expected time of return
Baby's Schedule: feeding, sleeping, bathing, frequency of diaper changes
Reasons you'd like the caregiver to contact you: e.g. baby is crying uncontrollably, refuses a bottle, does not fall asleep, falls or bumps into something, seems ill or unwell
What you'd like the babysitter to track: e.g. time and amount of feedings, time and duration of naps, number of diaper changes.
"Rules" (e.g. whether or not caregiver can post your child's photo on social media, off-limit rooms, etc.)
Any considerations for pet care and baby/pet interaction
Feeding
When and approx. how much milk you expect baby to have (# of bottles / amount of milk per bottle)
How to prepare breastmilk or formula
How and where to store unused formula or breastmilk
How to burp baby after bottles
When, what, and approx. how much solid food you expect baby to have
What not to feed baby (choking hazards, allergies, etc.)
How to prepare and feed baby solids
How to wash baby after feeding
Sleep
How to change and/or swaddle baby for sleep
How to prepare baby's room for sleep (monitor, sound machine, etc.)
What to do if baby falls asleep in carseat, stroller, swing or bouncer
COVID-19
Request that baby stays home OR caretaker only takes baby only to specific places
Explain family guidelines for hand-washing/sterilization
Explain family guidelines for interacting with others
Request that caregiver contacts you if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms
In Case of Emergency
Emergency contact (if you cannot reach parents or parents are far from home)
Pediatrician contact number
Poison control number
Insurance information
Nearest hospital
Consider demonstrating the following the first time a caregiver cares for your child:
Changing the baby into a fresh diaper and new clothes.
Safely buckling the baby into carseat, stroller, carrier, high chair, and/or swing or bouncer.
Safely swaddling the baby for sleep and preparing the baby's room for sleep.
Using the monitor.
Any signs or words the baby uses to communicate.
Tricks or tips that help to soothe your baby.
How to take a temperature, and which temperatures are normal vs. a call to parents vs. a call to 911.
How to turn on/off security system or view camera to see who is at front door.
Don't forget to show the caregiver where you keep:
Diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream (if/when it's used)
First aid kit
Thermometer
Spare key
Fire extinguisher
Flashlight (in case of a power outage)
Epipen or other medications if needed
Comments