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Creating a Babysitter Binder
Make life easier for your babysitter (and yourself!) with a comprehensive babysitter binder. Here’s everything you need to include to ensure smooth, stress-free childcare.
Leaving your children with a babysitter can be stressful for everyone involved. One of the best ways to ease that anxiety and set your sitter up for success is to create a babysitter binder.
A babysitter binder is a centralized resource that contains all the important information a sitter might need while caring for your children. It eliminates the guesswork, reduces frantic phone calls, and helps your sitter feel confident and prepared.
Here’s exactly what to include in your babysitter binder:
1. Emergency Contact Information
This is the most critical section and should be the very first page.
Include:
- Parents’ cell phone numbers
- Backup emergency contacts (grandparents, nearby friends, neighbors)
- Your home address (yes, even though the sitter is already there—helpful for 911 calls)
- Pediatrician’s name and phone number
- Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
- Nearest hospital/urgent care address and directions
- Family’s health insurance information
Pro Tip: Laminate this page or use a page protector so it’s durable and easy to find in an emergency.
2. Children’s Information
Create a page for each child that includes:
Basic Details:
- Full name and nickname
- Date of birth and age
- Photo (helps sitters match names to faces, especially with multiple kids)
Medical Information:
- Allergies (food, medication, environmental)
- Current medications and dosing instructions
- Medical conditions or special needs
- Any behavioral or sensory considerations
Preferences & Personality:
- Favorite activities and toys
- Comfort items (blanket, stuffed animal, pacifier)
- Things that upset or trigger them
- How they like to be comforted when upset
- Any fears or anxieties
3. Daily Routines & Schedules
Help your sitter maintain consistency with detailed routine information:
Typical Daily Schedule:
- Wake-up time
- Meal and snack times
- Nap schedule (with tips for getting them down)
- Quiet time or screen time rules
- Bedtime routine (step-by-step is helpful!)
Meal Information:
- Approved snacks and meals
- Foods to avoid
- Location of kid-friendly dishes and utensils
- High chair or booster seat instructions
- Any mealtime rules or expectations
Bedtime Routine:
- What time to start winding down
- Bath routine (if applicable)
- Pajama location
- Teeth brushing expectations
- Bedtime story ritual
- Night light, white noise, or other sleep aids
- What to do if they wake up or won’t settle
4. House Rules & Expectations
Be clear about your family’s rules so the sitter can enforce them consistently:
Screen Time:
- How much is allowed and when
- Approved shows/apps
- Where remotes and devices are located
Discipline & Behavior:
- Your approach to discipline (time-outs, redirection, etc.)
- Consequences for misbehavior
- Rewards or positive reinforcement strategies
Safety Rules:
- Which rooms are off-limits
- Visitor policy (can friends come over?)
- Pet handling instructions
General Household:
- Where to find supplies (diapers, wipes, Band-aids, cleaning supplies)
- Thermostat and lighting preferences
- Security system codes (if applicable)
- WiFi password
- TV/entertainment system instructions
5. Approved Activities
Give your sitter ideas to keep kids entertained:
- List of favorite games and toys (and where to find them)
- Craft supplies location
- Books for story time
- Backup ideas for rainy days or meltdowns
- Local parks or playgrounds (with addresses)
- Activities to avoid
6. Important Locations & Instructions
Around the House:
- First aid kit location
- Fire extinguisher location
- Flashlights and batteries
- Fuse box/circuit breaker
- Water shut-off valve
- Emergency exits and evacuation plan
In Case of Emergency:
- Where to go if you need to evacuate
- Spare key location (if applicable)
- Neighbor who can help in a pinch
8. Permission & Preferences
Food & Treats:
- Can sitter give special treats or desserts?
- Any dietary restrictions or preferences
Activities:
- Can they do messy crafts?
- Screen time limits
- Outdoor play parameters
8. Helpful Tips for Your Specific Kids
This is where you share the insider knowledge that makes a sitter’s job easier:
- “Emma gets scared of loud noises—give her a heads up before running the blender”
- “Jack will say he’s not tired, but if you read him three books he’ll fall asleep”
- “Mia loves to help cook—let her stir or pour if you’re making snacks”
- “Owen needs his stuffed bear for naps or he won’t settle”
- “If Lily starts melting down, taking her outside usually helps”
9. Parent Preferences & Communication
When to Call/Text:
- Situations that require immediate contact
- Updates you’d like to receive (bedtime confirmation, meal updates, etc.)
- When NOT to call (unless emergency)
10. Optional but Helpful Additions
Fun Facts About Your Family:
- Special words your toddler uses
- Quirky habits that are normal for your kids
Babysitter Perks:
- “Help yourself to snacks in the pantry”
- “Feel free to watch TV after kids are asleep”
- WiFi password and streaming service info
Maintaining Your Binder
✅ Update it whenever information changes (new medication, updated schedule, etc.) ✅ Review it seasonally to keep it current ✅ Ask sitters for feedback—what info would be helpful that’s missing? ✅ Remove outdated information regularly ✅ Consider creating a simplified “quick reference” sheet for regular sitters who know your family well
What Babysitters Say
We asked our Pinch Sitters what they appreciate most in a babysitter binder:
“I love when parents include their kids’ quirks and personalities—it helps me connect with them faster!” – Sarah
“Emergency contacts and bedtime routines are essential. Knowing exactly what to do helps me feel confident.” – Nikkie
“The best binders have a ‘favorites’ section—favorite songs, books, activities. It’s like a cheat sheet for keeping kids happy!” – Jessica
Ready to book a Pinch Sitter?