We are getting ready to have our first date night without baby, and I am nervous as hell. Not because I need to find a qualified sitter – my friend is an early childhood development teacher, and already a dream with Little I – I’m just nervous because I’m a mom now and apparently its an added bonus. I decided to put together a list of EVERYTHING a sitter may need so I feel like Sarah is entirely equipt to answer any Iris related question and Justen and I can have two hours dedicated to our relationship.
Very rarely do I use paper, so my list is a note on my iPhone this way I can send that sucker to whoever may need it. Here is everything I remember needing as a babysitter and more:
- Justen and my full names, birth date, and cell numbers
- Restaurant or venue + contact info just in case we can’t be reached on our phones
The approximate time we will be home - Home address
- Kiddo’s name, age, and birth date
- Allergies and instructions for dispensing medications
- Non-emergency info (for when 911 isn’t necessary)
- Fire
- Ambulance
- Police
- Poison Control
- Emergency info (for if Justen or I don’t pick up the phone or we are out of town for an extended period of time)
- Local Contact (Neighbor or Friends) names, numbers, and addresses. So your sitter has someone to turn to in case of minor mishaps, such as a pet that gets loose or a power outage.
- Doctor and Hospital Phone Number
- Kiddo’s Insurance Info
- Mealtime info – How to work the bottle warmer, how much breastmilk to warm up per feeding, allergies, etc.
- Bedtime info – Bedtime routines and how to work the TV for sitter downtime once baby has gone to bed.
- Nearest hospital
- Nearest pharmacy
We know that things like a tour of the house aren’t quite practical for a written list so here is a list of things that we will talk through with our sitter before we head out for the evening:
- Tour of the house – locations of essentials – bottles, baby’s room, bathrooms, etc.
- Entrances, exits, areas that are off-limits and a fire escape plan
- House rules – how to work the TV, and internet; visitor policy, discipline policies
- Quick how-to with the bottle warmer and sterilizer (just in case the dog puts the last clean pacifier or teether in his mouth as it falls to the floor)
- Mention of any tips or tricks for soothing (I like the 5 S’s)
I also have a basket in Iris’ room full of some things that may be necessary, but more often than not won’t be needed:
- First aid kit
- Emergency CPR info
- Medical treatment consent forms
- Extra pacifiers, toys, and blankets
- Bath time items – Soap, lotion, towels
Although enjoying your time away as a parent can feel a little wrong with a bit of planning, practice, and detailed notes for your babysitter, the evening out will hopefully feel like a blessing!
Cheers,
Raya
