What to Ask a Babysitter Before Leaving Your Kids
A guide to smooth handovers, calm hearts, and confident goodbyes You’re heading out the door—finally. Maybe it’s a long-overdue dinner date. Maybe it’s a solo trip to Woolies where no one asks for snacks, needs to pee, or shouts “Muuuum!” in every aisle. But just as your hand touches the doorknob… the doubt creeps in. Did I tell her everything? What if she can’t find the nappies? Wait—did I mention the allergy? Even the most seasoned parents feel that little flutter when leaving their little ones with someone new. And we get it. It’s your heart walking around in tiny shoes. You want to be sure they’re safe, happy, and in calm, capable hands. At Coastal Babysitters, we believe peace of mind starts before you ever leave the house. That’s why we’ve pulled together this simple, go-to checklist to help you feel prepared, confident, and calm when handing over care. So… what should you ask your babysitter before leaving? Here are 10 must-ask questions to make sure everyone’s set up for a great (and safe) experience: Have you cared for children this age before? Every age comes with its own rhythm, quirks, and needs—whether it’s a newborn nap schedule or tween-level sass. Do you know where the emergency contacts and first aid kit are? Even if it’s written down, show them. Twice is better than not at all. Are there any allergies or medical needs I should remind you about? A quick repeat never hurts—especially when it comes to health. Are you comfortable with tonight’s bedtime routine? Walk them through your flow—bottle, bath, book, blankie—and let them know what works (and what really doesn’t). How do you usually handle tricky behaviour or tantrums? This gives you insight into their style and whether it aligns with yours. Can I show you around quickly? Where are the wipes? The nightlight? The hidden stash of emergency crackers? A two-minute tour = less stress later. Is your phone charged and do you have signal here? It sounds obvious, but double-check if you’re in a spotty reception area. Do you feel comfortable calling me if anything comes up? Reassure them—nothing’s too small. Open communication builds trust on both sides. What do you like to do with kids to keep them entertained? This gives you a glimpse of their energy, creativity, and how well they’ll connect. Any questions before I go? Give them space to ask anything they might be unsure about. Bonus Tip: Write it once—use it always We recommend creating a simple “Sitter Info Sheet” you can pop on the fridge with things like: Emergency contacts Bedtime routines Allergy info Favourite snacks House quirks (like that bathroom door that never closes right) It’s a small effort that brings big calm—for you and your babysitter. Not sure where to begin? At Coastal Babysitters, our sitters come prepared with everything they need—plus a warm, professional presence that makes handovers feel easy for parents and fun for kids. You deserve to walk out the door with confidence—and come home to smiling kids, a calm sitter, and maybe even a folded load of washing. With love, Orly x
