Hiring a babysitter is a rite of passage for parents, offering a much-needed break and a chance to recharge. In the rush to get out the door, you probably run through the basics: emergency numbers, bedtime routines, and where the snacks are. However, your responsibility to a caregiver—who is also your temporary employee—goes beyond these courtesies. In fact, there are several pieces of information you are legally and ethically required to provide to ensure the safety of both your child and the sitter. Neglecting these disclosures could, in a worst-case scenario, expose you to legal liability.
1. Known Medical Conditions
This is arguably the most critical piece of information you must share. You are required to tell a babysitter about any known medical conditions your child has, such as severe allergies, asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy. This includes providing clear instructions on what to do in an emergency, where medication is located, and the correct dosage. Withholding this information could be considered negligence if the child suffers a medical event while in the sitter’s care.
2. Any and All Allergies
Beyond diagnosed conditions, you must disclose any known allergies, especially to food, medication, or insect stings. If your child has a severe allergy, you need to explain the symptoms of a reaction and demonstrate how to use an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen) if one is prescribed. The potential for anaphylactic shock is serious, and failing to provide this information is a massive breach of your duty of care.
3. Emergency Contact Information
Providing a list of emergency contacts is a standard practice, but it’s also a fundamental requirement. You must provide reliable ways to reach you or another responsible adult throughout your absence. You should also include the numbers for poison control, the family doctor, and trusted neighbors. In an emergency, a sitter needs to be able to get in touch with someone who can make decisions, and it’s your job to tell a babysitter exactly who to call.
4. The Presence of Firearms in the Home
If there are firearms in your home, you have a legal and moral obligation to inform your babysitter. You must tell them where the firearms are located and confirm that they are stored safely, unloaded, and locked away, with ammunition stored separately. This information is vital for preventing tragic accidents. A sitter has a right to know about this potential hazard in their work environment.
5. The Presence of Security Cameras
In many states, it is illegal to record someone without their consent in places where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as a bathroom or a live-in nanny’s bedroom. You must tell a babysitter if you have security cameras (“nanny cams”) inside your home. Being transparent about surveillance is not just a courtesy; it’s a legal requirement to avoid violating privacy laws.
6. Any Specific Dangers in the Home
Every home has its quirks and potential dangers. You are required to inform a sitter about any known hazards that aren’t immediately obvious. This could include a faulty step, a swimming pool with a tricky gate, a dog that is nervous around strangers, or a door that locks automatically. Pointing out these potential issues is part of providing a safe working environment for the sitter.
7. Your Intended Whereabouts and Return Time
While your plans might change, you need to give the babysitter a clear and honest itinerary. You should tell a babysitter where you are going and provide a realistic estimate of when you will be back. This is crucial for the sitter’s personal safety and planning. If you are running significantly late, you have a responsibility to inform them as soon as possible.
8. Who Else Is Expected at the Home
If you are expecting any other visitors—a grandparent stopping by, a maintenance worker, or another friend—you must let the babysitter know. An unexpected knock at the door can be frightening for a caregiver who is alone with your children. Informing them of who to expect and when prevents unnecessary fear and confusion. It ensures they don’t accidentally open the door to a stranger.
9. Payment Details and “Working Hours”
As an employer, you are required to be clear about the terms of employment. This means agreeing on an hourly rate and method of payment beforehand. You also need to define the “working hours”—when their responsibility begins and when it ends. This prevents disputes and ensures you are complying with basic labor practices for household employees. You must tell a babysitter these terms before they accept the job.
Creating a Safe Environment for All
Being a responsible employer to your babysitter is just as important as being a good parent. Clear and honest communication is the bedrock of a safe and trustworthy relationship. By ensuring you tell a babysitter all the necessary information, you not only comply with your legal obligations but also create an environment where they can provide the best and safest possible care for your children.
Parents, what is the one piece of information you always make sure to tell a new babysitter? Share your essential tips in the comments.
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Latrice is a dedicated professional with a rich background in social work, complemented by an Associate Degree in the field. Her journey has been uniquely shaped by the rewarding experience of being a stay-at-home mom to her two children, aged 13 and 5. This role has not only been a testament to her commitment to family but has also provided her with invaluable life lessons and insights.
As a mother, Latrice has embraced the opportunity to educate her children on essential life skills, with a special focus on financial literacy, the nuances of life, and the importance of inner peace.