It’s time – the children will stay with a sitter while you and your husband get out for a few hours together.  Now what?

Leave your sitter a list of contact numbers so they may reach you at any time.  This list should not just be your cell phone number, as they are known to not work when you need it the most.  Be sure to include the number or numbers of the places you plan to be.  Also, leave a number or two of a local person they may call if they cannot reach you, such as a relative or close friend.

Leave your sitter with all necessary information they may need in case of emergency.  The list should include the local emergency number(s), your home phone number and the street address.  It is always better to be over-prepared than under.

If your children are allergic to anything or have a medical condition that needs to be cared for or watched, be sure to verbalize this to your sitter as well as leave them with a written list of what needs to be done, what the child is allergic to and so on.  They sitter will feel better if they are knowledgeable and prepared.

Finally, leave your sitter a list of “normal” activities, like bedtimes and bedtime rituals, rules that need to be followed, foods that can be eaten or any information that will help them “run” the household while you are gone.    Also, if your sitter is to feed your children dinner, be sure the sitter is comfortable cooking if that is something you expect of them.  If not, be sure you have something easy for them to feed the children, even if it comes out of the microwave.

There are many websites out there that have printable babysitter checklists if that would make planning for your night out easier.  A simple search for “babysitter checklist” will yield a variety of lists, some printable, others customizable, so don’t feel you need to start from scratch – use the tools on the internet to help you get the perfect list for you and your family.