6 tips for leaving your toddler with a babysitter |

Last Updated on April 18, 2024

Ryan was about 2 years old when I first left him with a babysitter. I remember being a little bit nervous about the whole thing, whilst at the same time being so excited that I was finally able to take some time out for myself and Nick.

Despite all my conflicting thoughts, it was the best thing I could have done. Not only because it forced Ryan to have to rely on someone other than me to care for him, but also because everyone needs some kid free time, in order to recharge and do something for themselves or their relationships.

If you like the idea of hiring a babysitter for a short or even long amount of time, then here are 6 things to prepare your toddler for a babysitters arrival, so the time away from them is a smooth one for everyone.

CREATE A BABYSITTER CHECKLIST

Whenever a new babysitter comes to watch Ryan, I always create a babysitter checklist.

A babysitter checklist is a list detailing anything that the babysitter may need to know about Ryan’s routines or favourite things to do, so they are prepared for any request Ryan may have.

Here are some of the things I include on my babysitter checklist.

Meal times and what the meals are. I make sure all meals are either in the fridge or on the kitchen table, and make sure any heating instructions are detailed
Where snacks are located
How to get Ryan to nap and what times
If the babysitter needs to put Ryan to bed, then I leave details on Ryan’s bedtime routine including whether or not milk is needed and what books Ryan likes read prior to bed
A list of favourite toys or games that the babysitter can play if Ryan gets bored or needs to be distracted
Where nappies, wipes, bags, comforters, tea, coffee, and the bin is located
I always leave mine and Nick’s contact details and the number of where we are going just in case they need to contact us urgently

MAKE SURE THE BABYSITTER HAS ENOUGH SUPPLIES

Prior to leaving your toddler with a babysitter, make sure you have plenty of the following in stock and details of where they are located:

Snacks
Nappies and wipes
Spare clothes

LET YOUR TODDLER ADJUST TO THE BABYSITTER BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Let your toddler adjust to the babysitter before you leave them. You can get your toddler to adjust to a babysitter by having the babysitter arrive at your house 30 minutes before you need to leave so you can go run them through your babysitter checklist, answer any questions they have, and then let your toddler play with them for a little bit so you and your toddler feel more at ease.

If it looks like your toddler is happy and adjusting well, say goodbye to them and leave.

If you feel like your toddler won’t like you saying goodbye and leaving, then sneak out and feel confident that the babysitter will be able to deal with any upset that may happen.

Not all exits are successful. When I first started using a babysitter, Ryan loved having someone new to play with and didn’t care less that Nick and I had left him with someone he just met.

Other times I’ve heard him cry as I’ve left, and as heartbreaking as it is, you need to have confidence that the babysitter knows what they are doing and eventually your toddler will stop crying and have fun.

The most important thing is that once you’ve left the house, don’t go back in.

START WITH SHORT TIMES AWAY

If you’re not sure how your toddler will adjust to being left with a babysitter, then make your first couple of outings short and local.

Once you feel more confident that your toddler is happy to be left with a babysitter, then start to go out for longer periods of time further away from home.

If your first couple of shorter local outings don’t go as planned and your toddler didn’t handle your absence too well, don’t despair. Just try a few more short and local sessions with your babysitter until your toddler gets used to being cared for by someone other than you.

ENJOY YOUR TIME AWAY

There is nothing your babysitter hasn’t experienced, so trust that they can handle anything your toddler throws their way, and enjoy your non-parenting time away.

Having time away from your toddler is just as important for you as it is for them. It allows them to get used to having someone else meet their needs, and forces them to be a little more independent. And for you, it means you can finally do something for yourself and your partner.

What tips do you have for leaving your toddler with a babysitter?

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