A babysitter, grandparent or new caregiver needs a lot of information quickly. A short binder answers their questions before they need to call, and makes sure the important details are never left to memory.
Contacts first
- Parents’ phone numbers and where you will be
- A backup local contact
- Emergency number, Poison Control (in the US, 1-800-222-1222), the doctor and the nearest hospital
- Your home address written out, for calling emergency services
Each child’s page
- Allergies and medical conditions, with what to do
- Medicines, doses and times, if the caregiver is giving any
- Bedtime routine, comfort items and what helps them settle
- Foods they eat and any foods not allowed
Routines and rules
- Meals and snacks, screen-time rules and bedtime
- Where they can play and with whom
- What to do if a child gets upset, in your family’s words
The house
- Where to find the first aid kit, flashlights and spare keys
- Where the water and power shutoffs are
- Wi-Fi details and how to use the TV
- Pets: food, walks and the vet’s number
Emergency steps
A clear page: call emergency services first, then a parent. Include a meeting place outside the home.
Keep it current
Update it as children grow and print a fresh copy before longer stays. Start with the free family information sheet, which prints the core details on one page.
Adapt these ideas to your household. Organization guidance is general information, not medical, safety or financial advice.
