Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Babysitter Instruction Sheet: Free Printable Guide for Ages 2 to 4
- ForAges 2 to 4
- StageKey Stage 3
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Babysitter Instruction Sheet is a free printable guide for Ages 2 to 4 in Early Years. A grown up fills it in before going out, so the sitter has the key information about a young child's routine, needs and contacts. It needs only paper and a pencil, and it is screen free.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. It is two A4 pages. Page 1 is the sheet to fill in. Page 2 is for the grown up, with notes, help and a stretch idea. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
The sheet is a table with two columns, About and Write here. A grown up fills it in before going out. The sitter then has the child's routine, needs and contacts on one page. Children aged 2 to 4 cannot write it themselves, but they can take part by choosing a bedtime story, talking about their favourite things and watching you get ready for the sitter.
- About
- Write here
What a good sitter sheet needs
Routine
Write down what a normal evening looks like. Include mealtimes, bath time, bedtime and any comfort habits, such as a night light or a particular blanket.
Needs
Say clearly what the sitter must know. This covers allergies, medicine, foods to avoid, toilet habits and anything that upsets your child.
Contacts
Give phone numbers for you, a second trusted adult and, if you wish, the child's doctor. Say where you will be and when you expect to be home.
Settling tips
Note what helps your child calm down. A favourite book, a song or a cuddly toy can make the first few minutes much easier for everyone.
Why a written sheet helps
When you are leaving the house, it is easy to forget to mention something. A written sheet means the sitter does not have to rely on your memory or theirs. It is also useful if the sitter is a grandparent, a friend or someone new who does not know your child's habits.
Young children feel safer when evenings follow a pattern they know. If the sitter keeps to the same order of events, your child is more likely to settle. The sheet is also a good prompt for you. Filling it in makes you think about what really matters, such as allergies and phone numbers.
Write allergies and medicine instructions clearly, and copy them exactly from the label or from advice given by a doctor or pharmacist. Check every phone number is correct. In an emergency in the UK, the sitter should call 999. Adults give any medicine, never the child.
Skills and curriculum link
- Planning
- Routines
- Safety
- Clear writing
- Checking details
Tips for filling it in
- Be specificWrite "bedtime story, then lights out" rather than "usual bedtime". A new sitter does not know what usual means.
- Put safety firstPlace allergies, medicine and emergency contacts where they are easy to see. Do not bury them in a long note.
- Keep it shortA sitter will read a few clear lines. A long page might be skimmed, so choose the details that matter most.
- Test the numbersRing or text each number you have written. A wrong digit is easy to miss and hard to fix in a hurry.
Key words
- RoutineThe things we do in the same order each day, such as bath, story and bed.
- SitterA person who looks after children while their parents are out.
- AllergyWhen the body reacts badly to something, such as a certain food.
- MedicineSomething a doctor or pharmacist gives to help someone feel better. Only adults give it.
- ContactA person you can phone or message to get help or information.
- EmergencyA serious situation where help is needed straight away.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is the sheet to fill in. Keep page 2 for yourself.
- Sit down with your child and tell them a sitter is coming. Explain in simple words that the sheet helps the sitter look after them.
- Fill in the table with clear writing. Take extra care with allergies, medicine and phone numbers.
- Check each number and instruction against the notes on page 2. Ask a second adult to read it if you can.
- Leave the sheet where the sitter will see it, and use it again next time. Update it whenever things change.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Add a recent photo or your child's favourite book to help the sitter settle them. A familiar picture or story gives the sitter something to talk about and gives your child something comforting to point to.
To stretch confident children
Add the house address and the nearest neighbour's name. This helps if the sitter ever needs to tell someone where they are. Check the details are written clearly and are easy to read.
Make it a game
Let your child choose a bedtime story to put at the top of the sheet. Ask them to point to the book on the shelf. It gives them a part in the plan and something to look forward to.
Talk about it
- Who is coming to look after you tonight?
- What happens first in your bedtime, and what happens last?
- Which story would you like to choose for the sitter to read?
- What helps you feel calm when you are sleepy?
- Who are the grown ups we can call if we need help?
- What is your favourite toy, and where does it live?
Take it off the page
Bedtime picture strip
Draw or stick pictures of the bedtime steps in order, such as bath, pyjamas, story and bed. Talk through each picture with your child.
Teddy goes to bed
Let your child put a toy to bed using the same routine. They tell the toy what happens next, which helps them remember the order.
Story choosing
Pick three favourite books together. Let your child choose one for the sitter to read, and put the others back on the shelf.
Who it is for
Parents
Fill this in a day or two before you go out, not at the door. Involve your child by letting them choose a story. Keep a copy on the fridge for next time.
Teachers
Early Years settings can use it as a template for families, for a visiting adult, or as a model when talking about routines and safe adults. It needs no preparation beyond printing.
Home educators
Home educators can use it as a real life writing and planning task for the adult, while the child joins in with talk and choices. It also works well when grandparents or friends help out.
Where this fits
Before this sheet, young children learn about daily routines and about the trusted adults who look after them. Talking about what happens next in the day helps them feel secure, and that makes it easier to accept a new sitter.
After this, children can begin to learn simple safety steps. These include knowing their own name, knowing who a trusted adult is and telling someone when they feel unwell or upset. A sheet like this one can be kept and updated as your child grows.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Babysitter Instruction Sheet for?
It is written for Ages 2 to 4 in Early Years. The grown up fills it in, while the child can help by choosing a story or talking about their evening.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again whenever you need a fresh copy, for example when routines, medicine or phone numbers change.
- Who fills it in?
A parent or carer fills it in before going out. Children aged 2 to 4 are too young to complete it, but they can join in by choosing a bedtime story for the top of the sheet.
- What should I write about medicine?
Write exactly what the label or your doctor or pharmacist says. Make it clear and easy to read. Adults give medicine, and the sitter should ask you if anything is unclear.
- Can nursery staff and teachers use it?
Yes. Early Years staff can use it as a template to share with families or as a model when talking about routines and safe adults. It needs no preparation beyond printing.
- Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. Colour is not needed, so you can print it quickly at home or at school.
- Is this a screen free activity?
Yes. It is a screen free printable that needs only paper and a pencil. You can keep it on the fridge or by the phone so the sitter finds it easily.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.