Be well prepared
We all know that feeling — you’re halfway out the door, coat half on, and you suddenly remember three things you meant to tell the babysitter. Where’s the first aid kit again? Did you mention the EpiPen? Does she know Milo isn’t allowed on the good sofa?
So we made something to help: a free, one-page printable Babysitting Safety Checklist you can stick on the fridge and run through with your sitter before every booking, alongside the questions to ask before you hire a sitter. No more relying on memory while you’re trying to find your car keys.
What’s on it
It’s simple by design — just tick boxes and a few blanks to fill in once, covering the things that actually matter on the night:
- Emergency contacts — your numbers, a backup contact, your GP, and your address (Eircode included, so help can find you fast)
- Allergies and medical info — including where any medication or auto-injector is kept
- Bedtime routine — so your child’s evening goes the way it normally does
- House rules — screens, snacks, off-limit rooms, no surprise visitors
- Fire safety — smoke alarms, escape routes, and where to meet outside
- First aid — kit location and a quick check of your sitter’s training
- Cameras — a heads-up if you use a baby monitor or indoor camera
- Medication — written down clearly, not just mentioned in passing
- Pet safety — introductions and ground rules, if you’ve got a furry housemate
Basically, everything you’d want your sitter to know, in one place, instead of scattered across a rushed conversation at the door.
Why bother printing it
Because five minutes now saves you from that nagging “did I remember to tell her about the smoke alarm” feeling all night. It also means your sitter isn’t left guessing if something unexpected comes up — they’ll have your number, your GP’s number, and clear instructions right in front of them.
It works just as well for your regular sitter as it does for someone minding your kids for the very first time, whether you are still finding a trustworthy babysitter or already have one you rely on. Print a few copies, keep one handy, and fill it in before each booking — it takes less time than finding a parking spot on your way out.
Download it here
👉 Download the Free Printable Babysitting Safety Checklist (PDF)
Print it, pop it on the fridge, and you’ve got one less thing to worry about before your night out, and read more on babysitting in Ireland when you have a moment.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What should be on a babysitting safety checklist?
A: Include emergency contacts for both parents, a backup adult, your GP and your address with Eircode, plus any allergies and clear medication instructions. Add the location of an EpiPen or auto-injector, the bedtime routine, house rules, the fire escape plan and meeting point, where the first aid kit is, and whether a baby monitor or camera is in use. Writing it down beats rushed verbal instructions on the way out the door.
Q: What emergency number should I leave for a babysitter in Ireland?
A: Leave both 112 and 999. They are Ireland's emergency numbers, are free to call from any phone including a mobile with no credit, and connect to the same service for Garda, ambulance, fire and coastguard. Write your full address and Eircode beside them so the sitter can give the exact location.
Q: Is there a minimum age to babysit in Ireland?
A: There is no legal minimum age to babysit in Ireland, and parents remain legally responsible for their children's safety and welfare. Tusla advises that a babysitter should be over 16, and in practice maturity, experience and first aid knowledge matter more than age alone. Always satisfy yourself that a sitter is genuinely capable before leaving them in charge.
Q: What fire safety information should I give a babysitter?
A: Show the sitter where the smoke alarms are, the quickest way out of the house and an agreed meeting point outside. Irish fire safety advice is to have a working smoke alarm on every level of the home and a simple escape plan that everyone knows. Point out the first aid kit location too.
Q: Should I tell the babysitter about a baby monitor or camera?
A: Yes. Disclose any baby monitor or indoor camera before you leave, so the arrangement stays respectful and there are no misunderstandings. It also lets the sitter use the monitor to keep an ear on a sleeping child.
Source: gov.ie
