How to Prepare Your Kids for Being Dropped Off with Caregivers: Tips and Strategies

The title of this blog alone probably gave you a little anxiety. Choosing to allow your children to be babysat for any length of time can bring some worry and concern especially if it’s for an extended amount of time. “What if they get sick?”, “what if they get hurt?”, “what if they have a hard time sleeping?”. The amount of what ifs and fictional scenarios can almost cause you not to want to leave them (and it’s okay to change your mind), but don’t let fear get in your way. Nine times out of ten, everything will work out and the community you choose to leave your child with (grandparents, friends, family) are more than capable of caring for your child and their needs. Let’s talk about planning for leaving your child. 

Pack

Recently my husband and I were able to take a few days away to celebrate our anniversary. This would be the first time we left all three children for an extended amount of time. Due to me being an over thinker, over planner and over packer, I started making my list and packing a few days before the drop off date. You don’t have to stress out like me, but here are a few recommendations just so you minimize forgetting essential items. 

• Make separate packing list for each child

• Don’t forget to list those special or non- traditional items

• White noise machines

• Favorite blankets or pillows

• Medical machines

• Medicine

• Formula

• Bottles

• Baby food and utensils

• Hair care items

• Wash their clothes a few days ahead so everything will be clean and ready to pack

• Organize their clothes according to days. It could be helpful to the baby sitter if you label the days you want them to wear each outfit. 

• When packing and making your list, think about the day according to morning, afternoon and night. What do they use and need during those segments of the day?

• If there are specific songs, movies or tv shows that calm your child send the link to the caregiver. 

Special instructions

Your child may require special care or there may be certain instructions you want them to follow. Write it out and send it ahead of time. This gives the babysitter time to read the instructions and ask questions. Here are a few things to consider adding:

• There may be a certain way you put your kids to bed that will help them sleep 

• They may have a specific nap time

• Any food allergy

• List specific urgent care centers or hospitals you want  the caregiver to go to just in case of emergencies

• Leave the child’s medical record cards

• How to use medical machines (EpiPen, asthma machines, inhalers, etc.). You also want to make sure to demonstrate it when you drop them off

• I like to send CPR and choking videos for them to review. It’s my belief that all caregivers should be trained in CPR. 

The day has come

The time has finally come to drop off your child with the babysitter. Go over your list again. When you drop your child off, demonstrate any equipment that needs to be operated and go through instructions again.. then leave! Try not to make a big scene about you leaving, you may even want to sneak out. 

Encouragement

Do not be discouraged in leaving your children when you need to. Just be prepared. Remember even when you prepare, you still may forget things and that’s okay. When I dropped off my children, I forgot two major items, my son's jacket and my daughter's favorite blanket. Guess what my parents did, they went out and bought what my kids needed! Your babies will be okay and so will you. Remember as always mommas, YOU GOT THIS!