If you do this once, it's done. Then you can relax and enjoy your time off.

What's obvious to you won't be obvious to a babysitter. She won't know your child's date of birth. She won't automatically remember your address and postcode, or know how to find your house (so won't be able to give directions to the emergency services). If your sitter is an au pair, or foreign student, she mightn't be familiar with dialling 999 in an emergency. Imagine you're in someone else's house - what would you need to know?

MOST IMPORTANT
Where are you? (landline and address.)
Your mobile number.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:
999 for Fire / Police / Ambulance.
Two nearby friends or relatives.
Your doctor's name, number and surgery hours.
Reliable local taxi firm.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS:
What to do in case of emergency.
Your address, postcode and clear directions.
In case of a medical emergency, leave details of your child's name, date of birth, NHS number, blood group, and any allergies or long-term conditions.

WHERE ARE:
Emergency exits.
Fire / Burglar alarms.
First aid supplies.
Keys (and how to lock up.)
Torch and fuse box.
Water / Gas taps.

HOUSE RULES:
What's not allowed in your absence?
How do you want behaviour problems handled?
How much homework - and how long for?
What are your child's favourite games?
What your child is allowed to watch on TV?
What's your child allowed to eat / drink? (Remember to clean teeth after)
What can your babysitter eat / drink?
When's bedtime? and how to enforce it.
Can your sitter use the phone? If so, is there a time limit?
How to use kitchen tools, baby equipment etc.

• Where Can You Find A Reliable Babysitter?
• Babysitters: Caring For Your Child's Carer