Your baby with a trusted person - care card and PDF checklist
When someone close to you takes over care, it helps to go through everyday tasks and your baby's current needs together. This checklist is for a baby in the first year. The PDF card is for handwritten arrangements; it is not legal authorisation, a treatment plan or first aid instructions.
Demonstrate arrangements in practice
Talking alone can be too general. Show where things are, how equipment works and what your day currently looks like. Ask the carer what they would like to practise or clarify. This is a good time to establish whether they can provide care suited to your baby's needs and when extra help is needed.
Shared rules include sleep and feeding
Carers may have different experiences. Go through the sleeping space and agreed feeding method together. Do not add pillows, loose objects or new products just because someone used them in the past. For particular medical needs, follow the treating professional's current written plan.
A backup contact is part of the plan
Note someone who will be available if the parent cannot answer the phone. The carer should know the exact address and how to call local help. In a life-threatening emergency, do not wait for the parent to call back. Discuss first aid training too; a written card does not teach resuscitation or how to manage choking.
The card is private and needs updating
Print the additional PDF page and complete it by hand for a trusted person. Include only the information needed for this care. Keep the card secure, do not publish a photo of it and update arrangements when your baby's needs change. Handing over the card does not replace checking local care requirements or any authorisation needed.
Preparation checklist
Before the first time caring alone
- Spend time together with your baby; demonstrate everyday tasks and make sure the carer understands your baby's current needs.
- Agree the times, care location, how to contact the parent and a trusted backup person.
- Share current information about allergies, particular needs and where the written plan recommended by a professional is kept.
- Discuss first aid preparation and training opportunities; the card alone does not replace skills or a practical course.
Demonstrate feeding, sleep and the surroundings
- Show the agreed way to feed, prepare and store feeds; do not introduce new foods or products without agreement.
- Prepare a separate, suitable cot with a firm, flat mattress and no pillows or loose objects; place your baby on their back to sleep.
- Show the changing supplies and clean clothes; remind the carer about constant supervision around water and on raised surfaces.
- Check the exits together. Put small objects, batteries, medicines and chemicals out of your baby's reach.
Agree actions and how to share information
- Leave the care location's address, the local emergency number and contacts who can actually help.
- Agree when to call the parent straight away and when to call local emergency services immediately without waiting for permission.
- Discuss responding to crying: never shake a baby; if overwhelmed, place them safely in the cot and ask for support.
- Share when your baby last fed, slept and had a nappy change; afterwards, briefly discuss important events and changes.
Questions to discuss with a professional
- Which particular needs must we tell the carer about?
- Is the feeding, sleep and any treatment plan up to date and clear?
- What skills and emergency preparation should the carer have?
Frequently asked questions
Is this card consent for treatment or formal authorisation?
No. It helps with the everyday sharing of information. Check any authorisations and requirements with the relevant organisation and under local regulations.
Can the carer change feeding or medicines independently?
Agree the current plan. Do not add new foods or medicines on the basis of the card. Treatment requires clear, current instructions and preparation of the person who will follow them.
Can I fill in the card on the OutletBaby website?
No. Download the PDF, then print the private card and complete it by hand. The checklist tick boxes work in a reader that supports forms. Do not send us your baby's details or the contacts written on the card.
Private care handover card
Print and complete by hand. Give only to a trusted person, including essential details. This is a card for everyday arrangements, not a treatment plan or legal authorisation.
- Baby, date and care times
- Parent: phone number and available backup contact
- Care location address and local emergency number
- Feeding: agreed plan and where feeds are stored
- Sleep: location and current routine
- Allergies, particular needs and where the current medical plan is kept
- Last feed, sleep and nappy change at handover
- Important events during care and information to share on return
Keep the completed card secure. Update it when things change; do not publish a photo of it. In an emergency, call local emergency services without waiting for the parent's permission.
How to use this checklist
Tick the points you have discussed or prepared and add your own arrangements. Ticking a box does not confirm safety, health status or completion of a medical procedure. Revisit the checklist as your family's needs change.
Sources and updates
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren - Babysitting Reminders: Checklist for Parents & Sitters
- NHS Best Start in Life - Safer sleep
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren - How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained
- NHS - Baby and toddler safety
- NHS - Soothing a crying baby
- NHS - When to get urgent medical help for babies and children under 5