A thoughtful babysitting kit is the key to making each babysitting job smooth, fun…and more likely to get you rehired! Having the essentials in your babysitting bag can help you handle any situation that comes up, from fussy babies to particular toddlers. Plus, it shows parents you’re eager and prepared, giving them a boost of confidence.
From fun activities to emergency supplies, these are 10 categories of must-have items to keep in your babysitting kit. Select a few items from each section, making sure to consider the ages of the children you're watching. With these babysitting supplies, the kiddos will be begging you to come back before the job is even over!
1. Games and activities
Keep kids engaged with age-appropriate babysitting games and activities.
What to bring when babysitting infants:
- Crinkle books. Babies can’t resist the fun sound. Plus, you can find them for around $5 and use them for multiple jobs.
- A small mirror for playing a reflection game.
- A shaker or rattle.
What to bring when babysitting toddlers
- Coloring books—consider a theme based on the child’s interests, like monster trucks or ponies.
- Crayons. Make sure they’re washable!
- Large blocks or large-scale LEGOs like Duplo—ideal for toddlers 18 months and up.
- Bubbles, they never get old!
What to bring when babysitting school-aged kids:
- A favorite chapter book that you can read at each job, like Anne of Green Gables.
- Unique outdoor toys, like a jump rope or frisbee, make for great babysitting activities.
2. DIY crafts
Showcase your creativity with hands-on crafts that only require a few simple supplies.
What to bring when babysitting infants:
- A sensory bag containing soft toys or squishy items. (Be sure the bag is properly sealed and always ask the parent before doing any sensory or craft activities with an infant.)
What to bring when babysitting toddlers:
- Egg cartons. These are small enough to include in your babysitting kit and, with just a few household items, turn into a range of DIY crafts—like egg carton caterpillars.
- Cupcake liners. Inexpensive and small, cupcake liners transform into fancy umbrellas, toucans, dinosaurs and more.
What to bring when babysitting school-aged kids:
- Popsicle sticks. Paired with a few household items like glue and markers, you can create popsicle stick picture frames.
- Toss some paper towel rolls into your babysitting kit and put the kids to work creating their own characters. Option to add googly eyes!
3. First aid and emergency supplies
Be prepared for minor scrapes or bumps with a small first aid kit. Consider including:
- Bandages. (Bonus for fun colors and prints. No one can cry with a narwhal bandage!)
- Antibacterial wipes. These are crucial for jobs with multiple kids or during mealtimes.
- Hand sanitizer, for outings and everyday use.
- A burp cloth or towel when babysitting infants.
4. Snacks or treats
No babysitting kit is complete without snacks—just make sure they’re parent-approved first! We recommend bringing only individually-wrapped snacks.
What to bring when babysitting infants:
- Check with the parents before bringing any snacks for infants. Once cleared, consider puffs, cereal or yogurt melts.
What to bring when babysitting toddlers:
- Always check for dietary restrictions. Then, consider cheese crackers, fruit snacks, and cereals.
What to bring when babysitting school-aged kids:
- Ask parents about the children’s favorite snacks and consider surprising them with it. Always check for dietary restrictions. Consider granola bars, cut fruit, and more.
Don’t forget to pack food for yourself! It’s important you stay nourished and energized during your job. For a longer job, pack a lunch. For a shorter job, consider a high-protein snack and be sure to bring plenty of water.
5. A notebook and pen
Stay organized and jot down important details during your shift. Keep track of feeding times, naps, and activities. Plus, write updates at the end of each job. Parents will appreciate you staying off your phone during your shift.
6. Flashcards and educational games
For school-aged kids, pack tools that make learning fun. Consider math or spelling flashcards, simple supplies for science experiments, and activity books with puzzles or crosswords.
7. Seasonal essentials
Every good babysitter plans for the season and the weather.
What to bring:
- Sunscreen and a hat for summer jobs.
- Warm gloves and a scarf for winter gigs.
- A poncho or small umbrella for rainy days.
8. Emergency contact list
A list of important phone numbers and addresses is a critical addition to your babysitting supplies. You can ask the family for a list in advance and keep it handy while on the job. It should include:
- Both parents’ cell phone numbers.
- An emergency back-up contact.
- The family’s address
- Nearby landmarks in case of emergencies.
9. Phone charger or power bank
Making sure your phone stays charged throughout your babysitting job is critical for safety. Arrive with your phone fully charged and bring a phone charger just in case.
10. Your own comfort items
Keeping up with kiddos requires a lot of energy! It’s also important to keep yourself hydrated, nourished, and well-cared for.
What to bring for yourself:
- Plenty of water (or your favorite hydrating beverage!)
- Comfortable shoes. We recommend closed-toed.
- Fresh, comfy socks—especially if the home has a no-shoes policy.
- High-protein, grab-and-go snacks.
- A change of clothes in case of a spill or accident.
What NOT to bring to your babysitting gig
As important as it is to have the right items in your babysitting kit, it’s just as important to leave certain things at home. Be sure to leave these items OUT of your babysitting bag
- Any hazardous or chokeable toys or items, including beaded phone charms or small keychains.
- Remove all jewelry and sunglasses before your job—little hands love to grab these.
- Leave the fragrance, perfume, and body spray off. Most people don’t want a glittery baby.
- Personal distractions—like schoolwork, laptops, iPads, and books.
- Foods with common allergens, like nuts and dairy products.
- Any and all sharp items.
- Vape pens or nicotine items.
- Large bags or messy gear–keep your belongings compact and tidy.
Your babysitting kit: The key to professional success
Now that you have an idea of how to prepare for babysitting, toss your babysitting supplies in a bag and get ready for a stress-free job. Parents will be encouraged when they see how prepared and professional you are, increasing your chances of getting re-booked.
Still need to find babysitting jobs? Create a profile on a top child care app, like SitterTree, and browse jobs in minutes.