🧺 The First Sit Checklist: What to Leave (and What to Leave Out)
So you’ve booked your first Sit Session… now what?
You’ve confirmed your sitter, triple-checked the date, and maybe even considered colour-coding the pantry. (We see you.)
Before you spiral into “I should reorganise the toy box” mode — pause. Take a deep breath. This isn’t an open-house inspection. It’s a babysit. And at Sit Happens, we don’t judge laundry piles — we just high-five your bedtime notes. 💚
Here’s everything you actually need to prep — and all the stuff you can officially stop stressing about.
✅ What to Leave Out for Your Sitter
🍼 The Essentials
The key to a smooth sit is clarity, not clutter.
Here’s your starter pack for success:
🏠 Emergency contacts: Include your mobile, the backup parent/carer, and one local contact (just in case your phone dies mid-dessert).
🛌 Bedtime routine: Keep it simple — “Brush, book, bed. Two songs max.”
🍏 Snacks: Kids get hungry at weird times. Leave a few easy options out.
🚫 Allergies + quirks: Mention anything off-limits or meltdown-triggering.
📶 Wi-Fi password: Trust us. We’ll need it for bedtime stories or Bluey backups.
🧸 Nice-to-Haves
If you’re feeling extra:
📋 Quick “house tour” (“Toilet’s down the hall, snacks on the counter.”)
🕹️ List of approved games/shows
🐶 Pet instructions (“The cat thinks she’s the boss — she’s right.”)
🚫 What Not to Worry About
Let’s make this official: you do not need to apologise for any of the following — ever.
A messy house. We call it “lived-in chic.”
A fridge full of leftovers.
A child who refuses to wear pants.
Crayon murals on the wall.
You calling twice to check in (we’ve all done it).
Your sitter’s not here to judge your cleaning standards or your snack drawer. We’re here to make sure your little legend is safe, comfy, and maybe even asleep when you get home.
🧾 Optional (But Fun) Extras
If you want bonus points, try these cute touches:
✍️ A “Welcome Note”
A quick scribble on the fridge with:
Wi-Fi password
Bedtime time
Where to find nappies
Your favourite snack (because sharing is caring)
💚 “All About My Kid” Card
Print or scribble one out with:
Name + age
Fave snacks / toys / shows
Comfort items
Words or routines that calm them down
(Psst — you’ll get a free printable in our upcoming First Sit Guide!)
🌙 The Don’t-Overthink Rule
Parents across Geelong, Armstrong Creek, and Mount Duneed all say the same thing after their first sit: “I can’t believe I worried so much.”
Kids adapt faster than we expect. And our sitters? They’re professionals — with Working With Children Checks, First Aid, police clearances, and endless patience for bedtime negotiations.
So, skip the stress cleaning. Light a candle. Put on shoes that don’t have Play-Doh on them. You’ve earned this.
🎉 Bonus: The Sit Happens Sitter Survival Kit
If you really want to go above and beyond (and honestly, we love you for it):
A snack or drink for the sitter 🍪
The remote in plain sight 📺
Emergency chocolate stash 🍫 (no explanation needed)
That’s it. No labels, no laminating. Promise.
💚 Ready to Book Your First Sit Session?
By the time you get home, your sitter will have the bedtime story handled, the dishes stacked, and your mini legends dreaming.
All that’s left? You, a couch, and sweet, sweet silence.
👉 [Book Your Sit Session → /book]
👉 [Join the Waitlist → /waitlist]
👉 [Download the Free First Sit Checklist PDF → /first-sit-guide]
Because we give a sit — so you don’t have to give up your Friday night.