It happens. Adults need to go places children can’t. Sometimes we have to, sometimes we just want to. So we get babysitters. Some of us use relatives that are nearby; some of us hire teenagers or young adults to watch our kids. No matter who it is watching our children, if it’s not us, it can be a little nerve wracking. If your child has a food or insect allergy, it’s one more thing to worry about while you are gone, but here are some tips to make it a little easier. Some of these apply to anyone hiring a sitter as well as those with allergies.

• Know your sitter. It’s possible to meet a sitter in an unusual spot (my friend uses a woman who was her regular server in a restaurant), but get a reference. Make sure they have experience and a babysitting training class.
• Have them come over beforehand and spend some time in your home with your children while are you there. It’s a good idea to make this a separate visit. It’s much easier to go over routines and directions when you have time than when you are rushing to get out the door.
• Very seriously and specifically, explain your child’s allergy. Write it down if it makes you feel better. Explain what can happen if your child comes in contact with her allergen. It’s necessary that your sitter knows the worst case scenario.
• Show your sitter where the Epipen and other medication are kept. It’s a good idea to pull all medicine out and leave it somewhere extra accessible while you are gone, like the kitchen counter. Make sure, though, it is out of the reach of young children.
• Explain correct dosages of antihistamines.
• Go over how to administer an Epipen. A lot of sitters know this, but go over it anyway. Show them with the Epipen trainer.
• Give your sitter all emergency numbers and have them in a handy place. You can leave them by the phone or the medication, or the inside of a cabinet door. You will want to leave not only your numbers, but also emergency ones and maybe a reliable neighbor who will be home.
• If your child has a food allergy, make sure your sitter knows not to bring in any food to your house, even for herself. It’s just easier that way. If she will be there over a meal, provide it for her, too. Make sure you have good snacks for her, too.
• If your child has an insect allergy, make sure your sitter knows if it’s okay or not to go outside and where or where not to go.

If you sense she is uncomfortable with your child’s allergy, and that makes you uncomfortable, don’t use her. That’s why a “get to know you” visit is a good idea. You can always use her as a helper while you are home, and maybe she and you will become more comfortable.

If you are looking for a sitter and coming up empty, try your local college or summer camp venue and look for nursing students, students in the education department, or camp counselors. Anyone with experience with kids or medicine probably has the knowledge and the head to handle an emergency. Some of these have already had background checks, too. Remember, though, get a reference and feel comfortable not only with their comfort in handling an emergency, but in your comfort with them. Then enjoy your night out.