Leaving your gluten-free child with a babysitter shouldn't be stressful. Use these 5 proven safety scripts to ensure your sitter understands exactly what your child needs.
Leaving your gluten-free child with a babysitter can feel overwhelming. Will they understand cross-contamination? What if they give your child the wrong snack? These 5 ready-to-use safety scripts will help you communicate clearly and confidently with any babysitter—whether it's their first time or they're a regular sitter who needs a refresher.
Why Babysitter Communication Is Critical
Unlike teachers or family members who see your child regularly, babysitters often care for your gluten-free child sporadically. They may not have experience with celiac disease or understand the serious consequences of gluten exposure. Clear, respectful communication can mean the difference between a safe evening and a sick child.
According to pediatric allergists, over 60% of accidental gluten exposures in children happen during informal care situations—playdates, babysitting, and casual supervision—where caregivers don't fully understand the dietary restriction.
"The most dangerous situations are when caregivers think they understand gluten-free but actually don't. Partial knowledge leads to unsafe assumptions." - Dr. Emily Chen, Pediatric Gastroenterologist
The 5 Essential Safety Scripts
Script #1: Initial Introduction (When Booking the Sitter)
When to use: First phone call or text when arranging babysitting
What to say:
"Hi [Name]! I'm so glad you can babysit on [date]. I want to mention upfront that [child's name] has celiac disease and must follow a strict gluten-free diet. This means no wheat, barley, or rye in any food they eat. I know this might be new to you, so I'll provide all the food they can have and give you a quick safety overview when you arrive. Does this sound okay to you, or do you have any immediate concerns?"
Why this works:
- Sets expectations immediately—no surprises
- Shows you'll provide support and guidance
- Gives the sitter a chance to opt out if they're uncomfortable
- Establishes you as organized and safety-conscious
Red flags to watch for:
- Sitter says "Oh, my cousin is gluten-free, I know all about it" (without asking questions)
- Dismissive attitude: "It's just a diet, right?"
- Unwillingness to follow your specific instructions
Script #2: Pre-Arrival Safety Brief (Day Before or Morning Of)
When to use: Text or call 24 hours before babysitting
What to say:
"Quick reminder about [child's name]'s gluten-free needs for tomorrow:
✅ All their food is in the GREEN bin in the fridge (labeled 'Safe for [child's name]') ✅ Please don't give them any food that isn't in that bin ✅ If they ask for something else, the answer is 'Let me check with your parent first' ✅ Handwashing before touching their food is important ✅ I'll have emergency numbers and their action plan on the counter
I'll go over everything in detail when you arrive. Thanks for being so careful with this!"
Why this works:
- Visual cue (GREEN bin) makes it foolproof
- Clear "when in doubt, ask" policy
- Acknowledges their effort (builds positive relationship)
- References written backup (action plan)
Pro tip: Send this as a text message they can reference during the evening if needed.
Script #3: In-Person Walkthrough (When Sitter Arrives)
When to use: First 10 minutes when babysitter arrives
What to say:
"Thank you so much for being here! Let me take 5 minutes to show you the gluten-free safety plan for [child's name].
Food: Here's the GREEN bin with all their approved snacks and meals. Everything in here is 100% safe. If it's not in this bin, please don't give it to them—even if they say 'I eat this all the time.' Kids forget sometimes!
Cross-contamination: Before handling their food, please wash your hands with soap. If you eat anything with gluten (like pizza or regular crackers), wash your hands again before touching their food or dishes.
Symptoms to watch for: If they complain of stomach pain, seem unusually tired, or have bathroom issues, call me right away. Here's my number and their pediatrician's after-hours line.
Emergency plan: This paper on the counter has everything—safe foods, symptoms to watch for, and who to call. You probably won't need it, but it's here just in case.
Do you have any questions? I know it seems like a lot, but you'll do great!"
Why this works:
- Visual demonstration (showing the bin, pointing to the plan)
- Anticipates common mistakes ("even if they say...")
- Provides concrete symptoms to watch for
- Ends with encouragement and confidence
Demonstration tip: Actually walk them to the fridge, open the bin, and show them the labeled items. Visual memory is stronger than verbal instructions alone.
Script #4: The "Just in Case" Scenario Discussion
When to use: During the in-person walkthrough
What to say:
"I want to cover a few 'what if' scenarios so you're prepared:
What if they're still hungry after the approved snacks? Call or text me first. I can usually suggest something safe or give you permission to improvise with whole foods like fruit, plain meat, or plain rice.
What if a neighbor stops by with cookies for the kids? Say 'Thank you so much! We'll save these for later when [child's name]'s parents are home.' Then set them aside. Even homemade treats might not be safe.
What if they accidentally eat something with gluten? Call me immediately. Don't panic—it happens. I need to know so I can monitor symptoms and give you guidance on what to do next.
What if they say their stomach hurts? First, ask what they ate. If it was only food from the green bin, it's probably unrelated to gluten. Call me and I'll help assess. If they ate something else, call me right away.
These situations probably won't happen, but I want you to feel confident if they do."
Why this works:
- Prepares sitter for realistic scenarios
- Removes decision-making burden ("call me first")
- Normalizes mistakes (reduces panic)
- Empowers the sitter with a clear action plan
Key principle: Make calling you the easiest, safest option for any uncertainty.
Script #5: Post-Sitting Follow-Up (When You Return Home)
When to use: When you arrive home, before sitter leaves
What to say:
"How did everything go with [child's name]'s food tonight? Did they eat from the green bin? Any questions that came up while I was gone?"
[Listen to their response]
"You did a great job with the gluten-free safety tonight. I really appreciate how seriously you took this. [Child's name] had a great time!"
Why this works:
- Opens the door for honest communication
- Catches any incidents before they become symptoms
- Positive reinforcement encourages continued care
- Builds trust for future babysitting
Follow-up action: If the sitter mentions anything concerning (wrong food eaten, uncertainty about ingredients), thank them for telling you and monitor your child for symptoms over the next 24-48 hours.
Creating Your Babysitter Safety Packet
Every gluten-free family should have a printed babysitter packet ready to go. Here's what to include:
Page 1: Quick Reference Card
Child's Name: [Name] Condition: Celiac Disease (requires strict gluten-free diet) What to avoid: Wheat, barley, rye, malt, regular oats
Safe foods tonight: ✅ All items in GREEN bin (refrigerator) ✅ Fresh fruit on counter ✅ [Specific items you've pre-approved]
NOT safe: ❌ Anything not in the green bin ❌ Regular bread, crackers, cookies ❌ Pizza, pasta (unless labeled GF) ❌ Sharing food with other children
When in doubt: Call parent FIRST before giving any food
Page 2: Emergency Contacts
Parent Cell: [Your number] Other Parent/Emergency Contact: [Partner/family member] Pediatrician After-Hours: [Phone number] Neighbor Backup: [Trusted nearby adult]
Page 3: Gluten Exposure Symptoms
Call immediately if child has:
- Severe stomach pain or cramping
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Extreme fatigue (can't stay awake)
- Severe headache
- Confusion or disorientation
Monitor and inform parent if child has:
- Mild stomach ache
- Grumpiness or mood changes
- Mild headache
- Bathroom changes
Page 4: Meal & Snack Guide
Pre-approved meals (tonight):
- [Specific dinner you've prepared]
- [Specific snacks in green bin]
How to serve safely:
- Wash hands before handling their food
- Use clean plates and utensils
- Serve directly from green bin to plate
- Don't let them share food with others
Drinks that are always safe:
- Water, milk, 100% fruit juice (check brand on counter)
Page 5: Cross-Contamination Prevention
What is cross-contamination? Gluten getting into gluten-free food from surfaces, hands, or shared utensils.
How to prevent it: ✅ Wash hands with soap before handling their food ✅ Use clean utensils (not ones that touched gluten food) ✅ Wipe counters if you've made gluten food there ✅ Keep their food separate from siblings' food
Why it matters: Even tiny amounts of gluten can make [child's name] sick for days.
Age-Specific Babysitter Guidance
Babysitting Babies/Toddlers (0-3 years)
Special considerations:
- Everything goes in their mouth—handwashing is critical
- They can't communicate symptoms well—watch for behavior changes
- Formula and baby food must be pre-approved brands
Script addition: "[Child's name] is too young to tell us if their tummy hurts, so watch for fussiness, pulling knees to chest, or refusing to play. These can be signs of stomach pain."
Babysitting Preschool/Early Elementary (4-8 years)
Special considerations:
- They might know their diet but can be tempted by treats
- They may not understand why they can't have "just a bite"
- Peer pressure from siblings or friends visiting
Script addition: "[Child's name] understands they're gluten-free, but they're still young. If they ask for something not in the green bin, remind them gently: 'Let's check with mom/dad first.' They might test boundaries, but stay firm with kindness."
Babysitting Older Kids/Tweens (9-12 years)
Special considerations:
- More independent with food choices
- May feel embarrassed about restrictions
- Might try to hide symptoms if they ate wrong food
Script addition: "[Child's name] is pretty independent with their diet, but I still want you to keep an eye on what they eat. If they seem to be hiding food or eating secretively, just casually ask 'Is that from the safe list?' Sometimes peer pressure makes them want to eat like everyone else."
Babysitting Teens (13+ years)
Special considerations:
- Usually manage their own diet well
- May take risks or "forget" restrictions socially
- Might not disclose symptoms to avoid parental worry
Script addition: "[Teen's name] knows their diet really well and can usually manage independently. Your job is mainly to be a safety backup—if they order food or have friends over, just check in that they're following their gluten-free needs. Teens sometimes take risks, so I appreciate you keeping an eye out."
Common Babysitter Questions (And How to Answer Them)
"What if they're at a playdate and the other kid's mom offers them food?"
Your answer: "Great question! Here's what to say: 'Thank you so much, but [child's name] has a food restriction and I have snacks they can have. Do you mind if they eat what I brought?' I've included safe snacks in their backpack labeled 'Safe Snack.'"
"Can they have French fries from a restaurant?"
Your answer: "Usually no—most restaurants fry them in the same oil as breaded items, which contaminates them. If you're ordering food, please call me first and I'll tell you what's safe from that specific restaurant."
"What if I accidentally give them something with gluten?"
Your answer: "First, don't panic—accidents happen even to me! Call me right away so I know what they ate and when. I'll talk you through watching for symptoms and decide if we need to come home early. The most important thing is telling me immediately, not hiding it."
"Is gluten-free the same as allergy-free?"
Your answer: "Not quite. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition, not an allergy, but we treat it just as seriously. They won't have anaphylaxis like a peanut allergy, but gluten makes them very sick with stomach pain, headaches, and other symptoms that can last days."
"Can they eat at [popular restaurant]?"
Your answer: "Some restaurants are safer than others. I have a list of pre-approved places. If you're thinking of ordering food, just text me the restaurant name first and I'll tell you what they can safely order."
"What if their sibling is eating regular food?"
Your answer: "That's totally fine! Siblings can eat gluten around them. Just make sure [child's name] doesn't share or sneak bites, and ask the sibling to wash hands if they're going to handle [child's name]'s food or play with toys that might go in their mouth."
Red Flags: When to Find a Different Babysitter
Not every babysitter is the right fit for a gluten-free child. Watch for these warning signs:
❌ Dismissive attitude: "It's just a diet, they'll be fine" ❌ Overconfidence without experience: "I know all about gluten-free" (but can't answer basic questions) ❌ Unwillingness to follow protocols: "That seems like too much work" ❌ Poor attention to detail: Forgets instructions, doesn't read your materials ❌ Can't handle emergency scenarios: Panics or freezes when you discuss "what if" situations
✅ Green flags for great sitters:
- Asks thoughtful questions about safety
- Takes notes during your walkthrough
- Expresses appropriate concern (but not fear)
- Follows up with clarifying questions
- Has experience with dietary restrictions (any type)
Building Long-Term Babysitter Relationships
The best scenario is finding 2-3 trusted sitters who understand your child's needs. Here's how to develop that relationship:
First Babysitting Session
- Extra thorough walkthrough (plan 15 minutes)
- Short sitting duration (2-3 hours max)
- Stay relatively close by
- Leave detailed written instructions
- Check in via text once during sitting
Second Session
- Quick refresher (5 minutes)
- Slightly longer sitting duration
- Ask what was unclear last time
- Positive reinforcement for what they did well
Third+ Sessions
- Brief reminder of key points
- Trust them with longer duration
- Ask for their input on safety improvements
- Consider them part of your "gluten-free team"
Ongoing Communication
- Send reminders before each sitting (Script #2)
- Update them if diet changes (new diagnosis, added allergies)
- Give small bonuses for excellent safety practices
- Provide new favorite snacks for variety
Technology Tools to Support Babysitter Safety
Apps and Resources
- Spokin - Restaurant and product safety database sitters can reference
- Find Me Gluten Free - App for safe restaurant ordering
- Photo guide - Take pictures of safe products and text to sitter for reference
- Video walkthrough - Record a quick video showing the green bin and safety steps
Pre-Sitting Checklist (Text to Sitter)
Before each sitting, send a text checklist:
"Quick safety checklist for tonight: ✅ Green bin in fridge = all safe foods ✅ Wash hands before their food/after eating gluten ✅ Call me FIRST if uncertain about any food ✅ Emergency contacts on counter ✅ Symptoms to watch: stomach pain, unusual tiredness
You've got this! Call with any questions."
FAQ: Babysitters and Gluten-Free Kids
How much should I pay a babysitter who manages gluten-free needs?
Standard babysitting rates apply, but consider adding a small bonus ($5-10) for sitters who demonstrate excellent safety practices and attention to detail with your child's dietary needs. This shows appreciation and encourages continued care.
Should I require babysitters to avoid eating gluten while caring for my child?
This depends on your child's sensitivity and the sitter's ability to prevent cross-contamination. A reasonable middle ground: allow sitters to eat gluten, but require thorough handwashing afterward and keeping gluten food separate from your child's space. Some families request no gluten food in their home during sitting—communicate your preference clearly.
What if my child is too young to communicate symptoms?
For babies and toddlers, train sitters to recognize non-verbal distress signs: pulling knees to chest, unusual fussiness, refusal to eat/play, or significant behavior changes. Emphasize calling you immediately if they notice anything unusual, even if they're not sure it's related to food.
How do I handle teenage babysitters who might not take it seriously?
Choose mature teens with demonstrated responsibility. During the walkthrough, explain the medical science briefly: "This isn't a preference diet—gluten triggers an immune response that damages their intestines and makes them sick for days." Real consequences make it less likely they'll cut corners. Also, parental supervision—their own parents should know about the medical needs.
Should I do a "test run" with a new babysitter?
Absolutely! Consider hiring them to babysit while you're home for the first time. You can observe their attention to detail, see how they interact with your child around food, and answer questions in real-time. This builds confidence for both of you before you leave them alone.
What if the babysitter makes a mistake and my child gets glutened?
First, focus on your child's health and comfort. Address symptoms, follow your care plan, and document what happened. Later, have a calm conversation with the sitter about what went wrong and how to prevent it in the future. If it was an honest mistake and they're genuinely apologetic, offer a second chance with additional training. If it was negligence or they're defensive, find a different sitter.
Can I expect school-age babysitters to manage gluten-free needs?
Young babysitters (12-14 years) can manage gluten-free safety IF you provide exceptional support: written instructions, pre-portioned meals, simple protocols, and stay very close by. For complex situations or highly sensitive children, hire adult sitters with more life experience and decision-making skills.
How often should I refresh babysitter training?
Brief reminder before each sitting (Script #2 via text). Full walkthrough every 3-4 months if they sit regularly, or anytime after your child has a gluten exposure incident that changes protocols. If they haven't sat in 2+ months, do a quick in-person refresher.
Your Babysitter Communication Action Plan
This week:
- Create your babysitter safety packet (use templates above)
- Assemble your "green bin" with clearly labeled safe foods
- Write your emergency contact sheet and post it visibly
Before next babysitting:
- Use Script #1 when booking sitter
- Send Script #2 reminder 24 hours before
- Practice Script #3 walkthrough (even in your head)
- Prepare the "just in case" scenarios (Script #4)
After babysitting:
- Use Script #5 follow-up conversation
- Note what worked well and what needs improvement
- Update your safety packet based on questions that came up
Long-term:
- Build a roster of 2-3 trusted, trained sitters
- Update your packet when protocols change
- Recognize and appreciate excellent safety practices
The Bottom Line: Clear Communication = Safe Kids
Leaving your gluten-free child with a babysitter doesn't have to be stressful. When you communicate clearly, provide written backup, and create a supportive environment where sitters feel comfortable asking questions, you set everyone up for success.
These 5 scripts give you the exact words to use in every situation—from the first phone call to the post-sitting follow-up. Adapt them to your family's specific needs, your child's personality, and your sitter's experience level.
Remember: Good babysitters want to keep your child safe. Your job is to give them the tools, information, and confidence to do exactly that. When you communicate with clarity and kindness, you build a team of trusted caregivers who help your gluten-free child thrive—even when you're not there.
Ready to hire your next babysitter with confidence? Save these scripts, create your safety packet, and practice your walkthrough. You've got this!
