Do the things that you need to do ahead of the date to give you some confidence that things will be okay. In other words:
1. Baby-proof the house. Are your cabinets secure so that a toddler can’t open doors to cleaning supplies and other things that need to be off-limits to children? Outside doors can’t be opened? Stairs can’t be climbed (or tumbled down)? Doors to attics and cellars are locked or barricaded? Pantries don’t have tippable shelves of heavy canned goods (or shelves that will tip in any case)? Tables don’t have sharp corners that a beginning walker can trip into? Look at your house very critically and make your own list and your own preparations.
2. Prepare an information sheet for the sitter regarding your contact information. Where you will be and when, including as much of your itinerary and alternate contacts as it is possible to know in advance. Include the names and phone numbers of people you will be with.
3. In addition to the above, prepare a “base” information sheet including the child’s blood type, known allergies, favorite books, “must not do” things that you wouldn’t want the sitter to attempt, etc.
4. In addition to all of that, include an additional sheet of contact information for the child’s pediatrician, neighbors’ names and phone numbers, other relatives who can be contacted in case of your own demise (hey, it’s one of the things that you’re anxious about, so include it) nearest hospital address – and driving directions – and phone, ambulance address and phone (aside from 911, obviously) and any other information that you think might be appropriate to have in case the zombie apocalypse starts while you’re out at dinner tonight. (Yes, it’s said in a joking tone, but “being prepared” is the best way to allay anxiety. So prepare for the worst.)
People will laugh at you for being over-prepared, but you can take comfort in knowing that you will be prepared, and what’s more, you will have done all that can be done, because you can’t be there all of the time.