Travel safety
How to reduce risk when using informal childcare arrangements abroad by obtaining references and observing interactions before leaving children.
When traveling abroad with children, choosing informal caregivers carefully, verifying references, and watching real interactions can dramatically lower risk and increase trust, ensuring safety, comfort, and peace of mind for families.
Published by
Thomas Moore
July 19, 2025 - 3 min Read
In many popular destinations, families rely on informal caregivers who aren’t part of licensed institutions, such as local nannies, neighborhood helpers, or trusted family friends. While these arrangements can be convenient and affordable, they come with unique risks that travelers must address upfront. Start by identifying potential caregivers through multiple channels, including recommendations from your hotel, local expat groups, or reputable community organizations. Gather detailed information about each person’s experience with children, the ages they’ve worked with, and the specific duties they’re prepared to perform. A thorough initial screening helps establish a baseline of reliability before any negotiations begin.
The next critical step is obtaining references and verifying credentials wherever possible. Reach out to previous families who used the caregiver, asking concrete questions about punctuality, safety practices, and how well the caregiver handled emergencies. If official licenses exist in the country, request documentation and confirm its validity, noting expiration dates and the issuing authority. In places where formal records are sparse, request character references from neighbors, teachers, or employers, and cross-check their details via a quick online search when available. Document every contact method and keep a written list for easy comparison later.
Gather impressions through supervised trial periods before finalizing arrangements.
Once you’ve narrowed down options, arrange introductory meetings that involve both adults and children. A face-to-face conversation reveals much more than a written résumé ever could. Observe how the caregiver communicates, their tone with your child, and whether they ask appropriate questions about routines, allergies, medical needs, and discipline. Ask to see the space where children will spend time and to hear how they would manage common situations, such as a fever or a late arrival home. Encourage your child to participate in a low-stakes activity to gauge comfort levels in a natural setting.
During these visits, maintain a calm, structured environment to encourage honest feedback from your child about preferences and concerns. Take notes about your impressions of cleanliness, organization, and the boundaries set by the caregiver. Pay attention to practical details, like whether toys and play areas are age-appropriate and whether safeguarding measures are evident, such as restricted access to medicines or dangerous appliances. Documenting observations in a neutral way helps you compare candidates without letting personal bias influence the decision.
Build a transparent, documented process for accountability and safety.
After initial observations, propose a short trial period that lets your child and the caregiver work together in practice. Outline a specific schedule, meal considerations, nap times, and screens policy so both parties know what’s expected. Use this phase to assess responsiveness, problem-solving, and the caregiver’s adaptability to unexpected changes, such as flight delays or rain plans. Let the caregiver begin with familiar routines and slowly introduce new activities as trust grows. Throughout the trial, stay close but avoid micromanaging, allowing your child to build a natural rapport with the caregiver.
Maintain clear, ongoing communication during the trial and beyond. Establish regular check-ins with the caregiver to review how the day went, discuss any issues, and recalibrate rules as needed. Create a simple, discreet method for your child to signal if they feel uncomfortable, whether through a code word or a quick message to you. Ensure both parties know your contact details, preferred emergency contacts, and where to reach you while you’re away. End-of-day notes or brief summaries can help you monitor progress and adjust expectations.
Use layered verification to create a robust, safe arrangement.
Once you’re comfortable, formalize the arrangement with a written agreement that covers payment, duties, hours, holidays, and contingencies. Include emergency procedures, contact information for local authorities, and a clear policy on discipline and safety protocols. Keep copies of all documents, licenses, and references in a secure place accessible to you abroad. A transparent contract helps prevent misunderstandings and provides a fallback should issues arise later. If possible, add a brief trial extension or a contingency plan for travel delays so the caregiver understands your commitment to continuity.
In-depth background checks can be adapted to the local context while remaining respectful and thorough. Depending on the country, background screening may involve more informal methods, such as speaking with neighbors or community leaders who can vouch for character. Even when formal checks aren’t available, build a composite picture from several independent sources to mitigate bias. Cross-reference each detail collected during interviews with the caregiver’s stated routines and references. This layered approach reduces risk by providing a broader view of reliability and care standards.
Prepare thoroughly, document everything, and stay vigilant.
When leaving a child with any informal caregiver, consider a staged departure approach. Start with short outings or day visits under supervision before leaving for longer trips. Gradually increase the time apart as trust grows and you observe consistent safety practices. This approach minimizes anxiety for both parent and child while offering practical evidence of the caregiver’s competence. Prepare a written handoff that outlines daily routines, emergency contacts, allergy alerts, and any special instructions related to medications or equipment. Leave a small, easily accessible bag with essential items and a note explaining your child’s favorite comforting rituals.
Carry a compact safety kit and a digital safety plan tailored to the trip. Include a copy of the child’s medical information, contact numbers, and a family plan for emergencies. Equip the caregiver with simple, user-friendly instructions for using this plan, including how to reach you and local emergency services. If you’re traveling in a region with potential hazards, provide guidance on preventing common risks such as dehydration, sun exposure, or unsafe play areas. A proactive kit and plan empower the caregiver to act confidently and promptly when needed.
Even with careful screening and trials, ongoing vigilance remains essential. Regularly check in with both your child and the caregiver, watching for signs of fatigue, stress, or discomfort in your child. Maintain a nonjudgmental atmosphere that invites open dialogue, ensuring your child feels safe to express any concerns. If you sense something amiss, trust your instincts and reassess the arrangement promptly. It’s better to pause a placement temporarily than to allow an unsafe situation to continue. Revisit references and observations periodically, especially after travel changes or new roommates in the caregiver’s environment.
Finally, create a graceful exit plan that protects your child’s trust and routine. If you must switch caregivers, communicate clearly with the current provider and introduce the new caregiver gradually. Share your notes from visits and the trial period to ensure continuity and minimal disruption for your child. Plan a final debrief with the caregiver, acknowledge what worked, and document any adjustments for future travel. This careful, transparent approach helps preserve your family’s safety, confidence, and well-being in foreign settings.
