Explain a Child's Routine to a Babysitter in Portuguese
Organize a practical handoff by explaining meals, rest time, favorite activities, and how to contact you.
Real Life Portuguese · 7 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Horário is schedule or time, lanche is a snack, and hora de dormir is bedtime. Use depois do almoço (after lunch) and antes de dormir (before bed) to organize a child's routine.
Explain the schedule with simple time words
Write down times and the names of people who may pick up the child. Ask the babysitter to repeat the plan in their own words.
Ela costuma fazer um lanche às três.
She usually has a snack at three.
Depois do jantar, ele gosta de ouvir uma história.
After dinner, he likes to listen to a story.
Share comfort items and activity preferences
Cobertor is blanket, livro is book, and brinquedo favorito is favorite toy. Tell the caregiver where familiar items are and which activities the child usually enjoys.
If there is an important care instruction, write it clearly and ask the caregiver to confirm. Do not leave important arrangements implied in a quick conversation.
O livro favorito está na estante do quarto.
The favorite book is on the bedroom shelf.
Ela prefere desenhar antes de dormir.
She prefers to draw before bed.
Confirm pickup and contact details
Use buscar to talk about picking someone up. Ask when the caregiver expects you back and how they should reach you if plans change.
For health or emergency instructions, provide current information directly to the caregiver and confirm that they know whom to contact.
Minha irmã vai buscar a criança às cinco.
My sister will pick the child up at five.
Se precisar falar comigo, pode ligar neste número.
If you need to talk to me, you can call this number.
Put it into practice
Use a short written schedule and confirm pickup, contact, and care instructions with the babysitter before leaving.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “My sister will pick the child up at five”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.