The information both homes need about each child
A practical list of the health, school, and routine details every home should have, and how to keep them up to date.
By Tina
2 min read
Why both homes need the same details
When information lives with one parent, the other home can be caught out: a new allergy, a changed dose, or a different pickup time at school. Keeping the same details available in both homes means each parent can care for the children fully during their time.
Children's information is personal. Share it only with the people who need it, such as the other parent and regular carers.
What to keep for each child
- Date of birth and school, including year group and teacher
- Doctor and dentist, with contact details
- Allergies, medication, and doses
- Dietary needs and preferences
- Bedtime and screen time routines
- Clothing and shoe sizes
- Current interests, clubs, and friends
Clothing and shoe sizes change quickly. A quick check at the start of each term saves buying the wrong size twice.
Keeping it current
- 1Update details the day they change, especially medication.
- 2Mention important updates in a message as well, so they are not missed.
- 3Review everything at the start of each school year.
- 4Remove information that is no longer relevant.
Child profiles in Parenting Apart
Each child in Parenting Apart has a profile both homes can see, with fields for school, year, doctor, dentist, allergies, medication, diet, bedtime, screen time, sizes, and interests. The same profile is used across events, expenses, handover checklists, and documents. See also our guides to medical decisions and screen time rules.
Information for emergencies
In an emergency, the parent with the children needs key information immediately. Make sure both homes, and anyone caring for the children, know about allergies, medication, medical conditions, and the GP's details.
- Keep allergy and medication details up to date in both homes
- Save the GP and dentist numbers in both phones
- Tell regular carers about any medical conditions
- Know where any spare medicine or inhalers are kept
Call 999 if a child needs urgent help, or NHS 111 for urgent advice. Let the other parent know as soon as it is practical.
Common questions
Who should update the child's information?
Should grandparents or carers see this information?
How often should children's information be reviewed?
Written by Tina
Tina writes Parenting Apart guides on holiday schedules, shared expenses, and keeping family records organised, with practical steps that make arrangements between two homes easier to follow.