Babysitting Perth FAQ's: Your Questions Answered
If you’re looking for babysitting in Perth, these FAQs cover everything you need to know about our services, bookings, and how our childcare works. Enquire NowExplore Our ServicesYour Questions Answered
Simple, Clear Support for Families
New to Babysitters on Demand? These babysitting Perth FAQs answer common questions from families.
Getting Started
How do I book a babysitter, nanny, or carer?
Visit our Enquiries & Bookings page and complete the short form with your preferred dates, service type, and any specific requirements.
Our director reviews every enquiry personally and will respond within 48-72 business hours.
What areas of Perth do you service?
We service families across Perth and wider Western Australia. If you’re unsure whether we cover your suburb or school, please reach out, we will always let you know what’s possible.
Is there an obligation once I enquire?
Not at all. An enquiry simply opens a conversation. Nothing moves forward until you are ready, comfortable, and confident. We are here to help you explore your options, no pressure, no obligation.
Do you provide care for sick children?
For the safety of our carers and other families, we are unable to provide care for children who are unwell.
Can I make a same-day booking?
We do not guarantee same-day bookings. We always recommend as much notice as possible to ensure availability and the right match.
What ages of children do you care for?
We support families with children aged 1 to 15 years across all our services.
Do you offer phone consultations before booking?
No, we require all communication to be in writing. This ensures accuracy, transparency, and a clear record for auditing and compliance purposes. It also allows us to properly review your requirements and respond with the most suitable options for your family.
What information should I have ready before enquiring?
It helps to know your preferred dates, hours, number of children, location, and any specific requirements. Don’t worry if you’re unsure, we can help you figure that out.
Can you help me decide which service is right for me?
Absolutely. If you’re unsure whether you need babysitting, a nanny, or another service, we’ll guide you based on your schedule, routine, and long-term needs.
What happens if I’m running late home?
Please communicate as soon as possible. Additional hours will be billed accordingly, and we’ll ensure your carer is supported.
Child Care Standards Information
For more information on childcare standards, you can visit the Australian Government website. https://www.education.gov.au/early-childhood
How deposits, payments, and our fee structure work.
About Fees & Bookings
Do I need to pay anything upfront?
Yes, an upfront deposit is required for all bookings to cover our administration costs. Paying a deposit opens your booking, but your booking is only tentatively confirmed once you receive a written email confirmation from our director. We will then invoice you for the remaining fees to fully finalise the booking.
What are your guide rates for babysitting?
Our casual babysitting rates start from $37.50 per hour for up to two children with standard notice. Rates vary based on notice period, number of children, time of day, and whether it falls on a weekend or public holiday. For families with three or more children, or children with additional needs, please contact us for a personalised quote.
What affects the cost of my booking?
Fees vary based on: the number of children requiring care, the time of day and day of the week, the length of the booking, the level and type of care required, and whether your booking is casual, regular, or an ongoing arrangement.
When is the remaining balance due?
Once your booking is confirmed with a team member the remaining balance will be invoiced and must be paid prior to your booking being 100% finalised..
Do you charge extra for weekends or public holidays?
Yes. Rates may vary for weekends, public holidays, and peak periods. We’ll always provide clear pricing upfront before you confirm.
What is your minimum booking time?
We have a 3-hour minimum for all casual babysitting bookings, billed in 1-hour intervals. Before and after school care shifts also carry a 3-hour minimum in line with employment law.
What if I need to cancel or change a booking?
Please contact us as early as possible if your plans change. Our full cancellation terms are outlined in our Terms and Conditions. We appreciate maximum notice so we can support our carers fairly and, where possible, find alternative arrangements.
What information should I have ready before enquiring?
It helps to know your preferred dates, hours, number of children, location, and any specific requirements. Don’t worry if you’re unsure, we can help you figure that out.
Can you help me decide which service is right for me?
Absolutely. If you’re unsure whether you need babysitting, a nanny, or another service, we’ll guide you based on your schedule, routine, and long-term needs.
Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
Any additional costs, such as travel, parking, or extended hours, will always be discussed and approved by you in advance.
How we select, vet, and match our carers to your family.
Our Carers
What qualifications do your carers hold?
All carers hold a current police clearance, a valid Working With Children Check, and First Aid certification. They are all 18 or older and have been personally interviewed and approved by our director. Many also hold formal qualifications in early childhood education, nursing, teaching, or a related field.
How do you select your carers?
Every carer goes through a rigorous multi-step process: a full application review, a personal interview with our director, police clearance, Working With Children Check verification, First Aid certification check, and reference checks. We assess qualifications, and we assess character. If a carer doesn’t meet our standards, they don’t join our team.
Can I meet my carer before the booking?
We don’t offer in-person meet-and-greets prior to a booking, but we provide you with detailed information about your matched carer before they arrive, including their experience, qualifications, and background. If you have specific concerns or preferences, please let us know and we will address them before confirming.
Can I request the same carer every time?
Absolutely. For regular bookings, we prioritise consistency and will do our best to match you with the same carer each time. If your regular carer is unavailable, we will always let you know promptly and find a suitable alternative from our approved team.
Are your carers employees or contractors?
Our carers are engaged through Babysitters on Demand and are part of our approved team, meaning we manage vetting, compliance, and quality standards.
Do your carers have experience with babies and toddlers?
Yes. Many of our carers have extensive experience with younger children, including infants and toddlers. We match carers based on age-specific experience.
Can carers assist with light household tasks?
Yes, light duties related to the children (such as tidying toys) can be included. Just let us know your expectations.
What happens if my carer is unavailable?
We will contact you as soon as possible and do everything we can to find a suitable replacement from our approved team. For regular arrangements, we make every effort to match you with someone familiar to your children.
Questions specific to one-off and regular babysitting bookings
Casual & Regular Babysitting
Can I book a babysitter at short notice?
At this stage Babysitters on Demand does not have capacty for short notice enquiries.
Do I need to sign a long-term contract?
Not at all. Our casual babysitting service has no lock-in contract. Book as often or as occasionally as you need. For regular scheduled care, we will discuss a simple arrangement that suits your family, but there is no pressure to commit to anything beyond what works for you.
Can I set up a recurring weekly booking?
Yes. We can organise consistent weekly care with the same carer wherever possible to create routine and familiarity.
What happens during the babysitting shift?
Your carer will follow your child’s routine, engage them in age-appropriate activities, and ensure their safety and wellbeing at all times.
Questions about our long-term in-home nanny placement service.
Long-Term Nanny Placement
What’s the difference between a nanny placement and regular babysitting?
Casual babysitting is flexible and on-demand, great for one-off occasions or irregular needs. Long-term nanny placement is for families who need consistent, ongoing in-home care as part of their regular routine. It involves a more thorough matching process, a formal placement arrangement, and a nanny who becomes a stable part of your family’s day-to-day life.
How long does the placement process take?
Generally 14–21 days, depending on your specific requirements and the availability of well-matched candidates. We always prioritise getting the match right over getting it done quickly. Once you submit your enquiry, our director will be in touch to discuss your timeline and manage expectations from the outset.
Do you help with contracts and employment setup?
Yes. We assist with structuring the arrangement, including contracts and expectations, so everything is clear from the beginning.
What if the placement isn’t the right fit?
We work hard to get the match right before placement begins. If something isn’t working once care has started, please contact us as soon as possible. We take placement concerns seriously and will work with you to resolve them, including finding an alternative if needed. Open communication is the most important thing.
Is there a minimum commitment period for nanny placement?
This depends on the nature of your arrangement. We will discuss the specifics with you during the enquiry process and ensure any arrangement suits your family’s situation. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, which is exactly why we handle every placement individually.
Can you replace a nanny if circumstances change later on?
Yes. If your needs change or the arrangement no longer fits, we can support you in finding a new match.
Questions about our in-home school care service
Before & After School Care
Do you offer before school, after school, or both?
We offer both before and after school care, or a combination of the two. We can also arrange coverage in a split-shift format if needed. Just tell us what your schedule looks like and we’ll work around it.
Can we have the same carer every week?
Yes, for school care, we make consistency a priority. A familiar face matters enormously to children, especially during the school routine.
Is there a minimum number of days I need to book?
Our school care arrangements are flexible. We can discuss what works for your schedule during the enquiry process, whether that’s one day a week or every weekday. There is a minimum shift length in line with employment law, which we will explain clearly when we discuss your needs.
Can my carer drive the children to and from school?
This depends on the individual carer and the arrangement. Please let us know during your enquiry if transport is required and we will ensure your matched carer is suitable.
Can carers help with homework or after-school routines?
Yes. Carers can support with homework, snacks, and afternoon routines to help your household run smoothly. Please note though that Babysitters on Demand team are not tutors.
Questions about our overnight babysitting services
Overnight Care
Does the carer stay awake all night?
This depends on the arrangement and the needs of your children. For young children or those who wake frequently, your carer will remain on active watch. For older children who sleep through reliably, a light-sleep arrangement may be agreed. Our director will discuss this with you during the enquiry to ensure the right approach is in place.
What if my child wakes up distressed during the night?
Our overnight carers are experienced in settling children calmly. They follow your child’s established routine wherever possible and apply patience and reassurance to any waking. If anything significant occurs, they will contact you directly.
Can I book overnight care for multiple nights in a row?
Yes. For extended trips or longer absences, multi-night care can be arranged. Where possible, the same carer will be placed for the full duration to give your children consistency. Please include your full date range in your enquiry.
What does my carer need from me to prepare?
The more information you can share, the better. We recommend noting your children’s full bedtime routine, any night-time needs or habits, emergency contacts, medical information, and house details. Your carer will be fully briefed before arrival.
What sleeping arrangements are required for the carer?
Your carer will need a safe and appropriate place to rest during overnight bookings. We’ll confirm expectations with you beforehand.
Questions about our in-accommodation babysitting services for visiting families
Hotel & Accommodation Care
Do you come to any hotel or accommodation in Perth?
We service families staying across the Perth metropolitan area, hotels, Airbnbs, serviced apartments, short-stay properties, and private accommodation. If you’re unsure whether we cover your location, just reach out and we’ll confirm straight away.
Will I know who is coming before they arrive?
Absolutely. Before your booking, we will send you details about your carer including their experience, qualifications, and background. You will know exactly who is coming to your accommodation before they arrive.
Can you arrange overnight care at our hotel?
Absolutely. Before your booking, we will send you details about your carer including their experience, qualifications, and background. You will know exactly who is coming to your accommodation before they arrive.
Do carers bring identification when arriving at accommodation?
Yes. Your carer will arrive professionally and can provide identification if required by the venue or for your peace of mind.
Questions about our onsite childrecare for weddings, events and functions
Events, Weddings & Functions
How far in advance should I book event childcare?
We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly for weddings and larger events where dates are set well in advance. Popular dates, especially weekends and school holiday periods, fill up quickly. That said, we will always do our best to accommodate shorter-notice enquiries
How many carers will we need for our event?
This depends on the number of children attending and their ages. We maintain appropriate carer-to-child ratios and will confirm staffing requirements when you enquire. Please include an estimated number of children and their approximate ages in your initial contact.
Do you supply equipment and activities?
We can source age-appropriate toys, games, and activities to keep children engaged and entertained throughout your event and included in the final cost. You simply need to provide a suitable space at your venue. We set up and pack down entirely.
Can you care for children across a wide age range at the same event?
Yes, we are experienced with mixed-age groups at events. We bring appropriate activities and materials for different ages and ensure the supervision approach suits each child. Please include the age breakdown of expected children when enquiring.
Can you provide a dedicated children’s area at events?
The preference would be that you have this space provided by the venue, however we can work with your venue to create a safe, engaging space specifically for children during your event.
Do parents need to stay onsite during care?
This depends on the event setup. We’ll clarify supervision expectations and ensure everything aligns with your event plan.
Questions about our respite care service for cerers and organisations.
Respite Care
respite care only available to government agencies and NGOs?
Government agencies and NGOs are our primary clients for respite and crisis care referrals. However, we also support individual family carers who need a genuine break, whether that’s a few hours of relief or overnight support. If you’re unsure whether this service is right for your situation, please reach out and we’ll have an honest conversation about how we can help.
How do we refer families through your service as an organisation?
Please contact us directly by email to discuss your organisation’s referral process and requirements.
We work with each organisation individually to understand your needs, compliance requirements, and preferred way of working.
How quickly can you respond to an urgent or crisis referral?
For urgent situations, please contact us directly via email.
Are your carers experienced with complex or high-need situations?
Yes. Carers placed for respite work are specifically selected for their experience with diverse and sometimes complex family situations, including children with additional needs, families under stress, and situations requiring particular sensitivity and patience.
Can respite care be ongoing or is it short-term only?
Both options are available. We can support short-term relief or ongoing arrangements depending on your needs.
How do you match carers for sensitive situations?
We take extra care to match based on experience, temperament, and suitability for the specific family situation.
Contact Form
This form is for general enquiries only.
If you are looking to book a babysitter, request pricing, or receive a quote, please complete our Booking/Enquiry Form instead. This allows us to gather the details needed to match your family with the right sitter as quickly as possible.