How to Choose the Right Babysitter for Your Family

Written by Lisa

As a parent, there’s no greater priority than ensuring your child is safe, happy, and well-cared-for—especially when you can’t be there yourself. Whether it’s for a night out, work commitments, or regular support, choosing the right babysitter isn’t just about finding someone available. It’s about finding someone you can truly trust.At Cherished Cherubs Babysitting, we’ve supported Perth families since 2002 with high-quality, professional babysitting services that offer peace of mind. But if you're in the early stages of your search, here’s what you should know to help you choose a sitter who’s not only capable, but also compassionate, responsible, and a perfect fit for your family.

1. Safety First: Know the Legal Requirements

When choosing a babysitter in Western Australia—or anywhere in Australia—it’s essential to understand the basic legal and safety requirements.

In Queensland, for instance, anyone working with children is required by law to hold a valid Blue Card. In Western Australia, the equivalent is a Working With Children Check (WWCC). This ensures the individual has been screened for any criminal offences or relevant misconduct. At Cherished Cherubs, every one of our babysitters holds an up-to-date WWCC and police clearance—no exceptions.

But vetting goes beyond paperwork. Families should feel confident that their babysitter is not only legally cleared but also emotionally and professionally ready for the responsibility of caring for children.


2. Check for First Aid and Emergency Preparedness

Accidents can happen, and while we all hope they won’t, having a babysitter who is properly trained to handle emergencies is vital. Ask if the babysitter holds a current First Aid and CPR qualification, ideally one that’s specifically geared towards children and infants.

At Cherished Cherubs, all our babysitters are required to hold relevant first aid training, so they’re equipped to handle the unexpected with calm and confidence.


3. Look for Experience with Children of Similar Age

Not all childcare experience is equal. A babysitter who’s wonderful with toddlers might not be as confident managing a group of energetic primary schoolers, or vice versa. When choosing a babysitter, ask about their background and experience with children similar in age and personality to your own.

We make sure to match each family with a babysitter who not only meets their scheduling needs, but also aligns with the children’s ages, developmental stages, and temperament. This way, both the parents and children feel more at ease from the start.


4. Communication Skills Matter

Your babysitter will be your partner in care—even if it’s just for a few hours. Clear, respectful, and proactive communication is key. They should be open to understanding your family’s routines, values, and expectations. And they should be someone you feel comfortable discussing your child’s needs with.

From the first point of contact, our babysitters are briefed in detail about your family’s preferences. We ensure you feel informed, supported, and heard—because that’s what quality care should look like.


5. Trust Your Gut—and Theirs

Sometimes, it comes down to chemistry. How does your child respond to the babysitter? Do they seem engaged, comfortable, and relaxed around them? A great babysitter will take the time to build trust and connection, not just supervise.

At Cherished Cherubs, our team is carefully chosen not only for their skills and qualifications, but for their heart. We look for individuals who genuinely love working with children and bring warmth, patience, and energy into every home.


6. Ask the Right Questions

If you’re considering engaging a babysitter independently, be sure to ask:

  • Do you have experience with children of this age?

  • What would you do in an emergency?

  • How do you handle behavioural challenges?

  • Can you provide recent references?

  • Are you up to date with your Working With Children Check and First Aid certification?

Of course, with Cherished Cherubs, we’ve already asked all those questions—and more. Our thorough vetting process includes reference checks, face-to-face interviews, training verification, and hands-on experience assessments. We leave no stone unturned.


7. Prioritise Professionalism and Reliability

Life as a parent is full of moving parts. The last thing you need is a sitter who cancels last-minute or doesn’t show up on time. Punctuality, reliability, and professionalism are just as important as playtime skills and cuddles.

Cherished Cherubs has built a reputation for being dependable, flexible, and committed. Whether you need a one-off babysitter for a night out or a regular carer each week, we’ve got you covered.


Engage a Trusted Babysitter Today

Choosing a babysitter can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach—and the right support—you can find someone who feels like an extension of your family.

At Cherished Cherubs, we’re here to take the stress out of the process. Our sitters are fully screened, highly experienced, and deeply passionate about making a positive difference in children’s lives.

We’ve helped thousands of Perth families find the care they need, and we’d be honoured to support yours too.

Contact us today to book your babysitter or learn more about how we can support your family.

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At Cherished Cherubs, we have been providing quality childcare  in Perth since 2002.  We know how important your children are.  Our mission is to provide professional, tailored and affordable babysitting services to create a stress-free experience for parents.  We organise it all for you.  Whether you want to find a babysitter to take care of your little ones at home, at your hotel, at work or your latest event, we’ve got you covered.

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