What is In-Home Babysitting?
In-home babysitting means a professional babysitter comes to your home to care for your child. This can be on a casual basis—such as for an evening out—or on a regular schedule, much like a nanny arrangement. At Cherished Cherubs, our babysitters provide care where children are most comfortable: in their own home, surrounded by their toys, routines, and familiar environment.
In-Home Babysitting vs. Daycare: The Key Differences
Let’s take a closer look at how these two childcare options compare in the areas that matter most to parents:
1. Personalised Attention
In-Home Babysitting:
✔️ One-on-one care tailored specifically to your child’s needs, routines, and preferences
✔️ Siblings of different ages can be cared for together
✔️ The sitter can adapt activities, meals, and sleep to suit your child’s individual rhythm
Daycare:
✖️ Staff must divide their attention across several children (ratios vary by age group)
✖️ Care may be less tailored to your child’s personality or learning style
Our Take: If your child thrives on individual attention or has specific needs, in-home babysitting offers a more flexible and responsive option.
2. Environment and Comfort
In-Home Babysitting:
✔️ Children remain in their familiar surroundings, which reduces anxiety and supports smoother transitions
✔️ Personal toys, meals, and sleep arrangements are readily available
✔️ Ideal for children who feel overwhelmed in busy or unfamiliar settings
Daycare:
✖️ May take time for a child to adjust to a new and stimulating environment
✔️ Provides a structured setting with group activities and socialisation opportunities
Our Take: In-home care offers a comforting continuity for younger children, or those who struggle with change or sensory overload.
3. Health and Illness Exposure
In-Home Babysitting:
✔️ Lower risk of exposure to illness, especially important for infants and toddlers
✔️ Fewer disruptions due to sick days or centre closures
Daycare:
✖️ High likelihood of exposure to common colds, viruses, and childhood illnesses
✖️ Centres often have strict exclusion policies for sick children
Our Take: In-home babysitting can reduce the spread of illness, which is a major consideration for working parents and families with young children.
4. Flexibility for Parents
In-Home Babysitting:
✔️ You choose the hours and frequency that suit your family
✔️ Perfect for shift workers, irregular schedules, or last-minute needs
✔️ Care can extend into evenings, weekends, or holidays
Daycare:
✖️ Limited to standard business hours
✖️ May have waitlists, rigid policies, or cancellation fees
Our Take: For families needing flexibility and support beyond 9-to-5, in-home babysitting is a clear winner.
5. Social Development
In-Home Babysitting:
✔️ Social skills are developed through one-on-one interaction with the sitter
✖️ May require parents to arrange separate opportunities for peer interaction (playgroups, etc.)
Daycare:
✔️ Daily interaction with peers helps develop sharing, teamwork, and social skills
✔️ Exposure to a wider variety of activities and group settings
Our Take: If socialisation is a key goal, in-home care can be balanced with community playgroups, classes, or playdates.
So, Which Is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your child’s personality, your family’s schedule, and what brings you peace of mind.
You might prefer daycare for its structured program and built-in social opportunities. Or you might value the personalised, flexible care that only a professional in-home babysitter can provide.
Many families even combine both options—daycare during the day and a babysitter for evenings or weekends. At Cherished Cherubs, we’re here to support you however you choose to care for your children.
Why Perth Families Choose Cherished Cherubs
🛡️ Fully screened babysitters with WWCC, police clearances, and First Aid/CPR certification
💛 Genuine carers with a passion for children and strong communication skills
📅 Flexible booking options to suit your changing needs
🏠 Personalised in-home care that puts your child’s wellbeing first
Since 2002, Cherished Cherubs has been a name Perth families trust. We understand that every child is different, and every family deserves care that reflects that.
Engage a Trusted Babysitter Today
We’d love to learn more about your family’s needs and help match you with the perfect babysitter.
Reach out today, and let us help you take the worry out of finding the perfect babysitter for your family.
