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.
