What parents are searching for

What to do when your childcare falls through

Every parent knows the stress of childcare cancelled at the last minute. Whether your regular babysitter is sick, daycare closes unexpectedly, or work runs late — searching for trusted childcare at short notice can feel overwhelming.

Instead of relying on Facebook groups or messaging multiple people, Kiddo lets families browse local babysitters, view reviews, compare profiles and book casual babysitter support directly through the app.

If you're deciding between ongoing nanny support and a babysitter for a night or a few hours, see our guide on the difference between a nanny and babysitter. Parents comparing rates can explore how much babysitters cost in Australia.

How Kiddo helps parents find last-minute babysitters

Kiddo is Australia's trusted childcare platform connecting families with babysitters, nannies and support workers. Families use Kiddo to find a babysitter for a night, after school care, school holiday support, weekend bookings and urgent same-day childcare.

✓Verified carers with Working With Children Checks

✓Ratings and reviews from other parents

✓Secure in-app bookings and payments

✓Flexible casual babysitter and nanny support

✓Book for a few hours or ongoing — you choose

✓Support for babies, children and additional needs

Unlike traditional nanny agencies, Kiddo gives families more flexibility and control. Parents can browse carers, compare experience and choose someone who suits their family and schedule.

Can you book a babysitter same day?

Yes. Many families use Kiddo to find a babysitter available now, for same-day bookings, and emergency childcare at short notice. Availability depends on your location and timing, however many carers offer flexible, short-notice support across Australia's major cities.

To improve your chances, include your suburb, children's ages, the start time and any key routines or requirements when making your request.

What makes a babysitter trusted?

When searching for childcare at short notice, trust matters most. On Kiddo, parents can review babysitter profiles, ratings, reviews and verification details before booking — helping families make confident decisions, even when time is short.

Families travelling may find our hotel babysitter guide useful. For school breaks, visit our school holiday childcare guide.

Find babysitters across Australia

Kiddo supports families across major Australian cities and regional areas. Whether you need a babysitter tonight in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth — Kiddo helps connect families with local, verified carers quickly.

You can also explore finding a nanny near you, mother's helper support and backup childcare.