Being a mom with work and social engagements, I rely on help from family to look after my two sons. Unfortunately, a day came when an emergency meant I was left to care for them on a week-long school holiday.

I had flexibility, but I needed my children to be looked after while I took a few hours to focus on work. In light of a recent infant’s death under the care of an unlicensed babysitter, it was important I find someone trained and certified.

It so happened I chanced upon Kiddocare, Malaysia’s first babysitting mobile platform. They provide professional and qualified babysitters to care for your children at the comfort of your own home, office or even hotel room. Having read rave reviews, I decided to give their services a try.

Registration and Booking

Parents must register and book using one of two methods depending on your mobile operating system. For Android users, it is via their app, and iOS via an online form. They are currently working on an iOS app.

The booking form for iPhone users did not have an option for reserving multiple sessions. I contacted Kiddocare for assistance. Despite being outside of their operating hours, I was tended to almost immediately. A solution was to submit my details and preferences via Whatsapp in which they processed my request manually.

Selection of Carer

Within the hour, a potential babysitter was identified based on my requirements. The team forwarded her profile and photo in a Whatsapp group chat initiated between Kiddocare and me. Chat groups are monitored closely by the team and are the medium of communication between carers and parents.

Once I made my decision, Kiddocare sent payment instructions. As soon as the transaction is complete, the babysitter, Amalina, was then added into the chat for formal introductions.

D-day

Babysitters are told to arrive 15-20 minutes ahead of schedule for formalities, familiarising themselves with your home and most importantly, your children.

Amalina arrived as expected and I filled in a form providing details such as emergency contacts, allergies, and house rules. I kissed my boys goodbye and left for work, confident that they were in good hands.

When I returned 10 hours later, I found my sons fast asleep with Amalina sitting by their bed. She handed her report, and I signed it off as she ended her shift.

Reaction from family and friends

I received mixed reactions from family and friends when I told them I used Kiddocare. The thought of having a person you’ve just met look after your children while you are away can be daunting to some.

I told them Kiddocarers have had their backgrounds screened, health checked and undergone psychometric tests. Kiddocare also reassured me that they also take safety seriously. All carers are CPR-trained and First Aid-Certified.

Reaction from my children

Like most children, my sons are slow to warm up to strangers. It was a surprise they bonded easily in such a short time. She was the first person they looked for upon waking up, and to me, that was a sign of a job well done.

I needed a babysitter again the day after, and my children insisted on Amalina. Requesting specific carers are possible but subject to availability. Most do not babysit on a full-time basis. Luck had it that she was available, and I hired her three times in total that week.

Points for parents

Kiddocarers do not cook or perform any household chores. Parents must provide meals for their children and carers will reheat accordingly.

A minimum of 2 hours booking is required, with an 8-hour notice provided in advanced. Their services are currently available in Klang Valley only though they are looking to expand in more locations in the future.

These are just general guidelines. Based on their Facebook and Instagram reviews, Kiddocare has been known to be accommodating to parents’ needs.

Points for improvements

Their booking system for iOS does not cover multiple sessions. Parents need to fill the same form multiple times or contact the team for manual processing.

Payments are accepted only via online banking and Boost wallet. Credit card facilities have yet to be set up at the time of writing. The payment instructions could also use some enhancements as it is not as direct as other booking platforms.

Kiddocare is now my current go-to for babysitters. The professionalism of the team and carers went beyond my expectations. If you ever find yourself without help like me, or just wanting to take a break, I feel hiring a babysitter from Kiddocare is a great choice. To me, it means your children will be in safe hands.

Rating: ★★★★☆