Brisbane babysitting: Q&A with Kiddo founder Rebecca Dredge

How a Brisbane mum is taking the anxiety and hassle out of finding a trusted babysitter with a hugely popular new app.

Brisbane mum Rebecca Dredge is taking the anxiety and hassle out of finding a trusted babysitter with her app Kiddo.

Since it’s September 2019 launch, Kiddo has amassed 650 bookings, signed up 450

babysitters and had thousands of parents register throughout Southeast Queensland.

Rebecca Dredge is the founder and CEO of new babysitting app, Kiddo. Photo: Russell Shakespeare

WHO: Rebecca Dredge, 36, Founder & CEO of Kiddo

What’s new with you?

As we roll into the new school year we’re making some exciting upgrades to the Kiddo app we launched in September last year. It connects parents to local, trusted and verified babysitters.

How does it work?

Registered babysitters input their availability, so when a parent searches to connect with a babysitter, only those available for that timeslot show. There’s also in-app payment, which means there are no more awkward conversations about cash. The booking is prepaid and if a parent wants to extend their booking, they can top-up payment. Reviews and ratings are collected for every booking, which helps establish a reputation for each babysitter that parents can see. I also knew with the cost of going out – dinner, taxi – that I wanted to make babysitting affordable for parents. Kiddo doesn’t charge any booking or credit card fees and our babysitters set their own rates, so they earn more.

A Kiddo app screen shot.

How did that come about?

I remember my husband and I were sitting on the balcony of a Sunshine Coast hotel having an afternoon wine and watching other adults below us walking to go to dinner. We wanted to do that too but were trapped in our hotel room looking after our children.

Who is using Kiddo?

Working and single parents, parents without family support nearby, parents holidaying in southeast Queensland, shift workers, parents wanting one-on-one care for children and parents that just have a change in plans and need a babysitter with a few hours’ notice. Over the school holidays we have had parents book while they’ve been away on holiday. Kiddo currently operates in Toowoomba, Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast with plans to expand nationally.

What are the requirements for sitters?

Kiddo babysitters must be over 18, hold a valid Blue Card or Working with Children Check, and have a love for children. Our youngest registered babysitter is 18 and the oldest is 69.

What were you doing before Kiddo?

I was a finance relationship manager. I have always thrived on helping others build a better life for themselves, so it’s really great that in my Kiddo journey I still get to do this day to day. I am also a qualified CPA (accountant).

Who or what inspires you?

My mother has always been my inspiration. She takes everything in her stride and growing up with not much but each other she taught us to always be grateful for what we did have and how to treat people the right way. She really sacrificed so much to be there to raise my brother and I single-handedly.

When or where are you happiest?

Cooking a lovely meal with my husband for our friends and family with some ’80s music playing and the kids running about in the back yard is about all I need in life.

KIDDO TESTIMONIALS:

Recommend using Kiddo! It makes it easy to find a trustworthy babysitter without all the hassles of trawling through other time consuming pointless methods. You have a list of quality sitters at your fingertips. The babysitter we booked was a perfect fit for our family – I will be booking again! Lee, Springwood

Makes booking babysitters super simple and the communication was fantastic! Would highly recommend Kiddo to anyone needing to find a sitter. Michelle, Brisbane

Great app with wonderful babysitters! The app has everything you need to feel safe and comfortable, similar to how you would with Air BnB. The babysitters are so professional, well priced and lovely. Great app! Kayla, Paddington