What babysitters cost in Melbourne.

An early childhood educator has spent years learning how young children develop and how to care for them in a group. They already do the job all day. Settling a toddler, handling a tantrum, spotting a child who is unwell: none of it is new to them.

We expect most educators here to charge $38 to $45 an hour, and that is why. At the same hourly rate an agency sitter costs more, because the agency adds a booking fee. A first-year student at $25 is a different kind of sitter. Both have their place. Pay for the one you want.

Each sitter on Gold Star Sitters sets their own extras and shows them on their profile. As a guide, here is what others charge.

• After midnight. Sittr adds $6 an hour.
• Public holidays. Little Lovelies charges $45 an hour.
• More children. Find A Babysitter suggests about $1 an hour for each extra child. Little Lovelies charges $40 an hour for three.
• Minimum booking. Agencies often set 3 hours. Sitters here set their own.

A Saturday date night from 6pm to 10pm with a sitter charging $40 an hour costs $160, paid to the sitter. Through an agency at the same hourly rate you would add a booking fee of about $35.

On Gold Star Sitters you pay the sitter and nothing else per booking. Your membership is a separate one-off payment. See pricing.

Sitters on Gold Star Sitters are independent, so the rate is whatever you and the sitter agree. Settle the hourly rate, the extras and the minimum before the first booking, and how you will pay. Our safety and interview guide has the full list.