The most useful care schedule is built around pressure points in your real routine.
Start with the difficult periods
Ask:
When are both parents most tired?
Which feeds or settling periods need the most support?
When does one parent work or attend appointments?
Are older children at home?
Is daytime recovery or overnight rest the priority?
Are there building access or travel constraints?
Build a clear recurring schedule
For a subscription, identify:
Days of the week
Shift start and end times
Preferred start date
Care location
Expected duration
Any dates when care is not needed
Subscriptions operate in 28-day cycles. The agreed schedule and current availability determine the plan offered to you.
Allow time for handover
At the first shift, leave time to explain supplies, feeding instructions, sleep setup, home access, and communication preferences.
For later shifts, a short handover helps the caregiver understand changes since the previous visit.
If your schedule is uncertain
Tell the Care Team which parts are fixed and which may change. One-time care may be more suitable for a highly variable schedule. A recurring plan may be more suitable when consistent support and caregiver continuity are the priority.
Example schedule questions
For daytime care, consider whether you need support around the morning routine, a recovery period, work hours, or school collection for older children.
For overnight care, define when the shift begins, how feeding will work, when the parent should be woken, and what handover is expected in the morning.
For recurring care, check whether weekends, public holidays, travel dates, or caregiver off-days affect the plan.
Avoid informal changes
A parent and caregiver may both want to be helpful, but private schedule changes can create gaps in transport, payment, rest time, and responsibility.
Route changes through DarDoc so the recorded booking reflects what is actually happening.