Childcare for Babies & Toddlers (0–2 Years)

Platypus Babies (0 to 2 Years)

Your baby’s first years go by fast, so the right care really matters. Our baby childcare program gives children aged 0 to 2 a warm, calm nursery. Here, educators follow your baby’s own sleep, feeding and play routines. As a result, your baby feels safe, settled and ready to explore.

Australian families have trusted Oz Education for more than 45 years.

  • CCS approved
  • 1 educator: 4 babies
  • Meals, nappies and wipes included
Educator doing sensory play with babies in the Oz Education nursery room
Oz Education babies room with soft play mats and low shelves

Personalised care that follows your baby's routine

No two babies run on the same clock. That’s why we start by learning your baby’s sleep times, feeds, settling cues and comfort items. Then our educators follow that routine through the day. As your baby grows, we also adjust it with you.

In our nursery rooms, your baby can expect:

  • Their own sleep routine in a quiet, safe sleep space, following safe sleeping practices
  • Feeds on your schedule, whether that’s bottles, breast milk or first foods
  • Freshly prepared meals once they start solids, matched to their stage and any dietary needs
  • Plenty of interaction, songs and conversation, because these are the building blocks of early language
  • Daily updates on sleeps, feeds, nappies and highlights, so you never miss a moment

How we support your baby's development

The first two years are a time of rapid growth. For this reason, our infant care program follows the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). It supports every area of your baby’s development through play, routines and warm relationships. However, every child develops at their own pace, so the milestones below are a general guide only.

Two babies playing together at a sensory tub

Social & Emotional

Babies learn to trust through secure, loving bonds. Over the first two years, they typically start making eye contact, smiling back, waving and showing feelings. Our educators respond quickly and gently to every cue. As a result, your baby learns they’re safe and cared for. Read: How to support children’s social development

Language & Communication

Babbling, pointing and first words usually arrive in the first 18 months. So we talk, sing and read with babies all day. We also name objects and respond to every coo and gesture. Read: How to talk to your new baby

Smiling toddler playing outdoors at Oz Education

Physical

From tummy time to rolling, sitting, crawling and first steps, babies need space and safe challenges. That’s why our rooms have soft mats and low furniture to pull up on. Our outdoor play areas are also built especially for little ones. Read: How outdoor play benefits early childhood development

Toddler exploring flowers during sensory play at childcare

Cognitive

Babies learn by watching, touching and testing. For example, peek-a-boo teaches object permanence. Similarly, shape sorters and simple puzzles teach cause and effect and early problem-solving. Read: Why play-based learning matters in the early years

Sensory & Creative

Creativity starts with the senses, long before babies can talk. For instance, water, sand, textures, music and movement all help babies explore and express themselves. Read: Benefits of sensory play activities for children · Benefits of music and art for children

stem baby

Early Learning & STEM

Stacking blocks, rolling balls, and filling and tipping containers are a baby’s first science experiments. Although these activities look simple, hands-on play like this builds curiosity and early maths thinking. Learn more: STEM Education at Oz Education

Our Early Learning Curriculum

Our curriculum follows the Early Years Learning Framework, Australia’s national framework for early childhood education. For babies, learning happens through everyday moments, such as play, care routines and relationships.

It also covers seven areas of development: language, physical, social-emotional, cognitive, creative, mathematical and STEM.

Oz Education early learning curriculum wheel aligned to the EYLF

All-inclusive baby childcare. No hidden costs.

One daily fee covers what your baby needs, so you can just bring your baby and go.

MealsFreshly prepared meals
Matched to your baby’s stage, from first foods up.

NappiesNappies, wipes & sunscreen
All supplied, so there’s less to pack each day.

Personalised routines
Sleeps and feeds on your baby’s own schedule.

Educator IconQualified caring educators
One educator for every four babies.

Health AssessmentsOn-site health checks
Health checks happen at the centre, so there are no extra trips.

Flexible Hours IconFlexible session hours
Choose 9, 10, 11 or 12-hour sessions to suit your week.

What parents say about our babies room

Hear directly from families who started with us when their children were babies.

Childcare 5 Star Review

Oz Education is truly my child’s home away from home! Attending five days a week, my little one loves the clean, welcoming environment and delicious, nutritious meals. The educators are exceptional, dedicated, professional, and genuinely caring. I feel completely confident knowing my child is in such a safe and nurturing space every day. Highly recommend Oz Education early learning centre to any family seeking quality early education and care!

Sayed

Childcare 5 Star Review

Our son has been attending Oz Education since he was a baby, and now, as he gets ready for school, we couldn’t be happier with his progress. The educators are caring, professional, and nurturing, always supporting his learning and development. He loves coming to the centre every day, and we feel completely confident knowing he’s in such a safe and welcoming environment. Highly recommend Oz Education.

Amanda

Childcare 5 Star Review

My 4-year-old has attended since she was 7 months old and absolutely loves it. I was nervous returning to work, but the wonderful staff at Oz Education created a warm, nurturing environment that gives me total confidence every day. My daughter is always excited to see her educators, and the Centre Director does an amazing job managing the centre. We love it so much that we still attend even after moving out of the area—it’s worth the travel!

Victoria

Starting childcare with your baby

Going back to work and starting childcare is a big step for the whole family. That’s why we take it slowly, at your baby’s pace.

Number OneEnquire
First, tell us your baby’s age, start date and preferred centre.

Number 2Visit the centre
Then meet the babies room educators and see the space.

Number 3Orientation visits
Before the first day, short stays together help your baby get to know their educators.

Number 4First day
On the day, we’ll send updates and photos so you can relax.

Childcare Subsidy & Fees for Babies

All Oz Education centres are approved for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). In addition, under the Government’s 3 Day Guarantee, eligible families can receive at least 72 subsidised hours per fortnight, whatever your work or study hours. We also offer flexible 9, 10, 11 or 12-hour sessions, so you can keep your out-of-pocket costs down.

A Safe, Secure Babies Room

Nothing matters more than your baby’s safety. That’s why our nurseries meet the National Quality Framework, including one qualified educator for every four children under two. We’re also family-owned and parents ourselves, so we never take your trust lightly.

Enquire about a place in our babies room

Places for babies are limited and fill quickly, so it pays to enquire early. Tell us a little about your family and we’ll call you back. Prefer to talk? Call 1300 088 520.

Next stage

When your little one turns two, they’ll join our Koala Toddlers program, often with the same friends and educators close by.

Frequently Asked Questions

Starting in the babies room

What age can my baby start childcare?

Our babies rooms welcome children from 6 weeks old. Many families start between 6 and 12 months, when parental leave ends. Places for babies are limited, so we recommend enquiring early, even before your baby is born.

What age is the Platypus Babies Program for?

The Platypus Babies Program is for children from 6 weeks to 2 years. At around two, children move up to our Koala Toddlers program.

How early should I enquire about a childcare place for my baby?

As early as possible, ideally 6–12 months before you need care. Babies rooms are small, so places fill quickly. You can enquire online with your due date and preferred start date.

Can I visit the babies room before enrolling?

Yes. We encourage every family to visit, meet the educators and see the nursery room. Contact us to arrange a visit at your nearest centre.

How do you help babies settle into childcare?

We start with orientation visits where you stay with your baby, so they get to know their educators and the room. We follow your baby’s home routine from day one and send updates so you know how they’re going. Most babies settle within a few weeks.

Is childcare good for babies?

High-quality childcare with warm, consistent educators can support babies’ social, language and early learning skills. What matters most is a secure relationship with their educators, small groups and routines that match home.

Daily care, sleep & meals

What is the educator-to-child ratio in your babies room?

We have one qualified educator for every four children aged birth to 24 months. This is the ratio set by the National Quality Framework for all centres in Australia.

Will you follow my baby's sleep and feeding routine?

Yes. Before your baby starts, we record their sleep times, feeds and settling cues, and our educators follow that routine through the day. We update it with you as your baby grows. Read more about our personalised routines.

Where do babies sleep at childcare?

Babies sleep in a quiet, dedicated sleep area and are checked regularly by educators, following safe sleeping practices.

Do you provide formula or baby food?

We provide freshly prepared meals and snacks for babies eating solids, matched to their stage and dietary needs. Families supply formula or expressed breast milk, which educators prepare and feed according to your instructions.

Are nappies and wipes included?

Yes. Nappies, wipes, sunscreen and meals are all included in our daily fee. See everything included in your fees.

What should I pack for my baby's day at childcare?

Most babies need spare clothes, a hat, any comfort item (such as a dummy or favourite toy) and their bottles with formula or breast milk if needed. Your centre will give you a full list before your baby’s first day.

How will I know how my baby's day went?

You’ll receive regular updates on sleeps, feeds, nappy changes and learning moments, plus a chat with educators at pick-up.

What do babies learn at childcare?

Babies learn through play, songs, stories and everyday care routines. Our program follows the Early Years Learning Framework and supports social, emotional, language, physical and cognitive development.

Fees & centres

How much does childcare cost for a baby?

Fees vary by centre and session length. Most families are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy, which can cover a large share of the cost. See our fees and Child Care Subsidy guide, or enquire for your centre’s daily fee.

Which Oz Education centres have a babies room?

Our centres in Auburn, Fairfield, Guildford, Homebush, Lidcombe, Redfern, Tuggerah, Wyong, Boambee East, Gunnedah, Lake Cathie, Dallas and Footscray. Find your nearest centre.