What is a baby Nurse?
A Baby Nurse is a non-medical professional who comes into the home when the baby comes home from the hospital. They generally assist parents with the day-to-day care of their new baby for a few weeks up to several months. They can provide overnight (10-12 hours), daytime hours, or 24-hour care. A Baby Nurse is experienced/trained and/or has a certification. Many Baby Nurses will have additional certifications like: HHAs, CNAs or LPNs. Most Baby Nurses also have their CPR certification.
Every Baby Nurse is different and has a range of newborn and infant care experience. In general, they will have extensive practical experience with newborns, and current knowledge of accepted practices in newborn care, including lactation support, Infant CPR & First Aid, and knowledge of early childhood development.
Other skills include:
• Will be attentive, focused and alert in caring for the baby
• Can teach you to change diapers, bathe and feed the baby, or do it all for you
• Will communicate to the parents the baby’s daily and/or nightly routines including feeding, sleep and behavior patterns
• Educates and teaches parents to understand their newborn in terms of his or her development and idiosyncrasies
• Assists parents with developing a schedule/routine with the baby
• Makes recommendations if requested
• Will give the baby a sponge and tub bath
• Understands the newborn’s needs and care routines
• Gets up for nighttime feedings while the new mother gets her much needed rest
• Burping techniques
• Lactation support to breastfeeding mothers
• Bottle preparation & cleaning
• Comforting measures such as swaddling & rocking
• Umbilical and circumcision care
• Sleep training
(A Baby Nurse is generally not responsible for household duties unrelated to the new baby or for the care of other children in the household. Please discuss your expectations and understand her comfort level regarding additional duties.)
Baby Nurse FAQ’s:
1. What is the typical length of stay ?
The duration of my time in your home will be your decision. A typical assignment will range between 2 – 12 weeks, longer for preemies, multiples and special needs infants.
2. Will you put our baby on a schedule?
I can help put your baby on a schedule if this is something you prefer. We can start as early as two weeks old. By three months, most babies I have worked with are sleep trained.
3. When we have you for 24-hour care, when do you sleep and take breaks?
I sleep when the baby sleeps. It is customary that I am given 4-5hour break per each 24-hour period . I usually will not take any break during the first week on the job, until the parents and baby are more settled at home.
4. What accommodations are required?
For 24-hour care, it is customary to provide a suitable couch or bed (no air mattress). It is your choice to have me sleep in the room with the baby or in a separate living space with a baby monitor. It is my preference to be in the same room, especially at the beginning, so I can respond to the baby as quickly as possible.
5. Am I required to provide meals?
With 24-hour care it is customary to provide food.
6. Are you a U.S. Citizen?
Yes.
7. Can you travel with our family on vacation?
Yes, I am happy travel with you and your family. Please discuss prior to hiring me. Please keep in mind all expenses for the food, travel, etc. should be covered.
8. Do you work on holidays?
I work on holidays. The charge is time and a half.
9. What are your typical hours?
• Overnight Care (10-12 hours): typical hours are 12 hours, 8pm-8am or 7pm-7am
• 24-hour Care