Like all the best Boy Scouts – being prepared is key when you’re getting ready to be a parent. And finding the right support is a large part of that. So, if sleep deprivation is your worst nightmare, you’re probably looking into getting a night nanny.
And you might be wondering when you should start making phone calls. So, here’s your primer on timings; and how I can help you be as prepared as possible for your new arrival.
Why do I need a night nanny?
A night nanny usually comes to help you for the first 8-12 weeks of your baby’s life. Often they’ll start work with you as soon as you get home from the hospital.
They’ll arrive around 9 pm and sleep in the nursery with your baby.
This means you get consistent and quality sleep. Helping you recover from birth and ensuring you have enough energy to care for your baby during the day.
A night nanny will feed, change, and settle your baby when they wake during the night. Or, if you prefer, she will bring the baby to you for you to breastfeed.
Then she’ll leave around 7 am, after giving you feedback on the night’s activities.
You can find a more comprehensive rundown of what a night nanny is and what we do here.
Night nannies and newborn specialists
While Night Nanny is a more commonly used term, I’m actually a Newborn Care Specialist. It’s not just about sleep, so if you need support in other areas, I have additional expertise in:
- Postnatal Care,
- Breastfeeding Support,
- Postnatal Depression,
- Sleep Consultant training,
- Reflux and Early Allergies,
- Behaviour Basics,
- Pre and Post Birth Complications,
- Maternal Complications, and
- Respectful Care
Can you get a night nanny when your baby is older?
If your baby has developed an issue such as reflux or colic, then you might be finding things harder than you expected. So calling in a night nanny a few weeks on can help you and your child get back on track.
Sometimes I will work with families when their baby is older, coming in to establish a good evening routine or troubleshoot sleep problems. But, usually, by about 5 months in, you may find it more effective to reach out to a sleep consultant to help.
But, in my opinion, prevention is better than cure. So the earlier I can help you instil good sleep routines and hygiene, the easier things will be for you and your family.
So, when should you get a night nanny?
If you decide to work with an agency, then a night nanny can usually be provided at short notice.
I can only work with one family at a time, so if you’re thinking about hiring a night nanny, it’s best to get in touch sooner rather than later. Once you have an idea of your due date, why not give me a call?
And don’t worry. Obviously, I know that babies don’t always pay attention to things like calendars. So I’m able to be flexible with actual start dates.
As for duration, think about your family dynamics. And when (if at all) you’re planning to return to work. Having the support to get your baby into a good sleep routine by the time you finish maternity leave can be an invaluable service.
How to get the process started
Ready to get going? The first step is a call.
When I’m contacted by a parent, we go through all sorts of questions. I’ll need to know when your baby is due (if you’re still pregnant), when you’d like help to start, and any history of allergies or intolerances.
Once we’ve chatted via a consultation call, we’ll move to a face-to-face meeting. You’re inviting me into your home, so everyone needs to make sure they’re comfortable and confident.
