Night Nurse For Newborn: How Long Is Necessary?

Sleep deprivation is a common concern for new parents, and one solution is to hire a night nurse or night nanny. A night nurse is a professional trained in newborn care who provides aid to new parents during the first few weeks of a baby's life at home. They are often referred to as newborn care specialists (NCS) and typically work at night so that parents can get some much-needed rest. The cost of hiring a night nurse varies depending on location, qualifications and hours, but they can be expensive, with rates ranging from $25 to $80 per hour. So how long might you need one for?

What is a night nurse?

A night nurse, also known as a newborn care specialist (NCS), is an expert in newborn care who helps new parents during the first few weeks of life at home. They are well-versed in newborn care and will be the ones in charge of caring for the baby overnight so that the parents can get some sleep.

Night nurses are often referred to as baby nurses, but they may or may not be licensed or registered nurses with medical training. They do, however, have expertise in infant care and development, including feeding, sleep training, CPR, managing multiples, and treating the special needs of preemies or babies with medical conditions.

The primary role of a night nurse is to take care of all newborn-related duties, such as swaddling, feeding, burping, diapering, comforting, sterilising bottles and breast pump parts, and possibly laundry for the baby. They also help new parents establish good feeding and sleeping habits for their newborns.

Night nurses typically start the day a new baby comes home from the hospital or on the day of a home birth, and they work to help new families get settled in. They usually work 24/7 or nights for up to three to four months, taking on full care of the newborn overnight so that the parents can rest.

In addition to newborn care, night nurses may also be certified in sleep training/conditioning or have experience as postpartum doulas or birth doulas. They may also have qualifications in working with multiples, premature infants, car seat safety, infant development, and maternal mental health.

While the term "night nurse" is commonly used, it is important to note that in many states, only those with advanced training, such as registered nurses (RN) or licensed practical nurses (LPN), are legally allowed to use the title "nurse". Therefore, the official title of a night nurse is a newborn care specialist (NCS).

How long do night nurses work for?

The length of time a family needs a night nurse for varies. Some families book a night nurse for one week, while others keep them on until the baby is sleeping through the night, which can be three to six months. The average time a night nurse stays is 12 to 16 weeks, but some stay for up to a year.

Night nurses usually start the day a new baby comes home from the hospital and work to help new families get settled in and establish good feeding and sleeping habits. They typically work 24/7 or nights for up to three to four months, taking on full care of the newborn overnight so the parents can rest.

Some parents hire night nurses for longer time frames, especially if they have other children or their baby has specific needs. Kristina Godfrey, a mother of three, hired a night nurse for six months for her first son and nine months for her third son, who had acid reflux.

The length of time a family hires a night nurse for is flexible and depends on their budget and personal preferences.

What do night nurses do?

Night nurses, also known as newborn care specialists (NCS), are experts in newborn care. They typically work at night, feeding and changing the baby so that parents can get some rest.

Night nurses support families in all aspects of newborn care, including:

Baby Feeding

This includes bringing the baby to the mother for breastfeeding, preparing bottles, and helping with latching on or pumping if needed.

Dealing with Baby-Specific Health Issues

Such as cradle cap, circumcision, umbilical cord care, diaper rash, reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Soothing the Baby and Encouraging Regular Sleep Habits

Night nurses are familiar with normal newborn habits and can help establish good sleeping habits.

Changing and Bathing the Baby

Organizing the Nursery and Doing Baby Laundry

Keeping a Log of Sleeping, Feeding, and Changing Times

This helps the family develop a schedule.

It is important to note that night nurses generally do not perform household chores unrelated to baby care, nor are they responsible for babysitting older siblings. They also should not be relied upon to diagnose any potential health issues; parents should consult their paediatrician for any medical concerns.

How much do night nurses cost?

The cost of a night nurse, or newborn care specialist (NCS), can vary depending on a number of factors. These include the hours worked, the level of education and experience of the NCS, the number of babies they will be caring for, the area of the country where you live, and whether you hire them through an agency.

According to Andrea Hedley, founder of the Newborn Care Specialist Association, NCS rates tend to be about 25-30% more than a regular day nanny in most markets. In the US, rates typically fall between $20 and $45 per hour, but in certain markets, such as the San Francisco Bay Area, rates can reach $65-$75 per hour.

Daily rates for NCSs can range from $350 to $700, or they may charge an hourly rate of $18 to $30. The average cost per night is approximately $200-$250 for a 10-12 hour period.

It's worth noting that NCSs are typically more expensive than night nannies, who may not have formal training or certifications in newborn care.

How to hire a night nurse

A night nurse, or newborn care specialist, is an expert in newborn care who helps new parents during the first few weeks of life at home. They typically work at night, feeding and changing the baby so the parents can get some much-needed rest.

Where to Find a Night Nurse

The best way to find a good night nurse is to ask the nurses at the hospital where you delivered for referrals. Your practitioner or pediatrician may also have suggestions. Word-of-mouth among friends is also a popular way to find a good night nurse. The Newborn Care Specialist Association and the International Nanny Association are also good resources for finding qualified overnight helpers, as are reputable local placement agencies.

Interviewing a Night Nurse

When interviewing a night nurse, it's important to ask for references and check their credentials. Make sure your night nurse is experienced and certified in CPR and first aid. Ask about their specific duties and responsibilities, and whether they will perform any household chores. It's also a good idea to discuss your expectations for the role and the structure of the arrangement.

Cost of a Night Nurse

Night nurses can cost $200 a night or more, depending on their hours, level of education, responsibilities, location, and whether you hire them through an agency. Their day rates can run between $350 and $700, or they may charge $18 to $30 an hour.

Benefits of a Night Nurse

A night nurse can help parents, especially new moms, navigate the first hectic and overwhelming weeks with a new baby. The biggest benefit is that they allow you to sleep, which is crucial for your mental health and well-being. A night nurse can also teach new parents the ropes, especially if they don't have family close by. They can be especially helpful for parents of multiples or babies with medical conditions that require special care.

Duration of Hiring a Night Nurse

The duration of hiring a night nurse can vary depending on your family's needs. Some families book a night nurse for a few weeks, while others retain them for several months. On average, a night nurse stays for 12 to 16 weeks, but some may stay for up to a year. It's important to discuss the expected duration of the arrangement during the interview process and be clear about your expectations.

Frequently asked questions