Hiring Baby Care Help Bringing your newborn home from the hospital can be an exciting but nerve-wracking time. Although you no longer have the helpful hands of the maternity ward nurses, you don’t have to go it alone. Having outside help can be a blessing. Here’s what you need to know about hiring an in-home baby care professional.

Newborn Care Specialists

A newborn care specialist is your go-to person for your baby's first three months. “Some first-time parents may not know how to schedule feedings or help their baby sleep through the night, or in some cases diaper a baby. We help get them more comfortable caring for their babies,” says Nancy Hamm, a certified newborn care specialist and managing director of the Newborn Care Specialist Association (NCSA). Many newborn care specialists work eight-hour night shifts to help get the baby to sleep through the night while tired parents also get some rest.

Newborn specialists who work during the day may help with feedings, naps, diaper changes, and baths. To find a newborn care specialist, ask your doctor for a referral or contact the NCSA.

If you have a premature baby or a baby with special needs, you may prefer a baby nurse instead. “Baby nurses are either registered nurses or licensed practical nurses who are hired to help with newborns who have medical challenges like prematurity or a genetic disorder that requires close monitoring,” Hamm says.

Nannies

A nanny may work full- or part-time and live with your family or at her own home. “Nannies generally work during the day and follow the client’s instructions about how to care for the family’s children,” says Hamm. Typical nanny duties include meal planning and preparation, laundry, bathing, disciplining, organizing outings, and taking kids to activities. You may want to ask your nanny to take an infant CPR course so she knows how to handle some basic emergencies. You can find a nanny via word of mouth, asking your doctor, or contacting the International Nanny Association.