Family FAQs
Clear answers to the questions families ask most before hiring a Newborn Care Specialist.
What areas do you serve?
We work with families across the United States, including Phoenix and Scottsdale, San Francisco and the Bay Area, New York and surrounding areas, Los Angeles, Dallas, and many other areas. For more information, please reach out.
What is a Newborn Care Specialist?
A Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) is a professionally trained expert who specializes in caring for newborns from birth to 6 months old. Unlike regular nannies or an untrained baby nurse, NCS professionals have specialized training in infant development, feeding techniques, sleep training, and newborn health. They work in your home to establish healthy routines, provide overnight care, support breastfeeding goals, and help parents gain confidence during the crucial first months.
NCS professionals are not medical providers but work closely to follow instructions from your pediatrician and healthcare team.
How will I pay the Newborn Care Specialist I hire?
Pay requirements and classifications depend on the state. In some states, Newborn Care Specialists own their own business (usually an LLC) and can be hired as independent contractors, which some families opt to do. In other states, Newborn Care Specialists must be hired as W-2 employees, and employers are responsible for legal pay and abiding by other local and state laws.
Please let us know if you need recommendations for domestic payroll agencies and we will be glad to put you in touch with the experts.
What certifications should a Newborn Care Specialist have?
All Newborn Care Specialists should have up-to-date CPR and First Aid certifications at a minimum. Many NCS also pursue additional certifications such as Newborn Care Specialist certification through organizations like CACHE, INA, or Newborn Care Solutions. These programs provide comprehensive training in infant care, feeding support, sleep training, and family dynamics.
Additional certifications in lactation support, sleep consulting, or postpartum doula work can enhance an NCS's skill set.
How far in advance should I book a Newborn Care Specialist?
We recommend booking your Newborn Care Specialist as early as possible, ideally during your second trimester (around 20 to 24 weeks of pregnancy). This gives us time to understand your family's needs, match you with the right specialist, and ensure availability for your due date. However, we understand that circumstances vary, and we do our best to accommodate last-minute requests when possible.
The earlier you book, the more options you'll have.
Can a Newborn Care Specialist help with twins or multiples?
Absolutely. Many of our Newborn Care Specialists have extensive experience with twins, triplets, and other multiples. Caring for multiples requires specialized skills in coordinating feeding schedules, managing sleep routines for multiple babies, and providing efficient care.
When you contact us, let us know you're expecting multiples so we can match you with an NCS who has the right experience.
What is the typical schedule for a Newborn Care Specialist?
Newborn Care Specialist schedules are flexible and customized to each family's needs. Common arrangements include overnight care (typically 10 to 12 hours, such as 7 PM to 7 AM), 24-hour care, or daytime support. Some families prefer a full-time live-in arrangement for the first few weeks, while others opt for part-time support a few nights per week.
During your consultation, we'll discuss your needs, budget, and preferences to create a schedule that works for your family.