Welcoming a night nurse into your home is definitely a game-changer for new parents or parents with new babies. Being able to finally get caught up on rest, concentrate on your recovery (after all moms, you just went through a major medical procedure and are expected then to take 24 hour care of someone else?!) helps in so many ways, both tangible and intangible. Sure, the overnight baby nurse is going to help you in some life-changing ways, but what should you do in order to be prepared for their first visit so that they are equipped with everything they need in order to provide the best service and care for you and your baby? That’s what we’re covering in today’s article! If you have any experience in this situation, please let us know in the comments how you prepared for a night nurse or nanny and how others can do the same.
A Safe and Comfortable Space for Baby And Your Overnight Newborn Caregiver
Since your newborn caregiver will primarily be working and occupying the baby’s sleep area, it is best if you are able to get this area set up so that both the baby and the nurse can have a safe and comfortable journey together. Here is what we recommend.
- The crib/bassinet is set up to safe sleep guidelines
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- No loose blankets, pillows, toys, and a taught sheet over the mattress
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- Easy Access to Supplies And Feeding Station Prep
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- Make sure that they have useful items nearby like diapers, wipes, trash bin, burp cloths, swaddles, and pacifiers to name a few.
- Make sure they also have feeding supplies like clean bottles, nipples, formula or pumped milk etc.
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- Prepare the baby’s room for ideal overnight conditions
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- Make sure that the provider has adequate light when they need it and can navigate the baby’s room safely.
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- Provide a quiet space for the caregiver to rest
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- Sure, taking care of an infant overnight is a lot of work, but there is a non-zero amount of downtime. Make sure that they have a comfortable place to rest so that they can recoup between feedings and changes while safely and comfortably monitoring your baby while they sleep.
Here Is A Handy Checklist That You Can Use To Prepare Your Home For Your First Overnight Nurse Visit
Baby’s Sleep Area
- Crib or bassinet set up according to safe sleep guidelines. We love a mini crib with Newton Mattress
- Clean sheets fitted properly
- Swaddles or sleep sacks within reach
- Pacifiers (if used) nearby
- White noise machine
Diapering Essentials
- Diapers in the correct size
- Wipes or preferred cleaning supplies
- Diaper cream or ointment
- Extra pajamas or onesies
- Burp cloths and washcloths
Feeding Station
- Clean bottles and nipples (if bottle-feeding)
- Clearly labeled breast milk or formula
- Bottle warmer (if used)
- Burp cloths
- Written instructions for preparation and storage
Breastfeeding Support
- Comfortable chair or bed setup
- Feeding pillows
- Easy-to-reach water or snack
- Soft lighting nearby for nighttime feeds
Lighting
- Night lights or small lamps for overnight care
- Warm, low-level lighting for diaper changes and soothing
- Avoid bright overhead lights if possible
Caregiver Rest Space
- Couch, guest bed, or recliner
- Pillow and blanket
- Quiet, comfortable area near baby’s sleep space
Communication & Preferences
- Feeding and sleep preferences
- Soothing techniques your baby responds to
- Any health or care notes
- Emergency contact information
- House guidelines (thermostat, doors, pets, etc.)
Helpful Extras (Optional)
- Phone charger accessible for caregiver
- Extra linens or towels if needed
- Clear place to set personal items
Before You Go
We hope that this blog about breastfeeding and night nurse help was helpful to you. If your little one is still fussy after feeds, struggling to settle, or having trouble sleeping, we’re here to support you.
From sleep consulting to in-home 24/7 sleep training and overnight newborn care or in-home newborn care services, we offer personalized guidance to help your little one (and you!) get the rest you need.
Have questions? Let’s Chat — we’d love to help your family rest easier.
Katie B.
Expertise You Need:
- Certified Master Pediatric Sleep Consultant
- Certified Advanced Newborn Care Specialist (2016-2022)
- Board Certified Holistic Healthcare Practitioner
- 16 years professional childcare experience
- Certified Postpartum Doula (2015-2022)
- Travel & ROTA Nanny
Katie has over 16 years experience working with children of all ages. As a Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Newborn Care Specialist, she has professionally supported families and babies worldwide over the last 10 years. Her mission is to help the entire family unit get better sleep, utilizing a holistic approach that supports the baby or child’s natural biologic drive to sleep. She has personally served hundreds of families, holds 20,000+ hours exclusively caring for infants & babies and has 69+ 5-⭐️ Google reviews.
