Could You Benefit From A Night Nanny?

Bringing home a newborn baby is always a beautiful and special experience for families. After months of preparation; attending prenatal classes, building the crib, stocking up on nappies, baby grows, comfort toys and more, your world suddenly changes as you welcome a new addition to your family. However, it’s fair to say that the sleepless nights, endless family visits and fatigue that comes along with it aren’t as easy to prepare for. Would an overnight nanny help you settle into motherhood? Learn more about the benefits here…

What is a night nanny?

Night nannies are fully trained professionals who are usually hired for several weeks following the birth of a newborn, to specifically help out later into the evenings. They are becoming increasingly popular amongst first-time parents, those who work full time jobs and mothers who may have gone through a particularly difficult pregnancy or delivery, leading them to need a bit of time to make a recovery to full health.

The first few weeks after giving birth can be very tough, with mothers usually having to get up at least 3 - 4 times throughout the night to feed and settle their newborn baby. Usually, babies don’t tend to fully sleep through the night until they are about 4 - 6 months old and once solids have been introduced to their diet. The continuous routine of sleepless nights and having to function throughout the day to care for a baby can put a lot of pressure and stress on a mother, leaving them exhausted and struggling to cope. This, however, is where a night time nanny could be your saving grace, to help you combat sleep deprivation, ease your exhaustion and allow you get some much-needed rest throughout the night whilst your baby is cared for by a professional.

What are the duties of an overnight nanny?

Generally, overnight nannies would be hired to work around 3 nights a week from 9 pm-7 am, however times can be negotiated to suit your needs. Whilst on duty, they would require bedding of some sort as although their working hours are throughout the night, they are not expected to stay awake all night and should be able to nap when the baby sleeps.

The services carried out by a night nanny would be tailored to the individual needs of each family, however, their usual responsibilities would include:

• Newborn babies tend to wake up every 2 - 3 hours throughout the night in order to be fed. Whether you are breastfeeding your baby or using formula, having a night time nanny can make feeds throughout the night a lot easier.

• An overnight nanny will be responsible for preparing and sterilising your baby’s bottles and will use express milk or formula for the feeds. If you prefer to breastfeed during the night, she can also bring your baby to you to do so. After the feed, she will then take over to wind and settle them back to sleep in a separate room, which gives you more time to catch up on needed sleep.
• To make feeding times comfortable and relaxing, take a look at our collection of nursing chairs, perfectly designed for mum and baby to bond in.

• As well as night time feeds, your nanny will be on call to change your baby’s nappy when necessary throughout the night, ensuring they are clean and comfortable.

 3. Help instil good sleep habits for your baby

• Your overnight nanny will be responsible for settling your baby to sleep and will help instil a working bedtime schedule and routine for you to follow. Their extensive knowledge and experience will also allow them to identify and address any sleep issues your baby may have.

4. Get your baby ready and dressed in the morning

• Before your nanny leaves, they will carry out the morning routine for your baby; getting them dressed, fed and ready for the day ahead - allowing you to have a little more time to lie-in.

5. Provide additional support and advice

• Overnight nannies tend to have years and years of experience when it comes to caring for newborn babies. This makes them the perfect support system to have around to answer any questions or worries you may have and will be able to teach you tried and tested practises in relation to caring for your baby.

How much does a night nanny cost?

Typically, you should expect to pay anywhere between £80 - £200 per night for an overnight nanny, although rates can vary for a number of reasons. This includes where you are based, the distance your night nanny will have to travel, how experienced your nanny is and the level of service that is required. If your night nanny would be caring for multiple children or if there are more complicated issues that she will be helping out with, the fees are likely to be increased slightly. 

Is an overnight nanny right for me?

Every mother’s experience is different, and although hiring a night nanny isn’t the cheapest option - the benefits do tend to outweigh the costs. Having additional support throughout the night from an experienced professional can help put your mind at ease as you ensure your newborn baby gets the care they require, whilst you get the rest that you deserve. Sleep is important at all ages, for both mothers and babies, so investing in a night nanny may just be the solution to help you and your family settle into parenthood.