No. Baby nurse is a term used to describe an infant or newborn care specialist. This term is usually used outside of the US. The correct title is a Newborn Care Specialist. This person provides support to families as they transition home with their newborns. We’ll provide you with an experienced and trusted newborn care specialist to assist you with your day-to-day when you bring home your new baby.

We recommend you start your search for a Newborn Care Specialist as early as the beginning of your 2nd trimester. We have newborn care specialists that are booked as early as six months in advance. We would be happy to help with any last-minute placements if your baby is on the way or already home. When considering the length of time you'd like a Newborn Care Specialist, we recommend at least 8-16 weeks of care. However, some families average 12 weeks, while others may have an NCS for close to 1 year. When creating a contract with the Newborn Care Specialist of your choice, you can specify a range of times that you would like them. You can always extend your time as long as the NCS has not been booked to help another family. It's usually important to give 2 weeks' notice if you'd like to extend your NCS's time. Once you no longer need an NCS, we are happy to help you find a nanny.

All of our NCS's meet with the owner of the company in person. They are asked detailed questions regarding their knowledge about child development, infant safety issues, scheduling, and breastfeeding. They must pass a nationwide criminal background check that includes social security verification. We call up to 5 of their personal and professional references. All of our NCS's must have current CPR and a minimum of 4 years prior experience with infants. NCS's that work with us are required to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations. They also have various certifications and must stay up-to-date on the latest safety guidelines for newborn care.

The family is responsible for paying the Newborn Care Specialist directly at the end of each week based on a per-day rate or hourly rate agreed in the contract. There are NCS that are contracted as 1099 worker and others that are W2 workers. Our Newborn Care Specialists are $35-80+ an hour. ​

An NCS is still considered an independent contractor. Based on your own state’s rules she may be required to receive 1099.

For 24-hour care, the NCS will lightly sleep when the baby is sleeping. Most families have a bed or a comfortable space for the Newborn Care Specialist. Accommodations should be discussed with the NCS that you decide to work with. It is their choice to sleep in the room with the baby or in a separate living space with a baby monitor. For overnight shifts, you can ask the NCS to stay in the baby’s room or you can choose to provide the NCS with a separate living space with a baby monitor where she can read, work on the computer, or watch TV after her other duties are finished and the baby is sleeping.

With 24-hour care, families often provide the Newborn Care Specialist with food. For overnight care, it is not required but a nice gesture, but if you would like, you can have snacks and drinks available for the NCS/or night baby specialist. Some NCS will have meals as a request, so we suggest budgeting for this.

The client is monetarily responsible for round trip transportation for the NCS if she is coming from another state or town. Some NCSs will also travel to your home by taxi, public transportation, or ferry and it is normally agreed upon if you as the client will provide reimbursement. This may include gas and tolls.

The NCS will usually lightly sleep when the baby is sleeping. She should also be allowed a 4-5 hour break per 24-hour period in which she can decide to sleep or leave the premises.

Your Newborn Care Specialist's primary responsibility is the comprehensive care of your baby. Their duties are solely focused on the infant and include tasks such as baby laundry, sanitizing bottles and breastfeeding supplies, and maintaining an organized and well-stocked nursery. Please note that they do not handle cooking, household cleaning, or general chores.