Having a newborn can be one of the most stressful and exciting moments in a persons life. From the first time we lay eyes on them, we become immediately enthralled with them and overcome with love and happiness. But, with this overwhelming love also comes the stress of taking care of a newborn. They are fragile, delicate, and need attention 24/7. Unfortunately, many parents do not get much time off for maternity/paternity leave so they must decide quickly how they are going to care for the baby once they have to go back to work. The answer is newborn care. Below, we will go over how to pick the best newborn care for your baby.
1. Ask yourself, “What Are My Priorities”
This is the most important step and sets the foundation for your newborn care. A few things to consider are “how old do I want the caregiver to be?”. Do you want an older and experienced nanny, or do you want someone who is younger and can keep up with the energy. “How close do I want the caregiver to live?”, this question is very important because it will dictate how often your caregiver will be able to come and help you. And finally, “how much am I willing to pay them?”. The more you pay, the better the service or professional you are going to get. But, do not only look at price. There are many caregivers that are absolutely phenomenal at a cheaper price, they are just not as experienced.
2. Check References
This one might seem obvious, but we wouldn’t include it in this list if it was. Please make sure to check your references before hiring a stranger to take care of your child. Many potential caregivers sound amazing on paper, are great with interviews, and pass off as very likeable in person, but the only way you will know the truth is if you reach out to their former employers. Former employers will be honest with you about the kind of person they are and if they had a good experience with them. If they do not have any references, or try to avoid the question, then that is a MAJOR red flag and it is best to avoid.
3. Follow Your Gut
Once your potential caregiver has passed your scrutinous screening, there is only one thing left that she must pass, your intuition. Your candidate might be great on paper, have great work history, and have great recommendations from references, but she must also mesh well with your family. If you feel that the potential caregiver wouldn’t fit in the families overall culture, then you shouldn’t hire them. Before you hire them, make sure to introduce them to your kids and see how they interact with them. If you like them and so do your kids, then the option is easy, hire them!
