5 All-Important Newborn Care Tips to Consider | Nanny Services Vancouver

Taking care of a newborn can be a challenging experience, especially if you are new to the role. Newborn babies are fragile, unpredictable, and require a lot of care and attention. To be fully prepared for the role of a nanny, you need to know as much about them as possible and employ strategies that will help you be successful in the job.
In this weekly blog post, Ace Personnel, a reputable nanny service in Vancouver, offers tips to help you take care of a newborn or infant in your care.

Newborn Care Basics: 5 Helpful Tips | Nanny Services Vancouver

Tip #1: Observe the Mother for the First Day or Two

As a first-time nanny, you may want to schedule the first day or two for the purposes of being the mother’s helper. Think of a mother’s helper as a nanny in training. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions, observe, and see how mom interacts with the baby. Every child is different. They develop differently, have distinct personalities, possess unique strengths, and require different kinds of support.

Tip #2: Gather the Important Information

The health and safety of the newborn in your care is paramount. In your first meeting with the parent, make sure that you have gathered and understand all the necessary emergency information:
• Parents’ phone numbers
• Address
• Emergency contact information
• Childs full name and health card information
• Nearest hospital
• Any allergies or restrictions
The best place to keep this info is on the fridge or on your phone. While you will hopefully not need to access this information, it is important to know where it is for your peace of mind and protection.

Tip #3: Naps are Important

Newborns spend a lot of their day sleeping and will need to take many naps sporadically throughout the day. Try not to over-stimulate the newborn right before their nap. This can make it more difficult to fall asleep. When putting them in the crib, make sure the baby is on their back and there are no small objects that could pose as hazards. If they are on a sleep schedule, try to stick to it as much as possible.

Tip #4: Avoid Using Motions to Get the Baby to Sleep

Parents and nannies often use motion to get the baby back to sleep. Some examples of motion include swings, car rides, and stroller rides. If motion becomes a regular thing, the baby is likely to develop a need for motion to fall asleep. This will make it very difficult for the child to fall asleep on their own or in a crib.

Tip #5: Collaboration is Key

Nanny services in Vancouver are all about collaboration. Communicating openly and often with the families is crucial. That means considering the family’s suggestions, including certain techniques that you notice work, and sharing any new techniques you have uncovered. It also means being honest with the parents if you notice a health and safety issue or certain expectations are not met. This will help create consistency and allow you both to come up with more effective game plans that benefit the newborn baby.