Hiring a nanny for a newborn, or twins: what matters most

What a newborn nanny needs to know

• Safe sleep: back to sleep, a firm flat surface, nothing in the crib
• Bottle prep and paced feeding, and how to support breastfeeding or pumping routines
• Soothing a crying baby, and staying calm while doing it
• Spotting signs of illness and knowing when to call you or the doctor
• Infant CPR and first aid, with current certification
• Tummy time and early development

Questions that reveal real infant experience

• “Walk me through how you’d put a two-month-old down for a nap.”
• “What do you do when a baby has been crying for twenty minutes and nothing works?”
• “How do you keep track of feeds, diapers and sleep, and how would you share that with me?”
• “Tell me about the youngest baby you’ve cared for, and for how long.”

Ask her references specifically about infants. See reference check questions.

If you’re having twins

• Look for someone who has cared for two infants at once, not just two children of different ages
• Ask how she’d handle both crying at the same time
• Plan for extra help in the first months; many families add a second caregiver or a newborn care specialist for nights
• Expect the rate to reflect two infants

Nanny or newborn care specialist?

A newborn care specialist focuses on the first weeks or months, often overnight, helping with feeding, sleep and recovery, then moves on. A nanny is a longer-term caregiver for the years ahead. Some families use both: a specialist for nights early on, and a nanny who starts when parental leave ends. See newborn care specialist agencies.

When to start

Many families start the search two to three months before the nanny needs to begin, and have her start a week or two before they return to work, so the baby and nanny can settle in while a parent is still home. See a new baby and your nanny.

Common questions

Should my newborn nanny have CPR certification?

Yes. Ask for current infant CPR and first aid, or pay for the course before she starts.

How much more do I pay for a newborn or twins?

Most families pay more for infant care and more again for twins. Local pay surveys and agencies can tell you the going rate; see how much to pay a nanny.

I’m struggling emotionally after the birth. Can Tammy help?

Tammy offers new mom coaching for the practical plan and postpartum therapy, booked through Alma, for adults in the states where she’s licensed.

Hire your newborn’s first caregiver with an expert

Infant care leaves less room for a wrong hire. Get help with the decision.

Questions first? Text (818) 308-1358 · info@caremapmethod.com

Tammy is not a placement agency and has no affiliation with, or financial interest in, any agency, daycare or payroll service. She provides independent expert guidance; decisions remain your family’s. Legal, tax and licensing questions belong with the appropriate professional or state agency.

Sources

• NICHD Safe to Sleep campaign

Related guides

Every step, in order

1. 01How to hire a nanny (start here)
2. 02Nanny job description
3. 03First time hiring a nanny
4. 04What to look for in a nanny
5. 05How to find a good nanny
6. 06Using a nanny agency
7. 07Nanny screening process
8. 08Nanny phone interview questions
9. 09Nanny reference check questions
10. 10Nanny interview questions
11. 11How to interview a nanny
12. 12Nanny interview red flags
13. 13Nanny background check
14. 14Nanny trial day
15. 15Nanny contract
16. 16Nanny onboarding: first 30 days
17. 17How to manage a nanny
18. 18Nanny cams & trust
19. 19Nanny hiring consultant
20. 20Nanny consultant Los Angeles