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The role of the Registered Nurse or Newborn Care Provider is to feed, soothe, bathe, change & provide all other gentle care to baby through the night.

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You Should Know: Blue Light, Screen Time and Babies

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), children age 2 and younger should avoid screen time except for video chatting. The major reasons are because early exposure is associated with disrupted sleep, delayed speech and behavioral issues.

This article, You Should Know: Blue Light, Screen Time and Babies explains why screen time for babies under age 2, how blue light affects sleep and vision, and practical alternatives parents can use.

You Should Know: Blue Light, Screen Time and Babies baby playing with blocks

You Should Know: Blue Light, Screen Time and Babies- Why it Matters

Screen use effects all of us really, but newborns, infants and toddlers and particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of screen time. Their systems are still immature so screens and blue light may take a greater toll.

  • Can early screen time cause aggression or behavioral changes? – Early screen use is associated with more aggressive behaviors. Again this doesn’t mean screens cause aggression, just that the two are associated. This may be because babies exposed to overstimulating visual input have less opportunity to practice emotional regulation through real-world play.
  • Possible Delayed Speech and Sensory Processing – When computers or TV’s are on adults say fewer words, giving infants less chance to learn speech. Add in the child’s media use and even less communication happens.
  • Developing Circadian Rhythm Disruption – Blue light exposure in the evening leads to confusion between day and night. This is true for adults too.
  • Melatonin Suppression – Prolonged exposure to blue light after the sun goes down may interfere with the natural increase in melatonin levels, making it harder for infants and toddlers to fall asleep.
  • Fatigue and Increased Potential for Eye Strain – Screens may potentially be harmful to the human retina as it puts increased stress on the receptors in the eye. Research on this is still ongoing but we do know that when we watch screens, we blink less which causes strain. (NIH)

How Much Screen Time Is Too Much for Infants?

While your child may be just fine, it’s important to know that all major pediatric health organizations agree that newborns and babies age 0-2 years old, should not be exposed to screens, unless they are videochatting with family. Behavioral issues, communication delays and atypical sensory processing are connected to early screen use. This is not to say screens cause these issues, just that they are associated. Current research shows associations between early screen use and developmental concerns, but not direct causation. This distinction is important because it reflects the complexity of infant development and helps parents make informed, realistic choices.

I hear a lot of parents say, ‘But my baby likes it!’ Infants may stare at the bright colors and motion on a screen, but their brains are incapable of making sense or meaning out of all those bizarre pictures. -David L. Hill, MD, FAAP, pediatrician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Babies learn to speak by watching us. So in addition to confusion at what they’re seeing on screen, the amount of words they’re hearing from us drops as well (AAP).

It can be so hard to keep your infant and toddler occupied though! Especially when we have other kids to care for, are working from home and have little to no family support. While it sounds hard, the easiest way to limit screens may be to avoid them altogether; taking screens off the table means we have to find other options.

“The infant brain thrives on enriching interactions with the environment, and excessive infant screen time can reduce opportunities for real-world interactions that are important for brain development,” says Dr. Carol Wilkinson, developmental behavioral pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital.  It’s important to note that Dr. Wilkinson reminds us that parents should be supported with tips and tricks for non-screen activities.

You Should Know: Blue Light, Screen Time and Babies

Why Does Blue Light Affect Sleep?

Blue light is the specific mechanism behind many of screen time’s sleep effects. Here is how it works:
Blue light is present in sunlight and is a natural component of the light spectrum. If blue light is already present in just about everything we see, why should we worry about limiting exposure in infants? The answer is because artificial exposure to blue light confuses infants’ immature systems.

Developing Circadian Rhythm Disruption – Blue light plays a significant role in regulating the body’s internal clock. We know this as the circadian rhythm. Like adults, newborns and infants rely on a stable circadian rhythm to promote healthy sleep-wake cycles every 24 hours, but babies’ little systems can easily be confused. Any overnight nanny will tell you it’s difficult to flip your sleep schedule because of the strong pull of our natural circadian rhythm!

Melatonin Suppression – Melatonin is the hormone that promotes sleep. Our bodies begin to produce it as a reaction to darkness at night.  Because they are still developing, a child’s melatonin production is sensitive to blue light exposure and blue light, in particular, has been shown to suppress melatonin more effectively than other wavelengths.  Prolonged exposure to blue light in the evening may interfere with the natural increase in melatonin levels. We see this as adults as well!

Poor Sleep Quality and Sleep Disruption – Melatonin suppression delays the onset of sleep. This delay has a second effect of inhibiting the increase in sleepiness during night. In other words, babies have less restorative sleep.

Fatigue and Increased Potential for Retinal Damage – Babies’ eyes are still developing. Prolonged exposure to blue light from screens at a young age could potentially contribute to eye strain and discomfort. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of screen exposure on infants’ eye health but we do know that screen use can cause digital eye strain and fatigue in adults.(American Academy of Ophthalmology)

What Can Parents Do Instead of Screen Time?

Infants and toddlers have sensitive developing minds and bodies that are easily influenced, and as children get older monitoring the actual content becomes more important. The good news about children age 2 and under is that they are natural scientists and interested in the world around them! Here are some ideas of what you can do instead of screens:

  • Put a blanket down outside and lay down with baby on your backs to watch the leaves fall, watch the sun make shadows or look for airplanes. If you’re outside too you can place baby safely in a play yard.
  • Give your toddler building toys like Magnatiles or soft blocks allow them to engage in active play.
  • Invest in plastic balls to make a mini ball pit in baby’s playyard
  • Fill a tissue box with different colored fabrics or handkerchiefs; let baby pull them out!
  • Give baby a wooden spoon and plastic bowls so they can “cook” while you’re cooking.

For more ideas, visit 50 Things To Do With Babies During the First Year.

FAQs

How much screen time is safe for infants?
None, except brief video chats, according to the AAP and WHO.

Can blue light blocking glasses help babies?
There’s no proven benefit for infants. Limiting screens before bedtime works better.

What’s the best alternative to screen time for babies?
Real-world sensory play like using simple blocks, being outside in nature or being safely nearby watching while you narrate an activity.

Does blue light affect baby sleep?
Yes. It suppresses melatonin and confuses the body’s internal clock, making it harder to fall asleep.

What if caregivers use screens when helping?
Be kind but clear, explain that avoiding screens supports baby’s development and helps them sleep.

Does TV Light Affect Baby Sleep? Yes. TV light is no different than any other light and babies don’t need to be “watching” for blue light to impact melatonin production. The AAP recommends avoiding screens at least 1 hour before sleep.

    Products are available to minimize blue light such as glasses and blue light blocking screens, but data from the NIH does not show that these products are helpful or effective. Most healthcare providers agree that the best way to minimize blue light’s effects is to stay away from screens at night or before sleep.

    The bottom line: Screens themselves aren’t “evil,” but for babies under age two, every minute on a screen replaces time their brains could be using for human interaction and sensory play.

    no need to give screens to newborn twins

    Daytime Nanny and A Night Nurse: Unique Differences

    A night nurse or night nanny provides overnight newborn care from approximately 10pm to 7am, handling feeds, diapering, soothing and safe sleep support so parents can sleep. A daytime nanny provides care during waking hours and typically includes housework, outings, pet care and older child supervision. Here is how the roles differ in detail.

    Daytime Nanny and A Night Nurse: Unique Differences – A Summary

    Nannies can care for kids of any age from newborn to school age, so their role in the home can vary widely. Night nannies and night nurses (RN/LPN) on the other hand, specifically care for postpartum families with newborns and infants. While each job and families’ needs vary, the main differences between a daytime nanny and a night nurse are usually:

    1. Newborn Feeding Support
    2. Housework and Pet Care
    3. Transportation and Outings
    4. Infant Sleep Support
    Daytime Nanny and A Night Nurse: Unique Differences
    Daytime Nanny and A Night Nurse: Unique Differences

    Looking at the Differences More In Depth: Family Life

    First, when using the term Night Nurse it’s important to remember that “Nurse” is a legally protected term. It should be used when referring to an actual Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse. We understand it’s become a generic term but it’s a distinction parents with newborns will want to know. What is a Night Nanny? explains more.

    1. Feeding Support – Breast and Bottle

    Is my baby eating enough?” is one of the most common questions parents have when they leave the hospital or birthing center. For this reason, night nannies and postpartum nurses are well versed in feeding support. Additionally, if breastfeeding your newborn is a priority, a night nanny or night nurse will offer lactation support. Did you know that yes, you get more sleep if you’re breastfeeding and using a night nanny? This often happens during the breastfeeding session itself. A nanny can certainly help too, but is not usually specially trained in lactation.

    2. Housework and Pet Care

    Housekeeping is a normal part of your family’s day, so daytime nannies are often expected to pitch in with light chores. Sweeping up, wiping down the counters or taking out the garbage can happen multiple times per day! Mealtime for babies who have started solids or older kids is also a typical nanny duty. Food prep, supervising through the meal and clean up afterwards are all part of nanny’s job. When a family has pets a nanny will often be in charge of feeding and taking them out.

    If you’re hiring help overnight, you want overnight newborn care providers to keep the home quiet (And the pets are usually asleep too!), so housework isn’t usually an expectation. A night nanny will keep your baby’s nursery tidy and laundry folded though.

    Looking at the Differences More In Depth: Baby Care

    3. Transportation and Outings

    Going on outings to the park with the baby, accompanying you to pediatrician appointments and household errands are part of a daytime nanny’s routine. Make sure your nanny is comfortable using your stroller and car seats safely. Also ensuring your car insurance properly covers the additional driver.

    This is of course not the case with your night nanny or night nurse. Travel is not part of the job for your night nanny!

    4. Infant Sleep Support

    If you’re a parent of a newborn, infant or twins you might be counting the weeks until your baby is sleeping through the night. And that’s okay- none of us are set up for sleep deprivation. For this reason both daytime and night nannies are equally important in helping your baby establish a routine. Daytime nannies help pave the way for long stretches of sleep overnight by making sure healthy feeds, naps and activity are happening each day.

    Night nannies anticipate an infant’s feeding times overnight and ensure baby is properly fed, burped and soothed before going back to sleep. When it’s time to begin eliminating overnight feeds, the night nurse or nanny will gently wean formula/milk, eventually allowing baby to sleep through the night.

    A Safe Sleep certificate is part of every Certified Newborn Care Providers (NCP) education. Whether providing care during the day or night, your caregiver should be well versed in infant safe sleep and minimizing the risk of SIDS.

    Comparison chart of Daytime Nanny vs Night Nurse showing differences in hours, baby care, and household responsibilities created by Let Mommy Sleep.

    Daytime Nanny vs Night Nanny: Key Differences

    Daytime NannyNight Nanny/Night Nurse
    HoursDaytime~10pm–7am
    Feeding supportGeneralSpecialized, lactation support
    HouseworkYesNursery only
    TransportationYesNo
    OutingsYesNo
    Sleep training supportDaytime routineOvernight routine
    Safe sleep certifiedRecommendedRequired

    Daytime Nanny and A Night Nurse: Unique Differences – Which Should I Hire?

    There’s no wrong answer when it comes to deciding what child care is most helpful to you. Sometimes families hire a combination of daytime and nighttime help to ensure comprehensive care for their children. It doesn’t have to be 7 days/night per week, care can happen just 1 or 2 days at a time. There are many reasons for this that include:

    • You and your partner are both returning to work during the fourth trimester, when your baby still wakes up through the night.
    • You have twins or higher order multiples. Twins are usually born at a lower birthweight, so they wake through the night to feed for several months longer than full term babies do.
    • You’ve got older kids not in daycare and not old enough to attend school.

    Since 2010, our newborn care team has supported thousands of families through the transition home from hospital to home, giving us unique insight into how daytime and nighttime care work together to support healthy sleep and recovery. If we can help with overnight newborn care, please let us know.

    Certified Newborn Care and Doulas Now Available in Dallas

    updated Sept 1 , 2025 – One of the things we’re most proud of at Let Mommy Sleep is the opportunity for certified newborn care providers in the field to work their way into ownership. And this is exactly how it happened for Nadou, our owner in Houston and now Dallas! Get to know how LMS Dallas helps families in this blog, Certified Newborn Care and Doulas Now Available in Dallas.

    Certified Newborn Care and Doulas Now Available in Dallas

    Certified Newborn Care and Doulas Now Available in Dallas!

    Certified newborn care and postpartum doula services are now available in Dallas, offering expert support for babies and their families. Whether you’re preparing for your baby’s arrival or navigating the early weeks, our certified newborn care specialists and professional postpartum doulas are here or you. The team offers personalized guidance on infant sleep, safe feeding, soothing techniques and family wellness . Dallas families can now access in-home newborn care, night nanny services, and postpartum doula support to ensure both parents and babies thrive during this critical transition.

    With experienced professionals trained in newborn care, sleep coaching, and postpartum support, Dallas parents can feel confident, supported, and empowered every step of the way.

    Who are Dallas’ Certified Newborn Caregivers and Postpartum Doulas? 

    Headed by Nadou, with years of experience as a night nanny herself, the Dallas team of baby nurses and postpartum doulas are certified in Newborn and Postpartum Support (NAPS). This means they receive evidence-based training and certification in:

    • Best Newborn Care practices
    • Safe-sleep
    • Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding support
    • First Aid & CPR certification
    • Maternal Health support

    Background checks, interviews and sparkling references are also required. Additionally, continuing education in infant care, baby sleep and lactation are also offered. Introducing the National NAPS Registry for Night Doulas details the training and certificates required for caregivers.

    To help support all expecting families, we wrote this article to help prepare for baby’s arrival: Your First Week Home with Baby: Ultimate Q&A

    Certified Newborn Care and Doulas Now Available in Dallas – How You Can Work with Us

    • Corporations – Night Nanny and doula visits are available to Dallas businesses and corporations. Postpartum visits and overnight baby care are game changers in employee recruiting and retention! Read more in Postpartum Employee Benefits: Positive Disruption at Work
    • In Home Classes and Postpartum Visits – Our RN’s not only come to your home to teach, but they also remain on-call for questions that might come up in the future. This way you feel confident and healthy after your baby or twins arrive.
    • Postpartum Doula and Night Nurse (RN) Care – Our certified baby care experts help newborns and infants overnight, helping parents to be healthy and present the next day.

    However Team Dallas is supporting families, the mission is nurturing care for newborns and evidence-based education for parents. What’s more, these simple goals instill peace of mind and trust as the doulas and nurses have certification and licensure to back up care.

    Lastly, we want to build the best team of doulas, night nannies, newborn care and twins experts! If you’re a baby sleep or other expert, we want to meet you! Apply now or learn more about what it takes to work with Let Mommy Sleep Dallas in Night Nanny or Postpartum Doula: How-To Get Your Dream Job!

    The Experts in Certified Newborn Care Now in San Antonio

    updated November 13, 2025 – Let Mommy Sleep San Antonio recently celebrated their 2 year anniversary! Co-owners Jasmin Brunnelson and Jane Bolalin have become part of the community and continue to care for newborns and their parents as the Experts in Certified Newborn Care Now in San Antonio.

    The Experts in Certified Newborn Care Now in San Antonio have known each other for years!

    Who are the Night Nanny and Postpartum Doula Team in San Antonio?

    All of Let Mommy Sleep San Antonio staff are licensed nurses or certified newborn care providers. This means they’ve received evidence-based newborn and postpartum support (NAPS) certification as well as safe-sleep, breastfeeding and first aid and CPR certs. All education is vetted and approved by a third party medical advisory board. If you’re wondering exactly what happens overnight, visit What’s a Night Nanny? Roles, Benefits, Costs and How They Help Families.

    You can read real family testimonials in San Antonio Night Nannies, Doulas and Nurses Google Reviews

    Meet Jasmin and Jane – The Experts in Certified Newborn Care Now in San Antonio

    Jasmin Brunnelson is the co-owner who welcomes and onboards experienced, certified newborn caregivers. She personally connects with each team member to ensure every night nanny and baby nurse (RN) shares the Let Mommy Sleep values of empathy, professionalism, and evidence-based care. Jasmin has been with Let Mommy Sleep since 2013 and is a mother of 2 boys.

    Jane, co-owner and case manager, brings over 23 years of teaching experience, including her role as an academic interventionist. Her background in communication, early intervention, and individualized support translates perfectly to the partnerships we build with families and caregivers.

    You can read more about how Jane balances parenting and entrepreneurship in her Bold Journey profile.

    The Experts in Certified Newborn Care Now in San Antonio

    When Let Mommy Sleep San Antonio first opened two years ago, the goal was simple: to give new parents the support they deserve during the most vulnerable and beautiful time of life. As Jane says, “We are grateful to have grown within the San Antonio community and look forward to continuing to serve local families with compassion and expertise. Together, we are your village; supporting moms, babies and families every step of the way.”

    Frequently Asked Questions About Night Nannies in San Antonio

    What does an overnight newborn care provider do?

    An overnight caregiver handles feeding, diapering, soothing, infant safe sleep support and household tasks related to baby. They also monitor newborn cues, prepare bottles or assist with breastfeeding, and track overnight patterns so you wake up informed and rested.

    How much does overnight newborn care cost in San Antonio?

    Rates in San Antonio typically range from $32–$45 per hour, depending on experience, twins/multiples and if there are medical needs. Most families book 8–10 hour shifts. There are pay-over-time packages available.

    Do you support breastfeeding and pumping overnight?

    Yes. We assist with latch, positioning, clean pump setup and keeping milk storage organized. We also do all care of baby after feeding so you go tight back to sleep. If you prefer to sleep uninterrupted, we can offer expressed-milk feedings or formula, whichever aligns with your feeding plan.

    Are your night nannies and newborn care providers trained or certified?

    Yes. Our caregivers complete advanced newborn education, background checks, infant safety training, safe sleep certificates and CPR/First Aid. Many have medical or doula experience. You can review credentials before booking, and our teams follow evidence-based newborn care standards.

    How early should families in SATX book overnight help?

    Most San Antonio families book during the second or early third trimester so they have a plan in place. If your baby is already here, we can often onboard you within 24–48 hours depending on availability. Short notice care is usually no problem.

    What services are included with Let Mommy Sleep’s overnight care?

    Care includes feeding support, diapering, burping, safe sleep setup, soothing, tracking wake/sleep cycles and real-time documentation of the night. We also maintain bottle and pump parts, prep for the next feeding and offer personalized newborn care guidance.

    Let Mommy Sleep San Antonio proudly serves: Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, Boerne, Stone Oak, Bulverde, New Braunfels, Live Oak, Universal City, Schertz, Cibolo, Seguin, Converse, Pleasanton, Southtown, Helotes, Alamo Ranch, Downtown, Terrell Hills, Hill Country, Timberwood Park, Fair Oaks Ranch, Hollywood Park, Garden Ridge, Shavano Park, Canyon Lake, Cross Mountain, Castroville, Selma, Castle Hills, The Northside, Scenic Oaks, Monte Vista, Windcrest, Northwest Crossing and the entire SATX area.

    Flag of Texas with Let Mommy Sleep lamp logo on the star

    Get to Know Wichita’s Expert Baby Company

    updated, April 20, 2024 – Veteran Let Mommy Sleep owner and mom of 3 Erin Thomas Walker has a personal passion and the experience it takes to serve new parents in the ICT! Get to Know Wichita’s Expert Baby Company below, and learn more about this elite night nanny, night nurse and postpartum doula team!

    Get to Know Wichita’s Expert Baby Company – Recommended by Midwives and Birth Doulas

    An excellent OB/GYN or midwife and pediatrician are a crucial part of your birth plan, but don’t forget the postpartum phase! We’re Wichita’s Expert Baby Company of postpartum doulas, night nannies, nurses and Certified Newborn Care Providers (NCP).

    Get to Know Wichita's Expert Baby Company

    What Kind of Newborn and Postpartum Support is Offered?

    As Wichita’s expert baby care company, we offer the following support:

    • Baby Basics Classes – In home or virtual infant care instruction including how to help your baby get on a schedule. Our Nurses also teach diapering, swaddling and other baby care basics. Don’t worry, you’ll learn about infant sleep too!
    • Overnight Postpartum Doulas – You’ll get peace of mind knowing your newborn is in the caring hands of a professional Certified Newborn Care Provider (NCP)
    • Postpartum Home Visits – RN visits mean your families gets early intervention in infant feeding and recuperation, therefore minimizing hospital readmissions. As a bridge between birth and the 6-week OB/GYN visit, a visit from a Registered Nurse helps the entire family. Baby care and parent care are crucial to maternal health and positive mental health outcomes.

    As the Industry Leaders in newborn and postpartum care, these Wichita baby experts have garnered lots of local attention. The team of postpartum doulas, night nannies and baby company experts have appeared on CBS affiliate KWCH-TV, AOL and in the Wichita Eagle.

    Get to Know Wichita’s Expert Baby Company – More of Wichita’s Newborn Care Resources

    In addition to newborn care, parents in Wichita might need other specialized resources. Here are some important ones serving Derby, El Dorado, Andover, Bel Aire, Winfield, Goddard, Maize, Hutchinson, Haysville and beyond:

    Wichita Midwives such as Miracle Moments Midwifery, a birthing practice specializing in deliveries outside of hospitals. While preparing for pregnancy with a Wichita OB/GYN is important, researching a midwife or birthing center may also be important to persepctive parents.

    Wichita Area Parents of Multiples – WAPOM is a non-profit organization. They are committed to offering support, social events, resources and education to families with twins, triplets or higher order multiples. They serve families in the Wichita area.

    Postpartum Support KS – Postpartum Support KS is part of Postpartum Support International. Their mission, as stated on their site is to increase awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting individuals, their families, and support systems in all areas of Kansas.

    Families Together Inc. – Families Together, Inc. is dedicated to helping families with children who have disabilities or special health care needs. If you need support navigating school services, health care or community resources, let them know. They serve the whole state of Kansas.