You have everything for your newborn…but what about you?! Hospital Bag Checklist: Our Nurses Favorites includes comfort items to bring to the hospital or birthing center.
Hospital Bag Checklist Our Nurses Favorites
Hospital Bag Checklist: Our Nurses Favorites
Bag for Hospital Freebies: A bag for your bags is essential! You’ll have lots of hospital freebies such as diapers and parenting hand-outs to bring home. Something to bring your discharge orders, pamphlets, formula and giant water bottle home will be helpful.
Extra Long Phone Chargers: You and your partner will be fielding LOTS of phone calls and taking millions of photos…don’t forget that extra long phone charger so the phone will always be within arms reach.
Your Postpartum Outfit: The newborn coming home outfit and carseat are all ready but don’t forget your own clothes. Loose clothing that won’t rub against your tender mid-section and has a bit of give while your body is in the postpartum phase is a must. For this reason, plenty of new moms choose to keep their maternity clothes for a while. If you’re breastfeeding, your new go-to clothing options are those that make nursing easy. Nursing tanks and loose shirts are perfect and this nursing dress is easy to pack, functional and -if you’re into being stylish- pretty cute.
Nursing Pillow – Take advantage of the lactation counselors in the hospital by using the same breastfeeding pillow you plan to use at home. If you’re formula feeding, you’ll likely still use a nursing pillow to hold baby. Bringing your nursing pillow with you can help you feel confident at home.
Non-Skid Slippers: Just like our team does in the family home, be sure to have non-slip footwear for walking on those slippery hospital floors. This is for your safety and the safety of your precious newborn when being held.
Lip Balm: We all know that giving birth means staying hydrated! Remember to keep your lips hydrated after baby arrives as well. It’s a small comfort your body might really appreciate.
Car Seat: A car seat won’t be in your bag of course but we like to remind parents that you won’t be able to leave the hospital without a properly installed, height/weight and age appropriate car seat. If baby is born at 37 weeks or before, s/he will have the pass the “Infant Car Seat Challenge” before leaving. Because pre-term babies’ airways can become constricted, hospital staff will perform the Challenge. Your baby is secured into a car seat, which is reclined to the appropriate angle for travel, and nurses will monitor the respiration and oxygen levels of the baby for 90 to 120 minutes. Babies who pass the test are cleared to leave the hospital.
For the full list of Hospital Bag suggestions, visit our Amazon Store, amazon.com/shop/letmommysleep. And if we should add any, let us know!
Updated, October 1, 2025 – Postpartum mental health issues are the most common complication of pregnancy. Discussing Postpartum Depression (PPD) and Anxiety in mothers and birthing parents is becoming more accepted, but postpartum depression in men and partners called Paternal PostNatal Depression, or PPND, is also common but far less talked about.
*Although most current studies use male pronouns, PPND research and recommendations also apply to non-birthing partners of any gender.
What is Paternal PostNatal Depression?
A 2010 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that up to 14.1 of men suffer from depression after the birth of their child. This number rises when partners are also experiencing depression. Other research estimates that as many as one in four new fathers experience symptoms of depression during the first year postpartum. For comparison, depression in men outside the postpartum period typically affects about 5%, underscoring that this increase is significant and real.
While maternal postpartum depression is often linked to hormonal shifts, fathers and non-birthing partners experience biological and emotional changes too. Testosterone levels may dip, sleep deprivation is nearly universal and the stress of adapting to a new role can trigger or exacerbate depression.
Who is at risk?
PPND can happen to any father but there are also risk factors you should know about before baby arrives that may help identify PPND early. These are:
history of depression
partner who has depression
an unplanned/unwanted pregnancy
poor family relationships and little social support
financial strain or lack of paid parental leave
Take note if you or your partner have these risk factors before baby arrives. Understanding these factors before the postpartum phase can help families recognize warning signs early and seek care sooner. Learn more at PPD vs. Baby Blues: Know the Difference
Recognizing the Signs of Paternal PostNatal Depression
Symptoms of PPND can look different from those of maternal postpartum depression. Rather than overt, persistent sadness, men may experience:
Irritability or anger
Withdrawal from family or social interactions
Loss of interest in work or hobbies
Fatigue, insomnia, or physical complaints without clear cause
Increased alcohol or substance use
Feelings of worthlessness, failure, or disconnection from the baby
Because of historic stigma, many men underreport these symptoms or dismiss them as normal stress. This is why normalizing the conversation and encouraging partners to check in with one another is essential.
How can PPND be helped?
Early detection and action is KEY, especially if Dad or Dad’s to be are under significant stress and are predisposed to depression.
As reported in the NIH study, men underreport their symptoms. There is still a perceived social stigma to depression so talking about it and normalizing PPND is helpful.
You can take this assessment to see if they should be evaluated by a professional.
For men at risk, regular exercise, proper sleep and family and social support helps. This includes Paid Leave as noted by the National Institute of Health.
A professional assessment by a mental health professional is also recommended.
As Registered Nurse Elizabeth Hawkes has noted from her experience and research, postpartum mental health issues are 100% manageable with proper intervention and/or medication. Hawkes says, “It’s about time we include the entire family as one unit instead of only asking ‘How is mom?’ How is baby?'” For mothers and fathers, knowledge is power in managing postpartum mental health complications before they arise.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of PPND or has thoughts of self-harm, reach out immediately for help. In the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit Postpartum Support International.
updated Sept 29, 2025 – Choking is a common cause of injury and death in children. While this sounds scary, the good news is that choking is usually preventable. By learning choking first aid for infants and how to reduce risks, parents and caregivers can respond quickly and confidently if it ever happens. You can also learn more first aid skills before baby arrives here.
Choking First Aid for Infants: How to Recognize Choking
Recognizing choking is critical: if your baby is coughing or gagging, this is the body’s natural reflex to clear a partial blockage, and you should encourage them to keep coughing as long as they are making noise and breathing.
However, if your baby is unable to breathe, cry, or make any sound or if their skin begins turning blue, it may indicate a total airway obstruction. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate action. Be prepared to help baby by reviewing the steps below to understand choking first aid and call 911.
What To Do If a Baby Is Choking
If your baby is choking and unable to breathe or make a sound:
Call 911 immediately (or have someone else call).
Give up to 5 back blows:
Hold the baby face down on your forearm, supporting the head and neck.
Deliver 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
Give up to 5 chest thrusts:
Turn the baby face up, still supporting the head.
Place two fingers in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line.
Push down about 1.5 inches, quickly and firmly, up to 5 times.
Alternate between 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the object is expelled.
If the baby becomes unresponsive, begin CPR and continue until help arrives.
Preventing Choking in Infants
Parents and caregivers can help reduce choking risk by making safe choices every day:
Bottle feeding safely
Always hold your baby during feeds—never prop a bottle with pillows or devices.
Make sure the nipple flow is correct for your baby’s age; too fast a flow can overwhelm them.
Choosing developmentally appropriate foods
Wait until your baby shows signs of readiness (usually around 6 months) before introducing solids.
Offer smooth, soft foods when starting solids. Avoid round, hard, or sticky foods such as hot dogs, grapes, popcorn, raw vegetables, nuts, and chunks of cheese until at least age 4.
Cut food into very small pieces—no larger than half an inch—once finger foods are appropriate.
Creating a safe environment
Keep coins, buttons, small toys, batteries, and other objects that could fit through a toilet paper roll out of reach.
Get down on the floor at baby’s level to spot choking hazards you might otherwise miss.
Key Takeaway
Choking is a leading cause of injury in infants, but it doesn’t have to be. Parents and caregivers can prevent most choking incidents by supervising feeds, offering age-appropriate foods, keeping small objects out of reach, and knowing what to do in an emergency. Learning Infant CPR and First Aid before your baby arrives is one of the best ways to keep your child safe.
updated, Dec 31, 2025- What’s a Night Nanny? A night nanny sometimes called a newborn care specialist, night doula or postpartum doula provides overnight support for new parents by caring for the baby during the night and helping families get restorative sleep and recover from birth. If you’re a new parent wondering “What’s a night nanny?” or “What does a night nanny do?” our guide explains.
Night nannies provide hands-on newborn care along with evidence-based guidance on feeding, safe sleep and infant routines. While the term “night nurse” is sometimes used, the title of nurse is legally protected in most states and should only apply to licensed professionals (RN, LPN, LVN).
A night nanny provides overnight newborn care and parent support, typically during an 8–12 hour shift. Their responsibilities focus on keeping the baby safe, fed, and settled while allowing parents to sleep.
A night nanny helps with:
Newborn care Feeding, diapering, swaddling, soothing, and monitoring the baby throughout the night. Night nannies also help babies transition to sleeping in a crib and adjust to bottle feeding when needed.
Breastfeeding support If you’re breastfeeding, the night nanny brings the baby to you for feeds, then handles burping, diapering and resettling so you can return to sleep quickly. For pumping parents, night nannies clean and sterilize pump parts and ensure safe milk storage. Because parents never get out of bed unless they want to, night nannies give breastfeeding parents 2-3 hours more sleep per night.
Bottle feeding support Safe formula preparation, bottle cleaning and sterilization, paced bottle feeding, and support with reducing overnight feeds when developmentally appropriate.
Infant sleep support While babies develop sleep on their own timeline, night nannies help establish healthy sleep habits and longer stretches of rest using gentle, age-appropriate methods. This is especially valuable for families with twins or multiples.
Household tasks related to baby care Keeping bottles, pump parts and feeding supplies clean and organized, maintaining a tidy nursery, and preparing baby items for the morning.
Parental education Sharing research-backed guidance on safe sleep, feeding, newborn routines, and normal infant behavior so parents feel confident during the day.
Emotional support Providing calm, nonjudgmental reassurance and helping parents understand normal postpartum emotions versus when to seek additional support.
Documentation Logging feeds, diapers, sleep patterns, and notes using tools like the LMS Live app or another tracking system, which is especially helpful for twins and medically complex babies.
The goal is simple: parents wake up rested and get to keep their immune systems strong while babies are safe and cared for. The entire household starts the day present, in a calmer, more sustainable way.
How much does a night nanny cost?
Night nanny rates vary by location, experience and the number or needs of babies. For a single healthy newborn, expect $36–$50 per hour. Costs may be higher for twins, or babies with medical needs.
Who Hires a Night Nanny?
Families hire overnight newborn care for many reasons, including limited maternity or parental leave, lack of nearby family support, caring for twins or multiples, recovery after a complicated birth or C-section, babies coming home from the NICU, managing postpartum anxiety or extreme exhaustion, or wanting evidence-based guidance during the newborn stage.
Sometimes the reason is as simple as, “I just ran the equivalent of a marathon, and at the finish line they handed me baby.” In countries with built-in postpartum support, this help is expected. In the U.S., families often create their own village.
There’s no “one size fits all” reason parents hire overnight postpartum care. In most other countries, new parents receive community or government support. In the U.S., with families spread out and many jobs not offering paid maternity leave, it makes sense that parents sometimes need a helping hand.
What should I ask during a night nanny interview?
If you’re considering night nanny care, you can prepare to talk with a potential caregiver by reading What Should I ask a Night Nurse?
Is it worth getting a night nanny if I’m breastfeeding?
Yes. A night nanny handles all newborn care except feeding, giving parents 2-3 hours of more sleep per night. They provide lactation support and can use pumped breastmilk for overnight feeds, gradually taking on more care as baby becomes alert around week 6. They also do all pump prep and cleaning as well as milk storage and bringing you food and drink.
As the weeks go on and you’re able to have a “stash” of breastmilk for overnight feeds, an overnight caregiver can use this pumped milk for overnight feeds or continue to bring baby to you. As baby becomes more alert, usually around week 6, the newborn caregiver will be up and caring for baby during the wakeful overnight periods.
Can I hire a night nanny for just one night?
Yes, but availability varies. Some night nannies or agencies only accept multi-night bookings, so it’s best to check in advance. If you have a Let Mommy Sleep gift certificate you can use it for one night of care. Most families hire night nannies for 8–12 overnight hours per week.
What’s the Difference between a Night Nanny and Postpartum Doula?
A night nanny stays awake overnight to care for baby and provide evidence-based guidance and is vaccinated. A postpartum doula may assist with household tasks, older children and family support, but often does not work overnight. The terms are often used interchangeably along with newborn caregiver.
Do I need a Registered Nurse overnight?
An overnight RN/LPN/LVN is needed when a baby has medical needs, like feeding tubes, prescribed medications, or chronic conditions. Mother/baby nurses also support parents, monitoring recovery, screening for postpartum mood disorders, and catching issues early in the first 7–10 days at home.
Does Insurance Cover my Night Doula?
In most cases, non-medical night doula or night nanny care is an out-of-pocket expense. However, coverage options are expanding as more insurers and employers recognize the importance of postpartum support.
Here are a few possibilities to explore:
Private insurance: Some insurers may reimburse part of postpartum doula care, especially when billed under “lactation support” or “postpartum visits.” Coverage varies widely, so it’s best to call your provider directly.
Licensed nursing care: If overnight care is provided by a Registered Nurse (RN, LPN, LVN) for a medically necessary reason—such as pediatric monitoring after a NICU stay—insurance is more likely to cover services with a doctor’s referral.
Employer benefits: A growing number of companies include postpartum doula or newborn care in employee benefit programs.
While it’s not guaranteed, it’s worth checking with your insurance provider, employer, or benefits administrator. Even when insurance doesn’t cover services directly, families have more creative payment options than ever before. Here are some detailed strategies on how to get insurance to cover my night nanny.
How to Decide if You Need Overnight Newborn Care
If you’re wondering, “Do I really need a night nurse?” the answer often depends on your family’s circumstances. Some parents hire overnight newborn care simply for peace of mind, while others find it’s the only way to safely recover and function during the day.
You may benefit from a night nanny, newborn care specialist or postpartum doula if:
You’re returning to work soon and need healthy, restorative sleep to function.
You don’t have nearby family or consistent overnight support.
recovering from a C-section, complicated birth or balancing an ongoing health condition with being a brand new parent.
caring for newborn twins or higher order multiples, which can mean 20+ feeds and diaper changes every 24 hours.
Your baby is coming home from the NICU and you want expert, evidence-based support as you adjust.
You or your partner are struggling with postpartum anxiety, depression or overwhelming fatigue.
You’d like guidance on safe sleep, feeding and newborn routines from someone trained in evidence-based care.
You simply want peace of mind knowing your baby is safe and gently cared for overnight.
What’s a Night Nanny? Final Thoughts
While it’s an out of pocket expense, overnight newborn care isn’t a luxury. It’s a way to protect your health, safeguard your baby’s well-being and make the early weeks of parenthood more sustainable. For many families, the investment in sleep and expert support pays off in confidence, recovery, and a smoother transition into life with a newborn.
If you’d like to meet a night nanny or learn more, please reach out. We’re here to help!
updated, October 13, 2025 – Meet Erin Thomas Walker, postpartum doula, Peer Breastfeeding Specialist and head of overnight infant care at Let Mommy Sleep Chicago. A resident of Elmhurst, IL and mother of 3, Erin’s compassion and understanding of working families keeps her connected to LMS families.
Why families in Chicagoland choose Let Mommy Sleep Chicago: We are not just another babysitter directory or ad-hoc night help. At LMS Chicago, we specialize in overnight care for newborns and infants, staffed by certified night nurses, newborn-care specialists and postpartum doulas who are trained in infant safe sleep, developmental sleep cycles and understand the particular rhythms of Chicagoland families. Learn more about our qualifications in Introducing the National NAPS Registry for Night Doulas.
Regina was fantastic and extremely qualified. We’re so grateful to her and Let Mommy Sleep.
MM in St. Charles
Chicago’s Best Postpartum Doula Agency- Parent FAQ’s
There are a lot of terms for caregivers who support newborns and parents in the home; night doula, newborn care specialist, night nanny or even baby nurse. Below are parent FAQ’s about each baby care specialty, from safe sleep to night nurses.
What do night nannies or night nurses actually do?
A night nanny in Chicago provides overnight newborn care: feeding, soothing, diaper changes and infant sleep support, so parents can rest. Let Mommy Sleep Chicago caregivers are vaccinated, certified in newborn care, CPR/First Aid, and infant sleep safety. Learn more in What’s a Night Nanny? Roles, Benefits, Costs and How They Help Families
How much does a night nanny cost in Chicago?
Night nanny rates in Chicago typically range from $38–$55 per hour, depending on caregiver credentials, multiples, and medical considerations. Most families book 8–10 hour overnight shifts. Let Mommy Sleep Chicago offers flexible scheduling and package options.
What is infant sleep safety in Chicago or Illinois?
In Illinois, safe sleep means placing your baby on their back in a flat, firm crib with no blankets or toys. Let Mommy Sleep Chicago follows these American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines to prevent SIDS and promote healthy sleep for newborns. We are also Proud To Be A Cribs For Kids Safe Sleep Partner! Illinois safe sleep is AAP safe sleep.
How do I hire a newborn care specialist in Chicago?
To hire a newborn care specialist in Chicago, look for verified professionals with infant CPR, First Aid, and newborn safety certifications. Let Mommy Sleep Chicago screens and trains all caregivers in infant safe sleep and evidence-based practice, ensuring trusted, overnight newborn care in your home.
When should I start sleep training my baby?
Most babies are ready for gentle sleep training around four to six months old. Let Mommy Sleep Chicago helps parents choose methods that fit their baby’s temperament, ensuring consistent naps, longer stretches of sleep and less nighttime stress. If you’re ready now, read the Ultimate Guide to Baby Sleep Training.
Are there baby sleep consultants in Chicago?
Yes. Let Mommy Sleep Chicago offers sleep consultants who create customized sleep plans for newborns and infants. Parents receive step-by-step guidance to reduce night wakings and build healthy sleep habits from day one. This is a free part of our night nanny service.
Chicago’s Best Postpartum Doula Agency Since 2020
With a minimum of 5 years of infant care experience and sparkling Google reviews, Let Mommy Sleep Chicago newborn care providers allow parents to have peace of mind overnight. As Erin says, “When you do what you love, they say you never work a day in your life!”
Now Serving: Grayslake, Libertyville, Lake Zurich, Vernon Hills, Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Palatine, Barrington, Arlington Heights, Des Plains, Park Ridge, Morton Grove, Wheaton, Naperville, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Hoffman Estates, Lombard, Carol Stream, Hinsdale, Western Springs, Winfield, Deerfield, Northbrook, Northfield, Glenview, Evanston, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Deer Park, Oak Park, River Forest, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Logan Square, Edgewater, Rogers Park, Lincolnwood, Bucktown, Uptown, Downtown, Lincoln Square, Wicker Park, West Loop, South Loop, The Loop, Streeterville, River North, Old Town, Gold Coast, Mayfair, Andersonville, Ravenswood, Irving Park, Glen Ellyn, Glencoe, La Grange and Schaumburg
