What Does a Night Nanny Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A night nanny\u2019s primary role is to care for newborns overnight, allowing parents to rest and recover. Typical responsibilities include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Feeding the baby (or bringing the baby to a breastfeeding parent and assisting with positioning)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Burping, soothing, and swaddling the baby back to sleep<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Diaper changes and monitoring comfort<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tracking<\/a> feeding, sleep, and diapering schedules<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sharing evidence-based newborn care guidance with parents<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Helping babies settle into an age-appropriate schedule and sleep longer stretches overnight<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Aid in postpartum recovery by offering support to both parents<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
While the main focus is on caring for baby, night nannies also support parents health and well-being by giving them the chance to get restorative sleep. Sleep is linked to better mental health outcomes, physical recuperation and overall health. Learn how a doula supports parents in Sleep Deprivation and Postpartum Depression: Proven Tips to Help<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
>> Looking for the Newborn Care Certification? Click Here<\/a><\/strong> <<<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Night](\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Night-Nanny-or-Baby-Nurse-How-To-Get-Your-Dream-Job.jpg\" "\\"Night")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNight Nanny vs. Postpartum Doula<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Though sometimes the roles overlap, there are key differences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Postpartum Doulas<\/strong> typically work during the day. In addition to newborn care, they may cook, help with older siblings or handle household tasks. Their focus is on supporting the entire household.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Night Nannies\/Night Doulas<\/strong>\u00a0work overnight, ensuring babies are fed and soothed. The emphasis is on newborn care but postpartum support such as lactation assistance is also a part of the role. You might hear this job called “baby nurse” but remember that “nurse” is a protected title. At Let Mommy Sleep, all in-home care is overnight. Our night doulas do the work of a postpartum doula, caring for baby and supporting the parents recovery, on night shifts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You can read more about a night doula’s role in What\u2019s a Night Nanny? Roles, Benefits, Costs and How They Help Families<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the Doulas of North America (DONA) website says, Postpartum doulas understand what everyone needs, and part of their role is to help the entire family adjust and settle in<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Newborn care specialists<\/a> are also caregivers in the immediate postpartum phase. They can work during the day or night and the job description is largely the same as night nannies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Night Nanny or Postpartum Doula: Training and Qualifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To become a night nanny or postpartum doula, experience and education both matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Hands-on baby care experience<\/strong> \u2013 Comfort with newborns comes from working directly with them. This can be gained through parenting, nannying, daycare work or shadowing a current caregiver.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Certification<\/strong> \u2013 Online programs such as the NAPS Night Doula course<\/a><\/em> are highly recommended. These cover infant safety, SIDS prevention, feeding, and sleep expectations, and list you on the National Night Doula Registry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Continuing education<\/strong> \u2013 Stay current with CPR, safe sleep guidelines<\/a>, and newborn care. Specialized classes in twin care, lactation or bereavement can make you stand out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Vaccinations<\/strong> \u2013 Families want reassurance that their newborn caregivers are up to date on recommended vaccines, including TDaP and MMR.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Ready to get certified?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The NAPS Night Doula Certificate is the evidence-based standard for night nannies and newborn care specialists, required across all 30+ Let Mommy Sleep territories and recognized by nanny agencies and pediatric practices nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- $349 | Online | Self-paced<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Complete in 2\u20134 weeks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- English and Spanish<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Enroll in the NAPS Night Doula Certificate<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
We understand people can have big feelings when it comes to vaccinations. The facts remain that one way to protect newborns is to ensure that all of those caring for them are vaccinated.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Skills of a Great Night Nanny<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are many ways to be a great newborn caregiver! Some noteworthy skills and traits to give parents the peace of mind that their baby is in competent and caring hands are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Experienced and confident with infant care<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Patient and calm<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Knowledgeable in safe sleep practices<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Respectful of family preferences and routines<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Able to work independently in a family\u2019s home overnight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How Much Does a Night Nanny Make?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Night nannies typically earn more per hour than Certified Nursing Assistants or Home Health Aides, and rates depend on location. At Let Mommy Sleep, newborn caregivers earn $20-$29 per hour and Registered Nurses earn $30\u2013$60 per hour, depending on territory and experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nAPPLY NOW<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat It\u2019s Like to Work at Let Mommy Sleep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Let Mommy Sleep is an evidence-based company. That means that in addition to a hands-on experience and compassionate spirit we suggest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Successful completion of the Night Doula Certificate<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- We’re also Proud To Be A Cribs For Kids Safe Sleep Partner!<\/a> and all newborn caregivers are Safe Sleep Ambassadors. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Vaccinations that protect infants too young to be immunized including: MMR and TDaP<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- CPR and First AideCertification<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nonjudgmental approach to breast and bottle feeding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Since 2010, Let Mommy Sleep has supported more than 100,000 families through over 1 million hours of overnight care. Here\u2019s what working with us looks like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Overnight shifts (10 pm\u20136 am)<\/strong> \u2013 You\u2019ll diaper, feed, soothe, and track the baby\u2019s care while also educating parents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Twins care<\/strong> \u2013 Many of our families have twins or triplets, and we specialize in helping them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flexible scheduling<\/strong> \u2013 Work as little or as much as you like; we love our PRN staff.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Supportive leadership<\/strong> \u2013 All LMS owners are Registered Nurses, Veteran Night Doulas or Postpartum Specialists.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Continuing education<\/strong> \u2013 We provide evidence- based training and continuing education<\/a> in newborn care. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Opportunities for growth<\/strong> \u2013 Staff may teach Baby Basics classes, provide postpartum visits or do virtual visits anywhere in the US.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Caregivers often choose overnight newborn care for personal satisfaction, newborn and postpartum experience while in nursing school or the balance it offers with family life. They can also switch times they work through the year as a night nanny or postpartum doula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The skills of a great night nanny are often seen when they care for newborn twins! Remaining calm when two babies need comforting from reflux for example shows that you’ve been in this position before and have tools to help each baby feel better. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get NAPS Certified<\/a> | A<\/a>pply to Let Mommy Sleep<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Families Choose Night Nannies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Quality sleep after childbirth is essential. It helps parents recover physically, supports mental health by reducing the risk of postpartum mood disorders, strengthens the immune system, and allows families to be present and engaged during the day. Night nannies play a direct role in making this possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Prepare for a Career in Newborn Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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- Get certified in infant & child CPR.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stay current with primary sources like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Volunteer, shadow or work with newborns whenever possible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Continue training in lactation and postpartum and newborn care. <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Newborn Care classes are also available in Spanish<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Apply](\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-become-a-night-nanny-online-classes-1024x586.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDon’t forget that working in overnight newborn care also means being prepared with specific items to keep yourself comfortable on night shift. Read Night Doula Essentials<\/a> for some of our team’s favorites.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apply to Work With Let Mommy Sleep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re ready to begin your career as a night nanny or postpartum doula, Let Mommy Sleep invites you to apply<\/a>. You\u2019ll receive training, mentorship, and the opportunity to make a difference for families during one of the most important times of their lives. You can also visit us on Indeed<\/a> and read what current and former staff have to say!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What happens after you apply:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Your local Agency Director reviews your application and reaches out for a phone screen<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Interview, references, and background check<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Credential check: NAPS certificate, CPR\/First Aid, vaccinations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Orientation, then your first shift<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Night Nanny and Postpartum Doula FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do I need to be a nurse to be a night nanny?<\/strong>
No. While some licensed nurses choose to work as night nannies, the role is open to trained caregivers with newborn experience and certification. The title \u201cnurse\u201d is legally protected, so only licensed RNs, LPNs, or LVNs can use it professionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat are the typical hours for a night nanny?<\/strong>
Shifts are usually from 10 pm to 6 am, though schedules may vary based on family needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIs certification required<\/strong>?
Certification is not legally required to work in newborn care but it is recommended as perspective families can see that you have had some type of formal training.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow do I get newborn experience if I don\u2019t have any yet?<\/strong>
Start by being a mentee to an experienced caregiver, volunteering in a church or community childcare nursery or working in a daycare with infants. Families want to see hands-on comfort with babies.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow much can I earn as a night nanny?<\/strong>
Rates vary across the US but pay is typically higher than CNA or home health aide rates. At Let Mommy Sleep, Registered Nurses earn $28-$60 per hour and all caregivers are paid competitively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Twins care<\/strong> \u2013 Many of our families have twins or triplets, and we specialize in helping them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- We’re also Proud To Be A Cribs For Kids Safe Sleep Partner!<\/a> and all newborn caregivers are Safe Sleep Ambassadors. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Successful completion of the Night Doula Certificate<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Certification<\/strong> \u2013 Online programs such as the NAPS Night Doula course<\/a><\/em> are highly recommended. These cover infant safety, SIDS prevention, feeding, and sleep expectations, and list you on the National Night Doula Registry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Night Nannies\/Night Doulas<\/strong>\u00a0work overnight, ensuring babies are fed and soothed. The emphasis is on newborn care but postpartum support such as lactation assistance is also a part of the role. You might hear this job called “baby nurse” but remember that “nurse” is a protected title. At Let Mommy Sleep, all in-home care is overnight. Our night doulas do the work of a postpartum doula, caring for baby and supporting the parents recovery, on night shifts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n