Whether you are looking for help caring for your newborn or are getting ready to return to work, it is important to know how to choose the right caregiver for your baby. There are several different caregiver child care programs for babies and toddlers.

Your first option is a baby nurse or newborn care specialist. This child care caregiver assists the new mother in taking care of the baby. The helper can work overnight or during the day. Their primary role is to help with feeding, changing diapers, bathing, infant laundry, bottle sterilization, sleep training, and providing stimulation during waking hours.

They also help your infant develop a more normal sleep/wake cycle that better reflects the parents. A baby nurse is perfect for parents who have a newborn or a baby who is under the age of two.

Your other option is to hire a nanny. A nanny provides high-quality, at-home daycare services for your children. They typically work with children who are age two or older. However, some nannies might also be willing to help take care of your baby if they are already caring for your other children.

They are there to ensure the health and safety of your child. Nannies have different roles, as well, depending on the number of children in the home and your specific needs and requirements, including:

• Providing at-home education of young children.
• Creating an environment to stimulate child development.
• Assisting children with school work and other educational assignments.
• Preparing and feeding the children at their meal times.
• Bathing the children and getting them ready for bed.
• Reading to the children.
• Playing stimulating games to help your children learn.

Your nanny may have other duties and functions based on your needs and the needs of your children.

Qualities to Look For When Choosing the Right Caregiver

There are some essential aspects to consider and qualities to look for when hiring a caregiver for your baby, as follows:

• What is their previous experience with babies and toddlers? You need to verify your caregiver knows how to care for your baby or toddler.
• Have they worked in a child care setting previously? Whether they have worked in child care centers or other households, they should have had exposure to a child care setting
• What ages of children have they cared for previously? Some caregivers have a specific age range of children they enjoy caring for. You want to verify the caregiver you are considering has experience with the age of your children.
• Are they certified in infant and toddler first aid? Accidents are going to happen. You need to verify your caregiver has been certified in first aid for infants and toddlers.
• What is an appropriate baby-to-caregiver ratio for homes with more than one child? A baby can be very demanding and require much attention from your caregiver. You want to find out what an acceptable caregiver ratio is for the caregiver. Sometimes, it can be better to hire two caregivers when you have a new baby and two or more additional children. Doing so ensures your baby and children receive the attention and care they deserve.

Why Use a Staffing Agency to Find a Caregiver for Your Children?

While you could attempt to find a caregiver yourself, it can be very time-consuming and could take months to find the best candidates. By using a staffing agency, you get immediate access to the caregivers that fit your needs and requirements.

Additionally, the staffing agency will have performed background checks, verified references, and taken other steps to ensure their candidates are fully capable of providing family child care services.

All you have to do is review resumes of qualified candidates to determine which ones you want to interview. In just a matter of a few weeks or less, you could have a caregiver working in your home.

For help finding the best baby nurse or nanny for your baby, toddler, or children, please feel free to contact Staffing at Tiffanie’s at 866-484-5550 today! We can also assist with your other domestic household staffing needs.