Whether you’re going back to work, having a girl’s night out, or going on a date with your partner, it’s hard enough to leave your toddlers and older children with a sitter, but your infant? Hiring the right caretaker for your baby requires a great deal of forethought and careful screening.
Although you’ll want to spend plenty of time interviewing a potential nanny or babysitter for your newborn (and don’t forget to check those references!), it’s imperative to ask the following infant-specific questions:
- What is your experience with infants? How many infants have you cared for in the past, and what were their ages? Have you ever cared for both an infant and an older child?
- Have you completed any certification courses such as infant care, CPR, or first aid?
- Are you familiar with the most current sleep safety guidelines?
- Are you comfortable with storing and thawing breastmilk and/or preparing formula?
- Finally, ask: How would you handle an emergency?
It takes a special caregiver to handle a newborn’s continual needs, so you’ll want to be sure you find a nanny with the right experience to care for your infant in your stead.
