When looking for night-time support for a newborn, parents often come across both night nurses and night nannies. But what is the difference between the two? While both provide overnight care, their qualifications, responsibilities, and levels of expertise differ. Knowing these distinctions between night nurses and night nannies for newborns help parents choose the right professional for their needs.
Qualifications and training:
A night nurse is usually a qualified healthcare professional with medical training, such as a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). They often have experience in maternity or neonatal care, making them well-equipped to handle newborns with medical conditions, premature babies, or postnatal recovery support for mothers.
Instead, a night nanny does not necessarily have formal medical training but is experienced in general newborn care. They are skilled in tasks such as feeding, diaper changes, and soothing babies to sleep. Some may have certifications in infant care or sleep training, but their expertise is non-medical.
Scope of care:
Night nurses provide both medical and non-medical care. They can monitor a baby’s vital signs, manage feeding issues (such as reflux or tongue tie), administer medications if needed, and support mothers recovering from childbirth complications. Their role is particularly beneficial for parents with high-risk newborns or those needing specialised care.
Night nannies focus more on general infant care and establishing routines. They assist with feeding (including bottle preparation or supporting breastfeeding mothers), changing diapers, swaddling, and sleep training. Their primary role is to ensure the baby is well cared for while parents get rest.
Sleep training and routine building:
Both night nurses and night nannies assist with sleep training, but the approach differs. A night nurse may take a more medical-based approach, ensuring sleep disturbances are not caused by underlying health conditions. They may also collaborate with doctors if necessary.
Night nannies focus on behavioural sleep training techniques, such as creating bedtime routines, encouraging self-soothing, and gradually reducing night wakings. Their approach is centred on consistency and comfort rather than medical assessments.
Cost differences:
Due to their medical background, night nurses generally charge higher rates than night nannies. Their fees reflect their qualifications, ability to handle medical situations, and the specialised care they provide. Night nannies, while still providing valuable support, typically charge less since their role is focused on routine newborn care.