What's the difference between an NCS and a baby nurse?

While many parents search for 'baby nurses,' this is a misnomer. Unless someone is an RN or LPN, they should not be called a nurse. The Newborn Care Solutions Agency places Newborn Care Specialists (NCS) who are trained professionals specializing in newborn care, safe sleep, and infant development.

How do I know if I need an NCS or Postpartum Doula?

NCS professionals focus primarily on baby care - feeding, sleep training, and establishing routines. Postpartum Doulas support the entire family, especially maternal recovery and household adjustment. The Newborn Care Solutions Agency helps families determine which service best meets their needs during consultation.

Are your caregivers background checked?

Yes, all caregivers placed by The Newborn Care Solutions Agency undergo comprehensive background checks, reference verification, and skills assessment. We ensure they're trained in safe sleep practices, proper breastmilk handling, formula preparation, and newborn safety protocols.

What is a Newborn Care Specialist?

A Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) is a trained professional who specializes in newborn care. Unlike 'baby nurses' (a misnomer), an NCS doesn't need to be a registered nurse but has extensive training in infant care, safe sleep practices, feeding, and development. The Newborn Care Solutions Agency places only vetted, background-checked NCS professionals.

How is an NCS different from a Postpartum Doula?

While both support families with newborns, they have different focuses. An NCS primarily provides hands-on baby care including feeding, sleep training, and establishing routines. A Postpartum Doula supports the entire family, especially maternal recovery, emotional support, and household help. The Newborn Care Solutions Agency places both and helps families determine which service best meets their needs.

Do you place baby nurses or night nannies?

While many parents search for 'baby nurses' or 'night nannies,' The Newborn Care Solutions Agency exclusively places Newborn Care Specialists and Postpartum Doulas. The term 'baby nurse' is a misnomer - unless someone is an RN or LPN, they should not be called a nurse. Our NCS professionals provide the expert overnight and round-the-clock care that parents are seeking.

How much does a Newborn Care Specialist cost?

NCS rates vary based on experience, certifications, location, and hours needed. The Newborn Care Solutions Agency provides transparent pricing and helps match families with NCS professionals within their budget. Unlike some agencies, we don't add excessive hourly fees. Contact us for specific rates in your area.

Are your caregivers trained and certified?

The Newborn Care Solutions Agency places caregivers based on comprehensive vetting including references, skills assessment, and background checks. Many have certifications from organizations like CACHE International, but we value both formal training and experiential learning. All must demonstrate expertise in safe sleep, feeding, and newborn care.

Ensuring Safe Sleep for Babies

Safety, Sleep

By Tonya Sakowicz

As busy parents, it's common for our little ones to doze off during car rides, and it may seem convenient to let them continue napping in their car seats. However, it's important to be mindful of your baby’s safety and understand the potential risks associated with napping in a car seat outside of the car. By staying informed, you can create a safe sleep environment for your baby, both at home and on the go.

Why Car Seats Aren’t Ideal for Napping

Car seats are carefully designed to protect your baby during travel, but they aren’t intended for extended sleep. Here’s why allowing your baby to nap in a car seat, especially outside of a vehicle, can be concerning:

Airway Obstruction: Car seats hold babies at a semi-upright angle. While this is excellent for protecting them on the road, outside of the vehicle it can cause a baby’s head to slump forward, potentially obstructing their airway. Babies under four months old, in particular, have underdeveloped neck muscles, making it difficult for them to adjust their head positions if needed.
Positional Asphyxia: When a baby’s position prevents them from breathing properly, this is known as positional asphyxia. Outside of a vehicle, the car seat’s angle may not be correct, causing the baby’s chin to rest on their chest, which can restrict airflow. Infants lack the strength to shift their position and reopen their airways if needed.
Increased Risk of SIDS: Research has shown that sleeping in a sitting device, such as a car seat, is associated with a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The safest place for your baby to sleep is on a firm, flat surface in a crib or bassinet.
Unsupervised Sleep: It can be tempting to leave your baby to sleep in their car seat after they’ve dozed off, but unsupervised sleep in a car seat, particularly outside of a car, can pose risks. Without close monitoring, you might not notice if your baby’s breathing becomes restricted.

Safe Sleep Guidelines

To keep your baby safe and ensure their sleep is as restful as possible, follow these simple guidelines:

Transfer to a Safe Sleep Space: If your baby falls asleep in the car seat during a drive, transfer them to a crib or bassinet as soon as you reach your destination. A firm, flat surface is the safest place for your baby to sleep.
Supervise Short Naps: If you can’t immediately transfer your baby, make sure you supervise their nap closely and minimize the time they spend sleeping in the car seat. Ensure the seat is placed on a low, flat, and stable surface, and always check that the harness is correctly adjusted.
Follow Safe Sleep Practices: Always place your baby on their back to sleep. Avoid using car seats, swings, or bouncers for routine naps or overnight sleep.

Expert Recommendations

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends against using car seats for sleep outside of the car. Their guidelines emphasize that the safest place for your baby to sleep is a crib, bassinet, or play yard that meets current safety standards. Car seats are specifically designed for travel, not for long periods of sleep.

Practical Tips for Parents

Plan Ahead: Try to schedule trips around your baby’s nap times so you can transfer them to a safe sleep environment when you arrive at your destination.
Educate Caregivers: Make sure that all caregivers are informed about the risks of car seat napping and follow safe sleep practices. Consistency is key to keeping your baby safe.
Use Car Seats Responsibly: While car seats are essential for travel safety, avoid using them for sleep outside the car. If you use travel accessories, ensure they are approved for use with your specific car seat model.

By staying informed and following these safety guidelines, you can ensure that your baby enjoys safe, restful sleep both at home and on the move. Your baby’s well-being is your top priority, and by taking these precautions, you can enjoy peace of mind while keeping them safe and comfortable.

Ready to discover how a Newborn Care Specialist can help further educate your family of safe sleep? Reach out today to learn more about how this specialized support can make a difference in your home.

Find an NCS for your family!