The Importance of Working with an Agency That Verifies

As a new parent, finding the right Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. You want someone who is experienced, knowledgeable, and completely dedicated to your baby’s well-being. But in today’s digital age, where many parents turn to social media and online platforms to find caregivers, the hiring process can feel overwhelming. With so many options—Facebook groups, Instagram referrals, and independent brokers—it can be difficult to know who to trust. While independent brokers and referral services may promise a quick and easy match, they often lack the rigorous verification process that ensures an NCS is truly qualified. Unlike a professional agency, which follows industry best practices to vet every candidate thoroughly, these informal services may only provide a name and a number—leaving families vulnerable to hiring someone without the proper training, experience, or expertise. Here’s why working with a professional agency that verifies makes all the difference.

1. Experience and Professional Standards Matter

A reputable agency operates with industry standards and best practices, ensuring that the caregivers they place meet a high level of professional qualifications. Independent brokers, on the other hand, often lack the knowledge and experience necessary to thoroughly vet candidates. Many are simply individuals with personal connections to caregivers—not professionals who understand the nuances of screening, employment law, and newborn care standards.  In fact, they may not be operating a legitimate business at all; instead simply charging parents (or other caregivers) a fee to provide a name and email address to anyone who says they are looking.

When selecting an NCS, parents should look for an agency that upholds high industry standards, such as those identified by membership in the International Nanny Association (INA) or the Association of Premier Nanny Agencies (APNA). Agencies with these affiliations are committed to professionalism, ethics, and best practices that safeguard families.

2. A False Sense of Security—What Are You Really Paying For?

When working with a professional agency, families receive a clear breakdown of services, fees, and guarantees. Agencies enter into contractual agreements with clients that define their role, ensuring transparency in what families are paying for.

Unfortunately, independent brokers and online individuals posing as a company often lack this structure, and families may unknowingly pay just for a name and number rather than a fully screened, qualified NCS. Without a contractual framework in place, parents may have little recourse if the match isn’t successful. In contrast, agencies typically offer ongoing support, replacement assistance, and mediation services to protect families’ investments.

3. Prioritizing Your Baby’s Safety and Well-Being

The safety and well-being of your newborn should be the top priority when choosing a caregiver. A reputable agency goes beyond just connecting families with an NCS—they ensure that every candidate has the proper training, experience, and knowledge to provide expert-level care.

At Newborn Care Solutions Agency, we take due diligence seriously, ensuring that every NCS we place is trained in safe sleep practices, feeding techniques, newborn development, and emergency preparedness. We even require an internal skills assessment to ensure that every caregiver has a clear understanding of these areas.  This means families can feel confident that their NCS is well-versed in the latest best practices to keep their baby safe, healthy, and thriving.

4. Comprehensive Screening—Beyond Just a Background Check

One of the biggest concerns when working with independent brokers and online individuals is inadequate screening. While they may conduct a basic background check, many lack the resources, experience, or industry knowledge to perform a true, in-depth vetting process.  And in fact, rather than doing their own screenings, they will require the caregiver to provide a background screening, which unfortunately, in today's digital age, is all too easy to forge.

Established agencies conduct rigorous screening, including:
✔️ Employment history verification
✔️ Reference checks from previous families
✔️ In-depth personal interviews
✔️Validation of certifications and continuing education
✔️Expertise in newborn care techniques and safety protocols
✔️Criminal background screening conducted by a third-party speciality company to ensure legitimacy

Families deserve to know that the caregiver entering their home has been thoroughly evaluated for both skill and professionalism—not just recommended by a friend or listed in an online group.

5. Avoiding Legal and Financial Pitfalls

Hiring a caregiver comes with legal responsibilities, including possibly considerations around payroll, tax compliance, and liability protections. Many families unknowingly put themselves at risk by hiring through informal brokers who may not educate them on wage laws, tax obligations, or proper work agreements.

A professional agency guides families through the hiring process and refers them to domestic payroll experts such as HomeWork Solutions or GTM Payroll Services in order to ensure compliance with employment laws and protect families from potential legal and financial risks.

6. What Happens if Things Don’t Work Out?

One of the greatest advantages of working with an agency is the guarantee of ongoing support. If an NCS does not work out for any reason, a reputable agency will work to assist in finding a replacement, mediate any concerns, and ensure a smooth transition.

On the other hand, independent brokers often have no obligation to step in once a referral is made. Families may find themselves left without recourse if things don’t work out for any reason. This lack of accountability can leave parents frustrated and financially burdened.

The Bottom Line: Choose Safety, Security, and Peace of Mind

While it may be tempting to use an independent nanny or NCS broker or a direct referral from an individual found on social media for convenience, the risks far outweigh the benefits. When it comes to the safety and well-being of your newborn, working with a professional, established agency ensures that the caregiver in your home meets the highest standards.

At The Newborn Care Solutions Agency, we are committed to providing families with highly qualified, carefully vetted Newborn Care Specialists who bring expertise, professionalism, and peace of mind.

Looking for an NCS you can trust? Contact us today, and let us help you find the perfect caregiver for your growing family.