Newborns cannot sleep for long periods of time, they need regular feeds and sleep to enable them to develop and gain weight. Newborns typically need 14-16hrs sleep a day. They have not yet developed circadian rhythm; the human body clock: where external cues, such as daylight, train the body into a 24 hour sleep/wake cycle. Therefore we have to run with their natural sleep cycle whilst trying to establish a routine. I can give you advice and help you plan a routine on how to guide your baby into a good sleep/feeding routine. I am in favour of demand feeding for the first 6 weeks, gradually stretching the time between feeds with the aim of achieving a 3 to 4 hourly routine at around 12 weeks. It is important to remember that newborn babies have very small tummies and need to be fed little and often in order to gain weight.

A typical night will provide care from 9pm until 7am, although these hours can be negotiated if required. It is also recommended to have a meeting before your baby is born so you can meet me and discuss your requirements. We will have an in-depth discussion on your expectations from the service as well as from your baby, for example we can discuss feeding methods and any routines which you may wish to follow. If your baby is a few weeks old you may wish to discuss any problems you have encountered or anything you are concerned about. If you have not already got in place a feeding record I will introduce a chart where we record feeding and sleeping patterns to keep track of any natural patterns that are occurring and places where we need to vary some techniques to gradually stretch the period of time between feeds. This is a very flexible service where every family and every parent is different so routines and priorities are focused on you.

During the night whilst I am caring for your baby I will feed your baby when he wakes, or wake him to feed at set times. (Depending on the routine we are aiming for and the age and weight of your baby) If you are breast feeding I will bring your baby to you for his feed. I will wind, change his nappy if necessary and settle him back to sleep. I will also sterilise any bottles or feeding equipment ready for the next day and prepare bottles if required. In the morning I will ensure your baby is washed and dressed ready for the day unless you prefer me to leave your baby asleep.

I am not responsible for domestic cleaning, laundry or caring for older siblings whilst Night nannying. It is expected that some form of sleeping accommodation shall be provided, a spare bed, blow up mattress or sofa. I may require the use of a baby monitor if your baby’s room is far away from where I am sleeping. However for a young baby under 12 weeks I prefer to have the baby in the same room as me.