A newborn care specialist (NCS) is a valuable addition to any household that’s recently welcomed a new baby. There are two options on living accommodations when hiring a newborn care specialist.
First, a live-in NCS is someone who lives on-site with the family during the time they’re hired.
The next option is a live-out NCS – someone who works in the home then leaves at the end of their shift.
Determining which option is ideal for your family is one of the first decisions you’ll have to make when starting your hiring search.
Here, we’ll cover some important must-knows about each option.
Live-In or Live-Out?
Live-In
Live-in newborn care specialists work and live on-site at your home for the duration of their contract with you. Depending on the contract details and if you want more ‘around the clock care’, this is ideal for parents who want continuous support, especially in the first few weeks.
This is also a convenient option that minimizes commuting times and can be very beneficial for parents recovering from childbirth, surgery, birth complications, or have a newborn that is particularly fussy.
If you choose this option, you will need to have a private space for your newborn care specialist to use during their off hours. Ideally, this space has a private bedroom and bathroom in the home or on the property.
New parents will also need to be aware that live-in roles often come with higher overall compensation for your employee.
Live-Out
Working in set shifts (usually 8 to 12 hours long) and most commonly overnight, your newborn care specialist will return to their own home after work.
This option allows parents to tailor the schedule to the hours they need support the most.
For example, some parents may want the NCS to work for several overnight shifts per week for a few months, while others may want shorter afternoon shifts so they can nap, run errands, or catch up on other housework.
This choice is ideal for families who want more privacy and want to retain more of their personal space and can also be a more cost effective option.
As you consider your choices, there are some key points to consider that can help ensure you have the right coverage for your newborn.
Level of Support
First time parents or families welcoming more than one baby may benefit more from a live-in newborn care specialist.
In addition, consider any maternal or paternal leave, physical recovery, or if one or both parents will be working shortly after the baby comes home. All of this will help you determine how much help you’ll need.
Budget
Live-in care often offers broader coverage, but that comes with a higher salary.
Space
Consider the set-up of your home. Is there enough private space to comfortably accommodate an employee for an extended period of time?
Boundaries/Privacy
Welcoming a new baby is a big time of change, and sometimes families want to have their own space to rest and recover in, making a live-in NCS option not preferable.
If you do choose a live-in NCS, be sure to establish boundaries between work hours, personal time, and establish house rules that are comfortable for everyone.
Peace of Mind
Once you have considered the pros and cons of both options, it’s truly up to you to figure out which one suits your family best. There is no right or wrong answer.
The main thing to keep in mind, though, is to soak up the moments with your new baby. The newborn stage is beautiful and emotional, but it flies by and having the right system in place will make a big difference in how you experience it.
Whether you choose live-in, live-out, or have a hybrid option of living on-site at first and then transitioning to live-out later, a loving NCS provides attentive care for your baby and can give you the peace of mind you need as you learn the ropes of parenthood.
