Families of all kinds are learning about the benefits of hiring a newborn care specialist (NCS) to help navigate the early weeks and months of life with a new baby.
This person has undergone specific training related to newborn care and is well-versed in being closely involved with parents and their babies during this critical time.
If you have decided to onboard an NCS for your home, the interview process is an important time to get to know potential candidates.
Asking the right questions will not only help ensure the individual has the qualifications you’re looking for, but also that they have a style and personality that aligns with your family goals and expectations.
Here are some questions to consider asking during NCS interviews.
Questions to Ask When Hiring
#1: Tell us about your training and experience with newborns and how long have you been a newborn care specialist?
This question opens up a conversation about the candidate’s background, professional training, certifications, and their experience with newborns. You could also ask how many years they have worked with babies, how many families they have worked with, and any other specifics about their training or coursework.
If you have any specific questions or concerns related to your baby, such as seeking someone who has experience with premature babies or newborns with reflux or colic, this is a great time to discuss that. Doing so will help you understand their confidence and level of expertise, and whether they are able and willing to handle different situations that come up.
#2: What is your experience with sleep training?
Bringing a newborn home means there will be a lot of changes to regular routines – and sleep is one of the biggest ones. In fact, sleep is one of the main reasons families choose to work with newborn care specialists. Ask the candidate how they support healthy sleep habits for the baby and what ways the establish good sleep routines.
Discuss their comfort level in sleep training and talk about your philosophy or preferences for that, in addition to talking about how they handle night feedings or night wakings.
#3: How do you support bottle-feeding or breastfeeding?
New babies eat a lot and whether you plan on breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or a combination of both, a newborn care specialist should be ready and familiar with support in this area.
Ask potential candidates about their experience supporting breastfeeding parents, if they have expertise in tracking feeding schedules and intake, and if they are comfortable with helping clean and prepare bottles for bottle-fed babies. Establishing a solid feeding routine – and having professional support for this – can give parents confidence and peace of mind.
#4: Are you comfortable with additional newborn-related responsibilities?
While sleep and feeding support is usually the primary role of a newborn care specialist, some families can benefit from additional help around the house. Talk to potential candidates about other responsibilities that might be beneficial for you such as helping with the baby’s laundry, diapering and bathing, washing pump or bottle parts, and more.
It is critical to outline what your expectations are from the very beginning, so there is no confusion or frustration once the candidate is hired.
#5: How would you describe your communication style?
Clear communication is important for any domestic employee working in a home, but it’s especially essential during the newborn stage. Ask NCS candidates to describe their communication style and how they keep new parents informed about the baby’s routine, feeding, or sleep schedules.
For example, do they keep written logs or use an app? Do they check in with the parent after each shift or on a weekly basis? In addition, ask them how they approach potentially difficult or stressful situations that may involve a crying baby that can’t be soothed or emotional parents who are tired or recovering from giving birth.
Look for candidates who maintain professional, respectful, and collaborative communication.
In Practice
Hiring a qualified newborn care specialist can be incredibly helpful for parents learning the ropes of parenthood. Yet this decision is very personal and requires time.
Asking the right questions will lead you to finding the right professional that brings knowledge, compassion, and expertise to your home, which will create a calmer and more supportive environment for you and your baby.
