How to Choose a Night Nanny: What to Look For and Questions to Ask

August 15, 2025

How to Choose a Night Nanny: What to Look For and Questions to Ask

Hiring a night nanny can make a big difference in a family’s adjustment to life with a newborn — but finding the right fit takes careful thought. The person you hire will be caring for your baby while you sleep, so trust, experience, and communication are essential.

This guide covers the qualities to look for, credentials to verify, and questions to ask during the interview process.

Qualities to Look For in a Night Nanny

  1. Verified Newborn Care Experience
    Look for someone with documented experience caring for infants, especially overnight. Check references from families with babies of a similar age to yours.
  2. Specialized Training
    Many night nannies hold certifications such as:
  • Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) training
  • Infant CPR and First Aid
  • Safe sleep practices (AAP guidelines)
  1. Calm and Patient Demeanor
    Overnight care requires the ability to remain calm and attentive during late-night feedings and fussiness.
  2. Reliability and Professionalism
    Punctuality, clear communication, and consistency are essential traits.
  3. Alignment with Your Parenting Approach
    Discuss topics like feeding schedules, soothing methods, and sleep training philosophies to ensure compatibility.

Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Night Nanny

Experience & Background

  • How long have you been providing night nanny services?
  • Can you share references from families you’ve worked with?

Training & Safety

  • Do you have certifications in infant CPR and First Aid?
  • Are you trained in safe sleep guidelines?

Approach to Care

  • How do you soothe a baby who is difficult to settle?
  • What is your stance on sleep training methods?

Logistics & Expectations

  • What is your typical overnight schedule?
  • How do you handle feeding — bottles, breast milk, pumping logistics?
  • Will you keep written logs of the baby’s nighttime activity?

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unwillingness to provide references or certifications
  • Vague or inconsistent answers about experience
  • Lack of familiarity with safe sleep guidelines
  • Discomfort discussing your parenting preferences

Key Takeaways

Choosing a night nanny is about more than finding someone available — it’s about finding someone qualified, trustworthy, and aligned with your family’s needs. Asking the right questions up front ensures peace of mind and better rest for everyone.