What should I prepare before my newborn nanny starts?

Prepare a detailed care sheet (feeding schedule, pediatrician contact, emergency numbers), set up the nursery with organized supplies (diapers, wipes, burp cloths within arm's reach), stock the kitchen for the nanny, provide WiFi password and home access instructions, and walk through safety features (baby monitor, first aid kit location).

Does a newborn nanny cook and do housework?

A newborn nanny's primary focus is infant care. Light housework related to the baby (bottle washing, baby laundry, nursery tidying) is standard. Full housekeeping or family cooking should be discussed separately and may affect the hourly rate. Newborn care specialists typically do NOT do general housework.

How do I set up a comfortable space for a live-in nanny?

Provide a private bedroom with a comfortable bed, storage (closet/dresser), good lighting, and access to a bathroom. A small desk or sitting area is appreciated. WiFi access, a fan/heater for climate control, and clear communication about shared spaces (kitchen, laundry) make the arrangement comfortable for everyone.

What should be in a newborn care emergency kit?

Digital thermometer (rectal for infants), infant acetaminophen (with pediatrician-approved dosage chart), nasal aspirator/bulb syringe, bandages and gauze, antiseptic wipes, emergency contact list (pediatrician, nearest ER, poison control 1-800-222-1222), and a written consent form authorizing the nanny to seek emergency care.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Newborn Nanny: Complete Checklist

By AyiConnect • August 10, 2026 • 7 min read

Bringing a newborn nanny into your home is exciting — and requires preparation. A well-prepared home helps the nanny start confidently and keeps your baby safe. Use this checklist to ensure nothing is missed.

1 Week Before: The Essentials

Create a written care guide with feeding schedule, sleep routine, soothing preferences, and diaper change frequency.
Emergency contact sheet: Pediatrician, nearest ER, poison control (1-800-222-1222), both parents' cell numbers, trusted neighbor contact.
Medical consent form: Authorize the nanny to seek emergency medical care for your baby. Notarize if possible.
Tour the home together: Show the nanny where everything is — nursery, kitchen, bathroom, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, circuit breaker.

Nursery Setup Checklist

✅ Crib or bassinet with firm mattress and fitted sheet (nothing else in sleep space — AAP safe sleep guidelines)
✅ Changing station: diapers (2 sizes), wipes, diaper cream, burp cloths — all within arm's reach
✅ 6-8 onesies/sleepers, 4-6 swaddles or sleep sacks, 10+ burp cloths
✅ Baby monitor — test audio/video range and show nanny how to use it
✅ Sound machine, blackout curtains, room thermometer (ideal: 68-72°F)
✅ Bottles, formula (if using), bottle warmer, drying rack — all sterilized and ready

Safety Walkthrough

First aid kit location: Digital rectal thermometer, infant acetaminophen, nasal aspirator, bandages.
Fire safety: Show fire extinguisher location, smoke detector test button, and escape route.
Baby-proofing: Outlet covers, cabinet locks (under-sink especially), cord management for blinds.
Pet introduction: If you have pets, do a supervised introduction. Clarify if the nanny is responsible for pet care.

Daily Routine Template

Sample newborn schedule: Feed every 2-3 hours, diaper change at each feeding, awake/play time 30-45 min after feeding, nap for 1-2 hours between feeds.
Tracking log: Leave a notebook or share a baby tracking app (Huckleberry, Baby Tracker) for feeds, diapers, and sleep.
Parent preferences: Breastmilk handling (thawing, warming, storage), screen time policy, visitors policy, photo sharing rules.

Kitchen & Home Access

WiFi network name and password
Spare key or door code
Designated fridge/cabinet space for nanny's food
Clear policy: can nanny eat your food? Where should they store personal items?
Laundry: baby laundry only, or family laundry too? Discuss upfront.

Ready to welcome your nanny?

AyiConnect's newborn care specialists and confinement nannies are experienced, pre-screened, and ready to help. Browse profiles today.

1 Week Before: The Essentials

Create a written care guide with feeding schedule, sleep routine, soothing preferences, and diaper change frequency.

Emergency contact sheet: Pediatrician, nearest ER, poison control (1-800-222-1222), both parents' cell numbers, trusted neighbor contact.

Medical consent form: Authorize the nanny to seek emergency medical care for your baby. Notarize if possible.

Tour the home together: Show the nanny where everything is — nursery, kitchen, bathroom, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, circuit breaker.

Nursery Setup Checklist

✅ Crib or bassinet with firm mattress and fitted sheet (nothing else in sleep space — AAP safe sleep guidelines)

✅ Changing station: diapers (2 sizes), wipes, diaper cream, burp cloths — all within arm's reach

✅ 6-8 onesies/sleepers, 4-6 swaddles or sleep sacks, 10+ burp cloths

✅ Baby monitor — test audio/video range and show nanny how to use it

✅ Sound machine, blackout curtains, room thermometer (ideal: 68-72°F)

✅ Bottles, formula (if using), bottle warmer, drying rack — all sterilized and ready

Safety Walkthrough

First aid kit location: Digital rectal thermometer, infant acetaminophen, nasal aspirator, bandages.

Fire safety: Show fire extinguisher location, smoke detector test button, and escape route.

Baby-proofing: Outlet covers, cabinet locks (under-sink especially), cord management for blinds.

Pet introduction: If you have pets, do a supervised introduction. Clarify if the nanny is responsible for pet care.

Daily Routine Template

Sample newborn schedule: Feed every 2-3 hours, diaper change at each feeding, awake/play time 30-45 min after feeding, nap for 1-2 hours between feeds.

Tracking log: Leave a notebook or share a baby tracking app (Huckleberry, Baby Tracker) for feeds, diapers, and sleep.

Parent preferences: Breastmilk handling (thawing, warming, storage), screen time policy, visitors policy, photo sharing rules.

Kitchen & Home Access

WiFi network name and password

Spare key or door code

Designated fridge/cabinet space for nanny's food

Clear policy: can nanny eat your food? Where should they store personal items?

Laundry: baby laundry only, or family laundry too? Discuss upfront.

Ready to welcome your nanny?

AyiConnect's newborn care specialists and confinement nannies are experienced, pre-screened, and ready to help. Browse profiles today.