How to secure your dream job as an infant nanny
If you have a heart for babies and desire to help new families find their footing in the exciting yet challenging journey of parenthood, becoming an infant nanny could be your dream job.
Much like the role of a newborn care specialist, an infant nanny provides essential support for families, specifically focusing on the care of infants typically up to 12 months old. However, unlike for an NCS, there is more longevity in the position, often offering the joy of nurturing a child from infancy into toddlerhood and beyond. (But if being an NCS, formerly known as a baby nurse, is your thing, reading this guide to becoming a newborn care specialist is a must!)
What does an infant nanny do?
An infant nanny, much like a newborn care specialist, assists with comprehensive infant care such as feeding, changing diapers, creating sleep routines, and providing age-appropriate stimulation. As an infant nanny, however, you typically commit to a long-term role and grow with the child and the family. You are not so much confined by the boundaries of infancy; rather, being an infant nanny just signals that you have the experience and expertise to work with the youngest kiddos.
Aside from the core responsibilities, infant nannies also play a significant role in the child's early development. Nannies support key growth stages in a child's life, by engaging with them in, among other things:
stimulating activities
singing songs
reading books
Helping practice physical development exercises and motor skills
Experience and training matter
There’s a lot that goes into caring for an infant to keep them safe and healthy, which often means that requirements for skills and experience are higher than in jobs with older kids.
While a love for infants and dedication to their care is a good start, families often look for nannies with a solid background in childcare – and specifically infant care. This could be previous experience as a nanny, time spent in daycare settings, or even in-depth experience from a large family setting. There’s a lot that goes into caring for an infant to keep them safe and healthy, which often means that requirements for skills and experience are higher than in jobs with older kids.
Furthermore, various certifications can enhance your credibility as a nanny and give your employer family additional peace of mind. First aid and CPR training are usually mandatory, while additional courses in child nutrition, early childhood education, and child safety can set you apart from other candidates. These trainings not only boost your resume but also equip you with the skills needed to provide the best care and support to the infants you'll be entrusted with.
The TL;DR:
Top three traits in an infant nanny:
Experience working with babies under 1
A love for babies’ development and an understanding of their needs
CPR-certification
Top off your resume with some special skills
Beyond experience and training, there are certain skills that can make you stand out from the crowd.
Excellent communication is crucial, as you'll need to update the parents about their child's development and routine, perhaps particularly during the infant year and especially with first-time parents, who may want more updates than others.
Patience and creativity come in handy when inventing engaging activities, as well as to help the baby through its developmental stages (which can sometimes be as frustrating for the baby as its grownups!).
Knowledge in infant sign language, elimination communication, or being multilingual can also be beneficial, depending on the family.
A solid understanding of infant milestones and development would also set you apart. Knowing what to expect at different stages and how to stimulate growth effectively ensures that you are not only caring for the child but contributing to their development as well.
Where can you find infant nanny jobs?
There are several ways to search for nanny jobs. Online job platforms like SitterCity, Care.com, or specialized nanny agencies are good starting points. It's also worthwhile to join nanny communities or networks where job opportunities are often shared. Don't forget the power of word-of-mouth; let your friends, family, and previous employers know you're searching for a position as an infant nanny.
To help nannies find their way to the right job, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to finding a nanny job. Here you can find all the details about where to look as well as pros and cons of each method.
Ready to talk with our nanny placement team?
If you're ready to start your journey as an infant nanny, we're here to help. With years of experience connecting families with their perfect caregiver match, we've watched numerous children blossom under the guidance of their nannies.
Working with the youngest isn’t for everyone. If you have a passion for helping and caring for infants, this is a role where you can truly shine. Start your search, get the necessary training, and remember, we're always here to provide resources and connections to help you succeed.
Ps. for all your job searching tips and tricks, sign up for our newsletter!