When parents bring a new baby home, sleep can quickly become a rare treat. That’s why more families are turning to nighttime help. Two common options are night nannies and night nurses. While both provide support during the night, they are not the same.

Knowing the difference can help you choose what’s best for your family. Many families looking into night nannies for newborns often wonder how they compare to night nurses.

What a Night Nanny Does:

A night nanny helps take care of your baby during the night so you can rest. They may feed, rock, change, and soothe the baby, depending on what your baby needs. Their main goal is to keep your baby comfortable and calm so you can get more sleep.

Night nannies usually don’t have medical training, but they often have lots of experience with babies. They may also help set a sleep routine, track feedings, and give gentle advice on baby care. Many night nannies have worked with many families before and know how to handle common newborn needs.

What a Night Nurse Does:

A night nurse is someone with a medical background, usually a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). They can do all the things a night nanny does, but they also handle medical care if needed. Night nurses are often hired for babies who were born early, have health problems, or need extra care.

Because of their training, night nurses can monitor a baby’s health more closely. They know how to spot early signs of illness, check breathing, and care for babies who need feeding tubes or medication. Families with babies who need extra support often feel more comfortable having a night nurse in the home.

Choosing the Right Help for Your Family:

Both night nannies and night nurses can make a big difference in your sleep and peace of mind. If your baby is healthy and you mainly need rest and basic care support, a night nanny may be the right fit. If your baby has medical needs or was born early, a night nurse may be a better choice.

No matter which one you choose, the goal is the same, giving you help at night so you can feel rested and ready for the next day. Both roles can offer comfort and support during those early months of parenthood, when every bit of rest matters.