It pays really well, and I just cant turn it down. My mother knows these people because she works at a hospital and she is the nurse that helped deliver them. It is a nighttime job from 10pm-6am. The family is very wealthy and I get my own room. They say I have to wake up at least 3 times a night to check on them. I have some expirience with babies, but I'm no pro. I was wondering if any of you had tips, etc.
2007-05-04 09:38:31 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
The parents are working nighttime shifts :)
2007-05-04 10:14:37 · update #1
Shoot that is the easiest part - when they are asleep. If they wake at night just feed (depending on if that's what they want) change and lay them back down. Piece of cake
2007-05-04 09:47:08 · answer #1 · answered by mom2ghl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there!
As a mom of 1.5 yr old, taking care of baby is still fresh to me. =)
Reading your post, if I were you, I'd have lots of questions and reservations about this job.
One: how well do you really know this family? Yes, you're taking care of babies but these people will be your boss. If you meet w/ them and your gut tells you to turn it down, listen to it. You'll be interacting w/ these parents and if you don't like them, if they are too demanding, etc...I guarantee you won't be at that job for long. Taking care of babies (and twins no less!) is no walk in the park. You and the parents need to be on the same page on what they expect of you, how they expect you to parent their twins, what you expect of them as employers, etc...
Things you should ask yourself and the family: What happens if both babies wake up crying? What if I need help when both are awake and upset? What kind of approach do you want me to take with the twins (hold/soothe the twins, cry it out, or ??)?
Two, I would do ALOT of research on what it means to take care of babies then draw up a contract on what tasks you will do. Then have the family sign the contract. Spell out the hourly wage, the payment terms and stuff like what happens if you're asked to stay longer than 6am, vacation time, etc..This way, if there is a dispute, you can use the signed contract as reference.
Some good resources on learning about taking care of babies are:
--www.askdrsears.com
--The No Cry Sleep Solution by E Pantley
--What Babies Say Before They Can Talk: The nine signals infants use to express their feelings by PC Holinger
--Baby Matters: What your doctor may not tell you about caring for your baby by LF Palmer
I assume the twins are formula-fed so that means in addition to waking up, you'll have to run around mixing and warming the formula. Are you ok with that as well? Also, babies hit growth spurts, deal with pain from teething, cognitive developments that all contribute to night waking. Some nights, the twins will need to be comforted and soothed for longer than 5 minutes. Are you mentally prepared for that?
Good luck, I hope I didn't sound like a complete downer. It's just that taking care of babies, even if they're 3 months old can be demanding. Be real honest with yourself. To you it's a job, to the twins you become family. Their world will be mom, dad and you. If you can't parent them with love and the type of care they deserve, don't take the job.
2007-05-04 17:19:51 · answer #2 · answered by Aquablue 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have twin girls and it is not as bad as you are thinking. It is no different then one child. Only rember that they will be up at about the same time, so get everything ready for two instead of one. Two diapers, two bottles, etc. One may have to wait his turn and you will have crying! lol The best help I can give you is do not stress. The babies will pick up on it. Just remember to have lots of patience and take your time. Don't rush they will wait. And have fun. Twins are awsome!!
2007-05-04 16:54:10 · answer #3 · answered by van g 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will be tired for sure, but hopefully the boys will be sleeping through the night in a couple of months, maybe even sooner! i wish i had some advice for you, but every baby is so different. just find out what seems to calm them and just do that every night. treat them as individuals also because though they are twins they could still be totally different. good luck.
2007-05-04 16:45:18 · answer #4 · answered by Sara H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how much is some experience with babies..... First of all remember that these TWIN newborns are someone elses so they are going to expect alot more than what most expect and there are 2 of them so double everything you know.Wake up at least 3 times hopefully only that... if babies are sick be prepared to handle twice the crying all night long...... GOOd luck
2007-05-04 16:44:11 · answer #5 · answered by ady 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where are these parents between 10pm and 6am? This is really weird!!!
2007-05-04 17:13:53 · answer #6 · answered by purplebinky 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get as much sleep during the day...GOOD LUCK!
2007-05-04 16:47:42 · answer #7 · answered by LUV OF TENNIS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋