The Truth About “Night Nurses” and “Baby Nurses”
When new parents bring home their newborn, they are often overwhelmed and exhausted — and understandably so. In the haze of sleep deprivation and learning how to care for a tiny human, many families look for extra support. It’s common to hear the terms “night nurse” or “baby nurse” tossed around in parenting groups, online forums, and even by agencies offering newborn care services. But what many people don't realize is that the use of the word "nurse" is legally protected — and not everyone advertising these services is actually a nurse.
What is a “Night Nurse” or a “Baby Nurse”?
Traditionally, a "night nurse" or "baby nurse" is someone hired to help care for a newborn during the night, or round-the-clock, respectively. Their duties can include feeding, diaper changes, comforting the baby back to sleep, educating parents on newborn care and milestones, and sometimes light household tasks related to infant care. They offer parents the chance to get some much-needed rest while ensuring the baby’s needs are met.
However, the majority of individuals working under the titles of "night nurse" or "baby nurse" are not licensed nurses. They are often individuals who have spent years caring for infants — but they have not completed the education, clinical training, licensing exams, or continuing education required to legally hold the title of "nurse."
Who Can Legally Use the Title “Nurse”?
In the United States, the title "nurse" is legally reserved for those who are licensed by a state board of nursing. This includes:
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)/Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
Using the word "nurse" in a job title without having a valid nursing license is illegal in many states. It is considered a form of professional misrepresentation and can carry serious penalties. In short: if someone calls themselves a “nurse,” they must be able to prove they hold an active, valid nursing license.
Why This Matters
When families hire someone to care for their newborn, they deserve to know the level of training and qualifications that individual has. A licensed nurse has undergone rigorous education, training, and state evaluation to ensure they can safely manage medical issues if they arise — including identifying signs of illness, performing emergency interventions, and more.
A non-licensed caregiver might be wonderful with babies and very experienced with infant care, but they are not trained or qualified to make medical assessments or offer medical advice. Confusing the public by using the title "nurse" can lead to misunderstandings about what services and protections are actually being offered.
The Bottom Line
If you're looking for help caring for your newborn overnight, know that there are fantastic options out there — from newborn care specialists to postpartum doulas. Just remember: unless the person has a current nursing license, they should not be calling themselves a “nurse.” When in doubt, ask directly if the person is a licensed RN, LPN, or LVN and verify their credentials if you feel unsure.
Being informed protects you, your baby, and the integrity of the nursing profession.