The first shift should feel organised, calm, and welcoming. A short preparation makes it easier for the caregiver to understand your home and focus on the baby.
Confirm access
Share:
Full address
Building and unit
Parking or security instructions
Access codes when appropriate
Name and telephone number of the person receiving the caregiver
Any rules for pets or household entry
Keep your phone available around the start time.
Prepare baby information
Have ready:
Baby’s full name and age
Feeding method and current schedule
Allergies or sensitivities
Relevant medical history
Paediatrician or discharge instructions
Current medications
Preferred soothing and sleep routine
Emergency contacts
Share only information relevant to safe care, but do not conceal a clinical need.
Organise supplies
Show the caregiver where to find diapers, wipes, clothes, feeding supplies, sterilising items, linens, bath items, and approved skin-care products.
Explain any products or equipment that should not be used.
Agree how you will communicate
Tell the caregiver:
When you want to be updated
What should be recorded
When she should wake or contact you
Which decisions require your approval
How you prefer the baby to be handed over
Expect a learning period
Even an experienced caregiver needs to learn your baby and household. Use the first shifts to build a shared routine.
If something feels unclear, speak respectfully and early. For a significant concern or a mismatch, contact the DarDoc Care Team.
Keep the first shift focused
Try not to introduce many optional tasks before the caregiver has learned the baby’s core routine. Feeding, hygiene, soothing, safety instructions, and parent communication should come first.
Once the essentials are clear, the family and caregiver can agree how the baby’s immediate care area and supplies should be managed.
Stay available at the beginning
Even if the purpose of care is to give you time to rest, remain reachable during the first handover. The caregiver may need clarification about a preference or instruction.
As trust and familiarity grow, the handover will normally become faster and more natural.