The Ultimate Baby Manual
Source: ©Grain&Weave, In-Home Family and Newborn Baby Photography.
There are few pivotal moments in our lives in which we will exclaim, “I wish this came with a manual!” It may be while growing up, falling in love for the first time or moving out of home in early adulthood.
But perhaps the most important times when this rings true is while we are pregnant or when we come home with a new bub.
Life with a newborn would be so much easier if we knew all there is to know about babies when we first bring them home. But the reality is we are pushed out into the world to find our own way and every baby is different. This can be a really rewarding time, but also one that’s full of stressful and sleepless moments until the rhythm of family life takes over.
But gone are the days when parents had to struggle through, yet appear to have it all worked out. Out of a growing number of families putting up their hands and saying “we actually need help”, the rapidly growing trend of baby or maternity concierges was born – with The Sydney Morning Herald reporting in 2018 that these once-niche businesses had boomed to a projected $200,000 industry. And there are now so many baby entrepreneurs out there: Bedrest Solutions, Solve Babies, Sydney Maternity Concierge…
However, unlike The Sydney Morning Herald’s take at the time – that baby concierge services were predominantly run by women putting themselves at the disposal of busy working mums who simply wanted to be more productive – this industry has grown into a vital infant resource for parents.
Concierges are now the ultimate in-home baby manuals in the form of a person who comes to your house to help you figure things out.
Rosie Pope. Source: Miranda Penn Turin - © Bravo, from IMDB.
First thrust into the spotlight by US working mum Rosie Pope in her Bravo reality TV series Pregnant In Heels, baby concierges were once all about planning the best baby showers and shopping for the nursery for the busy expecting exec mum who didn’t have time to do it herself (also think Franck from Father Of The Bride 2).
Now, in 2019, baby concierges have grown into anything from helping new mums figure out routines to assisting fussy babies with sleep time, feeding and even helping parents ready themselves for baby number two. While baby showers and shopping are also part of the service, the professionals emerging in this flourishing field are highly qualified and also play the roles of childcare worker, child psychologist and all-round baby whisperer.
Last week we introduced Tammy Gardiner as one of our resident baby experts, but she also happens to own one of these businesses herself – Sydney Baby Concierge (you can read last week’s article here).
Since the Home & Family team weren’t super in the know about what a baby concierge was, we decided to ask her and tell you guys all about it!
“Parenthood can be confusing and challenging, so I share my knowledge and experience with families to help them navigate it and remove some of the stress associated with it,” says Tammy.
“I offer help, advice and in-home support to parents before and during parenthood. Services include advice on what to buy for baby and setting up the nursery, settling baby in at home, helping with routine, baby-proofing, introducing solids and preparing for a sibling.”
Tammy has extensive experience, including caring for twins. Source: supplied.
And with a slew of credentials it’s no wonder the concierges of the present day are such a helpful guide for parents. Tammy has worked in the early childhood industry for 20 years, has a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and is knowledgeable on the topics of child development and psychology.
“I’ve had experience with preemies, newborns, toddlers and older children, as well as twins. I have worked as a night nanny, giving parents much-needed support and rest. I’ve also worked as a proxy parent, caring for children while parents are away or at events such as weddings,” she explains.
If you’re wondering whether a service like this is suitable for you, baby concierges are designed for parents at all stages.
“I’ve also found that my services are popular as a baby shower gift,” adds Tammy.
The Sydney Morning Herald even suggested that grandparents of couples who live far away love to book a concierge service to help with grandparent duties and support in their absence.
“I feel truly blessed to be able to help families in their time of need, especially since so many families don’t have a support network,” confirms Tammy.
“In my work at the Mater Mothers’ Hospital, I was there to support new parents on the maternity ward and felt I really made a difference to them in the first one to two days of their child’s life.”
When asked what was one of the most rewarding moments of her job, Tammy quickly replies: “I’m a very proud Godmother to one of the first children I cared for – then a baby, now 19.”
Although perhaps the biggest takeaway from all of this for parents is that you never have to go it alone.
You can follow Tammy and find out more about Sydney Baby Concierge via Facebook and Instagram.
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Contributions:
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When she’s not writing for Grain & Weave, you’ll find Carla at home with her cat Poppy, curled up with a good book and cup of tea, volunteering with the Rural Fire Service, spending time with family, or pursuing one of her many crafty upcycling projects.
