A FLEXIBLE PLACEMENT STRUCTURE
Configured Around the Household
Depending on the family's circumstances, HSBHAPG may configure one, two, three, four, or another appropriate number of au pair placements across daytime, overnight, newborn, and sibling responsibilities.
This service may be used by families expecting one baby, twins, triplets, or a newborn entering a household with additional children.
ESTABLISHED BEFORE DELIVERY
The 7\u00BD to 8 Month Window
For families who are already enrolled with HSBHAPG during pregnancy, we recommend arranging the newborn placement before delivery whenever circumstances permit. The selected newborn au pair should ideally be established within the home at approximately 7½ to 8 months of pregnancy.
This early placement period gives the au pair an opportunity to prepare — and it also creates continuity if the baby arrives earlier than expected.
◈ Learn the household and become familiar with existing children
◈ Understand family routines and expectations
◈ Review emergency procedures
◈ Become acquainted with the baby’s prepared environment
◈ Prepare for the family’s anticipated postpartum routine
◈ Create continuity if the baby arrives earlier than expected
PLACEMENT CONFIGURATIONS
Coordinated Arrangements
The family may choose a single-au-pair arrangement, or HSBHAPG may recommend a coordinated multi-au-pair arrangement based upon the household assessment.
A family with older children may also choose to retain an existing au pair for those children while bringing in a separate au pair whose primary assignment will begin with the newborn.
CONFIGURATION 01
One-Au-Pair Configuration
One primary au pair working within an agreed schedule to support the newborn and/or household.
CONFIGURATION 02
Day + Overnight Configuration
One daytime au pair and a separate overnight au pair — newborn support across day and night without expecting one individual to provide around-the-clock care.
CONFIGURATION 03
Two-Day + One-Overnight Configuration
Two coordinated daytime au pairs together with one overnight au pair. May be appropriate for twins, triplets, multiple young children, highly demanding household schedules, or families who desire a greater level of newborn support.
CONFIGURATION 04
Sibling + Newborn Configuration
One au pair remains primarily responsible for existing children while another is assigned primarily to the newborn.
CONFIGURATION 05
Multiples Configuration
Designed for twins or triplets according to the number of babies, other children in the household, parental involvement, overnight requirements, and the family’s broader circumstances.
CONFIGURATION 06
Expanded Household Configuration
Three, four, or another appropriate number of au pairs where a newborn or set of multiples is entering a household that already has several children or unusually extensive care requirements.
There is no universal newborn staffing number. HSBHAPG determines the appropriate recommendation individually.
AN OPTIONAL ENHANCED ARRANGEMENT
The First Six Months
Families may also elect to maintain a dedicated daytime and overnight au pair arrangement for approximately the first six months of the baby's life, including in a household with only one newborn.
This is an optional enhanced placement arrangement. It is not automatically included with a standard single-au-pair placement.
At or before the conclusion of the initial six-month newborn period, the family's staffing needs may be reassessed. The household may continue the same configuration, transition into a different arrangement, or reduce staffing when appropriate.
HSBHAPG's approach is for newborn staffing to change as the child's and family's needs change rather than requiring a household to remain indefinitely in a structure that is no longer necessary.
ENHANCED & CLINICAL SUPPORT
When Greater Support Is Needed
When an infant has a known or emerging health condition, developmental concern, special-care requirement, or another circumstance calling for greater professional support, HSBHAPG may recommend enhanced daytime and overnight coverage.
Where clinically appropriate and legally permitted, the family's configuration may include a properly credentialed Nurse Au Pair or another suitably qualified care professional.
PROFESSIONAL SCOPE NOTICE
Any medical services must be performed only by a person holding the training, credentials, licensure, and authorization required in the jurisdiction where the care occurs.
An au pair does not replace the child's pediatrician, physician, emergency medical services, home-health provider, or another licensed medical professional whose services are required.
THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE
Built Around the Baby and the Family
The guiding principle of the HSBHAPG newborn program is that the household should not be required to fit its baby into a predetermined staffing package. The staffing arrangement should instead be developed around the baby and the family.
THE NEWBORN ASSESSMENT CONSIDERS
The purpose is to prepare not only for ordinary newborn circumstances, but also for complex ones.
Whether the household is welcoming one healthy newborn, twins, triplets, a baby into a family with several existing children, or an infant requiring a higher level of support, HSBHAPG can develop a coordinated placement configuration around that family's particular needs.
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