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Last updated: July 2026

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The Good Neighbour provides calm, dependable, non-medical support for newborns and their families. Our caregivers work within an agreed service plan, follow parent instructions and prioritize the baby’s safety, comfort and well-being.

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Our Role

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The Good Neighbour provides non-medical newborn and family support in the client’s home.

Support may include:

• Soothing, holding and settling

• Diaper changes and dressing

• Bottle washing and baby-related organization

• Feeding support based on parent instructions

• Supervision while a parent rests nearby

• Baby laundry and light baby-related tasks

• Stroller walks with parental permission

Our caregivers do not provide nursing care, medical treatment, diagnosis, clinical advice or medication administration.

 

Parent Instructions and Consent

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Parents or legal guardians remain responsible for all healthcare, feeding and parenting decisions.

Before services begin, families must provide clear information about:

• The baby’s normal routine

• Feeding instructions

• Allergies or known health concerns

• Emergency contacts

• Approved activities

• Household safety information

• Any changes that could affect service delivery

Caregivers will follow the agreed instructions provided those instructions are safe, lawful and within The Good Neighbour’s non-medical service scope.

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Safe Sleep Practices

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Caregivers will follow current Canadian safe-sleep guidance during every visit.

Babies will be:

• Placed on their back for every sleep

• Placed alone in an approved crib, cradle or bassinet

• Placed on a firm, flat mattress with a tightly fitted sheet

• Kept free from pillows, loose blankets, bumper pads, toys, nests, loungers and sleep-positioning products

Babies will not be placed to sleep on sofas, armchairs, adult beds, nursing pillows, swings, bouncers, car seats or other seated or inclined products.

If a baby falls asleep in a stroller, carrier or car seat, the caregiver will transfer the baby to an approved safe-sleep space as soon as reasonably possible. These practices reflect current Health Canada recommendations for infant sleep.

If a family requests a sleep practice that conflicts with recognized safety guidance, the caregiver will not carry out the unsafe request.

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Feeding and Bottle Support

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Caregivers will follow the feeding instructions provided by the parent or legal guardian.

This may include:

• Bringing the baby to the parent for feeding

• Offering a prepared bottle

• Burping and settling the baby

• Washing and organizing bottles

• Recording feeding information when requested

Caregivers will not change the baby’s formula, feeding schedule, bottle contents or feeding method without parent authorization.

The Good Neighbour does not provide breastfeeding, nutrition or medical advice. Questions about feeding concerns must be directed to an appropriate healthcare professional.

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Health, Illness and Emergencies

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Parents must disclose information that may affect the baby’s safety or the caregiver’s ability to provide support.

If a baby appears seriously unwell or a medical emergency is suspected, the caregiver will:

1. Contact emergency services when necessary

2. Provide first aid or CPR within their training

3. Contact the parent or legal guardian

4. Contact the authorized emergency person if the parent cannot be reached

5. Document the incident

Caregivers will not diagnose symptoms or provide medical treatment.

A visit may be delayed, modified or cancelled where illness, infection or another condition creates an unreasonable risk to the baby, family or caregiver.

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Supervision and Household Safety

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The baby will remain appropriately supervised throughout the visit.

Parents must provide:

• Safe and functioning baby equipment

• Necessary feeding and diapering supplies

• An approved sleep space

• A reasonably safe home environment

• Current emergency contact information

• Access instructions where applicable

Caregivers will not use damaged, recalled or visibly unsafe baby equipment.

Services may be paused when a serious safety concern cannot be reasonably corrected.

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Stroller Walks and Outdoor Activities

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Stroller walks may be provided only when authorized by the parent or legal guardian.

Before leaving the home, the caregiver will consider:

• Weather conditions

• The baby’s routine and comfort

• The condition of the stroller

• The planned route

• Emergency contact information

• Any instructions provided by the parent

The caregiver may delay or cancel an outing when conditions are unsafe or unsuitable.

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Privacy and Photography

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Information about the baby and family will be handled confidentially and used only for legitimate service, safety, administrative or legal purposes.

Caregivers may not photograph, record or post images of a baby or family without written permission.

The Good Neighbour will not use client photographs for advertising or social media unless separate, informed consent has been provided.

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Communication and Service Notes

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Caregivers may document important information from each visit, including:

• Feeding and diaper information

• Sleep periods

• Activities completed

• Supplies that may be needed

• Concerns or unusual observations

• Information requested by the parent

Caregivers will report concerns objectively and will not provide a medical opinion.

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Questions or Concerns

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Questions about newborn services, safety practices or this policy may be directed to:

The Good Neighbour Community Care & Companionship
Email: info@goodneighbourcare.ca
Website: goodneighbourcare.ca

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This webpage provides a general summary of our newborn care and safety practices. The signed Client Service Agreement, individualized service plan and applicable Good Neighbour policies will govern service delivery.