How to Become an Infant Care Specialist: Certification, Skills & Career Opportunities

If you love working with babies and want a flexible, meaningful, and well-paying career, becoming an Infant Care Specialist could be the perfect next step. This booming profession is ideal for nannies, caregivers, and aspiring childcare professionals who want to specialize in newborn and infant care.

Professionally trained Infant Care Specialists are in high demand across the U.S.

As more families seek personalized, high-quality support after birth, the demand for certified infant care professionals is growing fast. In this article, we’ll break down what Infant Care Specialists do, the certifications employers now expect, where you can work, how much you can earn, and how to get started with the right training.

Why Infant Care Is Booming Right Now

There’s never been a greater need for trained infant care providers. Parents are looking for professional, trustworthy caregivers to guide them through the early weeks, months, and even years of their baby’s development.

Those who complete an infant care specialist certification and gain real-world training are landing better jobs, earning higher rates, and building careers that align with their passion for working with babies.

What Does an Infant Care Specialist Do?

An Infant Care Specialist is more than a babysitter — they are trained professionals who care for newborns and infants in the home. They typically support families during the first 12 weeks after birth (the “fourth trimester”) and often stay on as the baby grows, especially when they have infant-toddler training.

Key responsibilities may include:

Supporting feeding, diapering, sleep routines, and soothing
Monitoring baby’s health, cues, and developmental milestones
Assisting parents with gentle sleep shaping strategies
Providing education and reassurance in those early weeks
Offering guidance and structure through toddler transitions

At ICT Academy, we also train students in baby communication cues, basic infant massage, and much more to enhance bonding, understanding, and confidence.

What Skills & Training Are Required?

To stand out as a professional Infant Care Specialist, today’s job market expects specialized training and certification. Here are some of the key skills and topics covered in top-rated programs like ours:

Newborn and infant development
Safe sleep and feeding techniques
Soothing strategies and sleep shaping
Baby cues and communication
Infant CPR and health safety
Infant massage basics
Toddler transitions and age-appropriate care
Family communication and professionalism

Infant Care Specialist Certification Programs

Most agencies and families now require or strongly prefer certified infant care providers. At ICT Academy, we offer:

Newborn Care Specialist Master Certification – our top-rated, career-launching course since 2008
Infant-Toddler Care Program – a discounted add-on to help you work with families as the baby grows
Convenient online or in-person options, depending on your location and lifestyle

By enrolling in both programs, you’ll earn multiple certifications, which increases your job opportunities and allows you to support families long-term — from newborn through toddlerhood.

Career Opportunities & Where You Can Work

ICT Academy graduates are hired across the U.S. and beyond. As a certified Infant Care Specialist, you can work:

Directly with families through parenting platforms and online job boards
With nanny agencies and newborn care placement agencies
In daycare programs or infant rooms
Alongside doulas, postpartum support teams, and family assistance organizations
In connection with healthcare organizations or private referrals

Our students receive a Career Resources Guide and guidance on where and how to apply for top opportunities — so you never have to figure it out alone.

How Much Can You Earn?

Your earning potential depends on your location, certifications, experience, and the families you work with. Many certified Infant Care Specialists earn:

$35–$55 per hour
Or $350–$700+ per day, especially in overnight or full-time newborn care roles

Adding infant-toddler certification helps you stay longer with families and increase your long-term income.

Why Choose ICT Academy?

ICT Academy has been training and certifying newborn and infant care professionals since 2008. Our graduates are recognized by families and employers nationwide.

Here’s what makes our program different:

Approved and top-rated programs
Real-world training with expert support
Career resources and job guidance included
Flexible online or in-person options
Trusted nationwide by agencies and families alike

✅ Download the Free Infant Care Career Checklist

Want to make sure this career path is right for you? Grab our free printable checklist and explore the steps to becoming a confident, certified Infant Care Specialist!