he founders have adapted to the demanding nature of night shifts, often getting very little sleep. Infants are kept close during the early months, with one founder recounting nights of being up every hour. The team manages with quick naps and the occasional lunchtime rest. The founders find joy in the unique bedtime routines, such as chanting “Sleep well, whole family!” and hearing the echo of “Sleep well!” from the different rooms.
Night shifts at Sparrow’s Nest come with their own set of challenges. The founders have learned to adapt to minimal sleep, managing by keeping infants close during their early months and transitioning older infants to a separate nursery. One founder recently shared her experience of being up every hour—sometimes as many as 14 times in a single night—while caring for an infant receiving immunizations. The team copes with short, frequent naps and the occasional lunchtime rest to stay refreshed.
Despite the demanding schedule, a founder find joy in her nightly routine, chanting “Sleep well, whole family!” from the corridor of her home, followed by an echo of “Sleep well!” responses from the various rooms. The founders also acknowledge the infants’ ability to communicate their needs, which often guides the caretakers’ routines. For example, one toddler consistently seeks nightly kisses before settling down, helping shape the evening’s rhythm in one of the households. The commitment and adaptability of the team ensure that each child receives the care and comfort they need, even throughout the night.
Siblings play a crucial role in supporting the babies. Their involvement is invaluable, as seen when one sibling, on their own initiative, took it upon themselves to teach a toddler the sounds different animals make. These young helpers contribute significantly to the infants’ development and daily care.
Sparrow’s Nest is dedicated to fostering the development of each child. One founder has a special corner filled with educational toys and a kiddie’s carpet. They engage the children with interactive reading sessions, teaching them about animals and objects. For the younger infants, activities like tummy time and rolling exercises are part of their daily routine to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
We hope these glimpses into life at Sparrow’s Nest have given you an insightful look into the heart of our organization and the dedicated people who make it all possible. Every day here is an adventure filled with giggles, firsts, and the kind of love that makes even the toughest days’ worth it.
