Meet Sam Acklin

Or, as my babies call me - "Nanny Sam."

I'm a dedicated, experienced nanny with over ten years caring for little ones - and the founder of Sleep & Safety Co. I'm compassionate and nurturing, and there's nothing I love more than helping children thrive and supporting the parents who love them.

10+ years with little ones Certified infant sleep consultant ACRI accredited installer Working with Children Check
Sam Acklin with a child in her care
My story

From a small hometown to families around the world.

After completing my Certificate in Early Childhood Education, I was uncertain about my next steps. At 19, I made the decision to leave my hometown - which led to a decade working internationally as an au pair and then a nanny. That experience gave me invaluable insight into the care and development of young children, and inspired me to keep building my knowledge.

To build on that foundation, I worked in retail at leading baby stores in both New Zealand and Australia, completed additional training to become an accredited car seat installer, and earned my certification as an infant sleep consultant.

Throughout my career, my greatest passion has been building meaningful relationships with the babies and children in my care, and sharing what I've learned with new parents. My goal is to make what can be an overwhelming journey feel more manageable - and more positive.

Warm regards, Sam

"I believe children learn through play. I give them the space to be bored, then get creative - reading stories, singing songs, going on adventures. I don't pack their days with non-stop activities. I give them room to create their own fun, and I'm right there beside them to see what they can do."

Education & training

Qualified, and always learning.

ACRIChild Car Restraint Installation Accreditation
Cert.Infant Sleep Consultant Certification
NZAoraki Polytechnic, Otago - Cert. III Early Childhood Education
AUOpen Universities Australia - subjects toward a Bachelor in Primary Education
UKBabyEm - Maternity Nurse / Newborn Care Specialist, Level 3 (in progress)
Skills & attributes

What families count on.

Excellent communication Highly organised & detail-oriented Basic first-aid & CPR Independent & team player Patience across all ages Experienced with a diabetic child Working with Children Check Certified infant sleep consultant

Nanny services available

Ad-hoc childcare Travel nannying (school holidays) Newborn support / mother's helper Playroom & nursery organisation Night nannying for newborns (school holidays)
Where I've worked

A decade of live-in nannying.

2014Taranaki, NZ - care of 5 & 7 y/o
2015Auckland, NZ - care of 5, 2 & 4 y/o
2016New York, USA - care of 1, 7, 11 & 13 y/o
2018–20Sydney, AUS - care of 1, 4 & 6 y/o
2020–22Back to the New York family
2022–25Melbourne, AUS - care of 8, 10 & 12 y/o
2025–nowSydney (Ryde) - care of 4 & 6 y/o, plus newborn & mother's-support roles

References available on request - I have high praise from families I've worked with and numerous contacts happy to share their experience.

Let's work together.

Whether it's sleep, car seat safety, registry advice or newborn support - I'd love to help your family.