©️ Copyright Netflix 2025 – Man vs Baby
We’re thrilled to have supported Man Vs Baby, brought to life by HouseSitter Productions and Netflix, hitting our TV screens on the 11th December.
The series follows the down-on-his-luck Trevor Bingley (Rowan Atkinson), who is now a school caretaker and housesitting a luxurious London penthouse for Christmas. His peaceful holiday plans descend into chaos when a baby (specifically, the Baby Jesus from the school nativity) is accidentally left behind, and he must juggle safeguarding the penthouse with caring for the unexpected infant guest.
Working as a Minors Consultant and Advisor and spending seven months on this project, Arlene set about organising a team of 13 trained, qualified chaperones to support both the production process, regulatory compliance, babies and their families.
Working with babies makes prep very detailed and requires a delicate balance, ensuring that both Mums and babies are comfortable from the outset, starting right from casting. This involved taking the time to get to know each child individually, while coordinating with production and a team of dedicated pediatric nurses and midwives to ensure the very best facilities, processes, and duty-of-care standards. Placing the right chaperones early to help parents navigate their journey from casting brief to wrap was essential for continuity, with communication being at the centre of all our planning.
Whilst we had babies on set, it was essential to remain regulatory compliant with policies and procedures in place to ensure safeguarding, which is paramount. This meant the creation of a working document, which was constantly updated to ensure protocols were always on point and constantly reviewed.
Behind the Scenes: Our Shared Chaperone Journey Through Man vs Baby
Working on Man vs Baby was one of those rare projects that brought all our experiences together. From early years training and social work backgrounds to our love of working with babies, parents, and families. It was a privilege to spend the duration of the shoot with the twins and the other families involved. From our very first meetings in pre-production right through to the final stills day, we were welcomed into their world, and we’re incredibly grateful for the massive trust that they placed in us.
Communication is key:
One of the biggest advantages of being such a consistent presence throughout filming was the opportunity to really get to know each baby’s personality, needs, and habits. Travelling in and out of locations gave us regular time to chat with parents, talk through what had happened, and prepare for what was coming next. That ongoing communication allowed us to spot potential challenges early, plan ahead, and create a calm and reassuring experience for all.
Flexibility:
When you’re working with four sets of twins (yes, four!). You learn quickly that no two days are ever the same. Babies don’t always follow the script, and that’s part of the joy (and demands) of the job. Our team learned to respond quickly, adapt to the moment, and sometimes had to rethink a scene altogether. We gathered as much information as possible about sleep patterns and feeding routines, but even then, you have to stay flexible. Being able to offer creative solutions to production, while always prioritising the babies’ wellbeing, was a key part of our role.
Parents:
Supporting parents was another big aspect of the job. For many, stepping onto a filming set was completely new, and it was important for us to walk them through the process, manage expectations, and help them find their comfort zone. Encouraging a delicate balance between knowing when they were needed and when to step back took sensitivity. But over time, we eventually found our rhythm together. Above everything, we made sure each baby’s privacy and dignity were protected, always checking with parents before any handling or intervention.
Production support:
One of the highlights of Man vs Baby was the collaboration across so many different teams. We worked closely with midwives, paediatric nurses, costume, props, cameras, ADs, VFX and the wider cast, including catering, who were amazing, supplying the right meals and snacks at the drop of a hat. All of whom were incredibly supportive and focused on creating a positive experience for the babies. The medical team were fantastic fun and added an extra layer of reassurance for everyone on set. Staying open, responsive, and aligned is ultimately what made the whole process run so smoothly.
Reflections:
Looking back, Man vs Baby was a truly rewarding experience. Full of learning, laughter, unpredictability, and shared commitment to the little stars at the heart of it all. We’re proud of the work The CPSH did and deeply appreciative of the families and production team who made it such a memorable project. We’d jump at the chance to be part of more projects like this in the future! One thing we’ve learned: the old saying “never work with children and animals” isn’t always true!
Once again, our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated on-site team. (In alphabetical order)
- Nicola Angel
- Isobel Busby
- Bethany Chaperone
- Lauren Glassman
- Isaac Hart
- Mandy Hall
- Lorraine Okeefe
- Kim Osbourne
- Olu Osilewe
- Tamara Roberts
- Heidi Southall
- Wai Mun Tsang
The Industry Standard Chaperones and Tutors (ISCAT) directory features only CPSH-vetted professionals: chaperones, on-set tutors, and welfare leads who meet rigorous standards. Search by location and/or certifications to connect with the right expert for your production. https://thecpsh.com/the-hub/
All images ©️ Copyright Netflix 2025