529 College Savings

March 28, 2022

updated, December 27, 2023 – Patricia Roberts is Chief Operating Officer at Gift of College, Inc., and author of Route 529: A Parents Guide to Saving for College. Patricia is on a mission to educate new parents about the value of planning ahead! Opening a 529 college savings account before your newborn arrives, or soon thereafter is something you’ll appreciate for years.

There are several important reasons to start saving for college when your baby is born including: the power of compounding, great tax benefits and making it easy for friends and family to contribute whenever they can.

529 College Savings – Financial Benefits

The power of compounding – The earlier parents can open a college savings account for their child’s future, the more time there will be for even small contributions to compound and grow in value. This means you earn interest on the money initially invested, plus you earn interest on the interest!
Tax benefits – Earnings on 529 accounts are not taxed! They are never taxed when withdrawn to pay for a wide range of higher education expenses, well beyond traditional college. Also, 35 states and the District of Columbia offer an annual tax deduction or credit for contributions to 529 college savings plan accounts.
It’s easy for friends and family to contribute. Once an account is opened, parents can invite others to contribute. Rather than giving gifts that are quickly outgrown for birthdays for example, 529 contributions are truly used. Most 529 plans have online tools which enable invitations to be sent by account owners. Creating a circle of support for a child’s education can be a beautiful tradition.

How to Get a 529 College Savings Plan Started

Every state offers a 529 plan, but each state is a little different so your first step is to Google your state and “529 plan” together. The plans will include information for you to consider such as:

Possible fees related to initial enrollment, annual maintenance or minimum contribution amounts.
Tax deductions or credit for contributions available in your state
professionally managed 529’s versus plans sold directly from your state to you

You’ll need your baby’s date of birth and Social Security number to start a 529. It’s okay if you need to wait for their social security number, you can start the account yourself and then transfer it. Parents of newborns and infants, especially parents of twins, have a lot on their minds and on their plates. Establishing a 529 account early in your child’s life creates peace of mind. College is often the most significant investments as a family. Any amount saved will be that much less that a child will need to borrow and repay with interest.

Baby Tip of the Day!

February 26, 2022

We’re posting one tip per day on social media so expecting and new parents don’t get information overload! We hope you enjoy Baby Tip of the Day! Experts, you can always send your tips and videos to us too!

What’s Baby Tip of the Day: 2022 – 2023 Edition!

Same concept, one piece of tangible advice every day to make your life easier. What’s different is the inclusion of updated guidelines that have changed since 2020, COVID19 info and even more expert contributors. Our team has provided over 2 million hours of newborn care and education. We’ve shared a LOT of advice during that time, but we’ve also received education about babies, pregnancy and postpartum health. Community leaders, pediatricians, subject matter experts and mental health professionals have all contributed to this project. We’ll detail everyones contributions on social media and here on the blog.

So, every day you’ll see a helpful, actionable tip from our community of experts. Sleep, baby care and the vital subjects you expect to see will be included but less obvious topics such as estate planning, postpartum sexual health and newborn photography will also be shared.

Here’s an example:

The Dreamfeed- In this video, RN Noelle explains how to actually do this later night feed and how “dreamfeeding” can benefit your baby and family. After watching this tip a viewer will be in expert too!

Our goal is the same as it always is- to provide evidence-based advice on the care of newborns and postpartum parents. We’ll post all the tips below and you can follow #BabyTipoftheDay on your social media of choice; Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.

Night Nurse burping newborn baby — Night Nurse caring for Newborn

All the Baby Tips of the Day:

Week 1: News & FAQS – These are based on 2022’s recently updated baby care recommendations.

2/14/22 – Milestones Have Been Updated! : The CDC’s Milestone Tracker – This App keeps track of development from age 2 mos-5 yrs with descriptions of each milestone. Especially good for parents of twins.
2/15/22 – COVID Vax: – Yes, you should get vaccinated if breastfeeding. Here’s a list of data supported studies supporting the recommendation.
2/16/2022 – How to Swaddle: How to Swaddle like a pro!
2/17/2022 – SaferProducts.gov – Just because they sell it, doesn’t mean it’s safe. Beginning in mid-2022, any product marketed for infant sleep must meet a federal safety standard. Til then check out SaferProducts.gov if you’re not sure if your product is safe or not. All the details here: CPSC Incline Sleeper Ban.
2/18/2022 – Sleep Schedule with your Partner – Split the night: the safe way for everyone to get more sleep.

Week 2: Postpartum Mental & Physical Health

2/21/2022 – Affirmations for brand new parents from noted pediatrician Dr. Molly O’Shea.
2/22/2022 – PPD & Baby Blues: Know the Difference . Crucial info for new parents and those who love them.
2/23/2022 – Diastasis Recti – strengthen your core using 360 Canister Breathing
2/24/2022 – Fights that Happen b/t 11p-6a don’t count! – Sleep deprivation will strain you and your partner’s relationship; here’s how to cope.
2/25/2022 – 4:7:8 breathing and more tips for YOU to sleep if anxiety is keeping you awake.
2/26/2022 – Dads and Depression: Look out for postpartum depression signs in non-birthing partners too because it affects 1 in 10 partners.

Baby Tip of the Day! — The Science of Hugs!

Week 3: Tips for Your First Week Home

2/28/2022 – Baby’s First Bath
3/1/2022- If you’re nursing and it seems like baby is “always on you,” you’re doing it right!
3/2/2022 – Newborns DO breathe differently, however don’t let it worry you because it’s normal for them to have staggered breathing.
3/3/2022 – Newborn sleep in the first few weeks is erratic…the schedule is that there is no schedule.
3/4/2022 – Babies need lots of opportunities to burp…here are 2 burping techniques.

Week 4: Baby Sleep Training

3/7/2022 – Sample Infant Sleep Schedules for 4-6 months 5-6 months and 10-11 months
3/8/2022 – Baby Kryptonite! Easy technique to calm baby via ThePeacefulSleeper.com
3/9/2022 – Do’s and Don’ts of Cry it Out with The Baby Sleep Site so you can figure out what’s right for your family.
3/10/2022 – The Dreamfeed is one last feed before you go to bed, ensuring that baby is sleeping when you are.
3/11/2022 – The degree of incline is the reason carseats are used but incline sleepers are banned. Learn more: carseats vs incline sleepers

Week 5: Twins & Multiple Kids

3/14/22 – Self-care is great, but did you know it should actually be scheduled to be even more beneficial?
3/15/22 – If you’re like most parents you have a lot of stuff in the front seat, so be sure to secure your phone, water bottle and other items…they can become projectiles in the car.
3/16/22 – Tupperware of water + tear free soap + sponge = easy sensory activity for toddlers!
3/17/22 – Make sure to have toys siblings can play with safely together: books, cardboard blocks, Magic mats and more!
3/18/22- Nope, twins shouldn’t share a crib but you sure can push their cribs together!

Week 6: Everyday Life Tips

3/21/22 – Stay Organized: Washable labels for bottles keep breastmilk dated and organized.
3/22/22 – No Clock Nursing: Chart to ensure baby is eating enough while still allowing natural eat/sleep patterns to emerge.
3/23/22 – 12 Infant Soothing Techniques
3/24/22 – Keep Baby Monitor Apps secure by using difficult passwords, use the firewall and don’t use the default admin account.
3/25/22 – Wondering when to go to the pediatric dentist? Visit the dentist by age 1 or after the first tooth erupts!

Week 7: Be Prepared

3/28/2022 – Did you know you can start a 529 college fund before baby arrives? Do it before you get overwhelmed with everyday tasks You can also accept gifts into the fund!
3/29/2022- Be ready for poison emergencies by downloading the Poison Control app, bookmarking the site and saving the number in your contacts. Make sure grandparents and babysitters do it before caring for baby too!
3/30/2022 – Prepare your pup for baby by letting them meet other babies and kids, having them get used to new furniture and smells and carving out alone time for them each day. More here!
3/31/2022- Secure furniture and televisions *before* baby arrives to prevent tip-overs because babies will start “grabbing” way before they start walking. Here’s how.
4/1/2022 – Don’t forget baby gear in your emergency preps. How to make a 72 hour emergency bag for infants

Pacifiers help newborns and infants take medication — Use a pacifier to dispense liquid meds to baby

Weeks 8 & 9: Did you know?

Having a fan in baby’s room reduces the risk of SIDS by over 70%
For a more comfortable tummy-time, let baby’s chest rest on a rolled-up towel.
Car seat laws were recently updated. Look yours up by state.
You can download a Water Watcher tag so there is a designated adult who supervises kids while swimming.
You can grow your own veggies using the scraps from your kitchen!
When getting breastfeeding established, have adults whose job is to make sure *you* have good food, water and clean clothes because *your* job is feeding baby!
Cradle cap is common and resolves on its own.
Weaning baby from the breast should not happen cold turkey! You physical and mental health will thank you!
A baby can have a beautiful latch and still have tongue tie. Here’s how it might present.
Is your baby trying to roll over? If so, it’s time to stop swaddling.You can “wean” the swaddle by allowing one arm out for a few nights, and then both arms!

Certified Newborn Care Provider and postpartum doula advice — Baby Tips from Experts

Must Know: Newborn Care Certificate for Doulas and New Parents

February 23, 2022

Parents, postpartum doulas and nannies, you now have more options to learn newborn and postpartum care! Not only is there lots of information here in the Resource Center and on our blog, but Newborn Care certificates are now also offered in your home or online. Learn about Must Know: Newborn Care Certificate for Doulas and New Parents here.

Must Know: Newborn Care Certificate for Doulas and New Parents – Classes:

Baby Basics – $100 per hour

Evidence-based baby care education and postpartum support that happens in your home. You can schedule a class before or after baby arrives, and you can have as many family members and caregivers attend as you like! Classes are taught by the Night Nurses (RN) and Certified Night Nannies of Let Mommy Sleep. We’re also here for you after class and encourage ongoing questions and communication via phone, text and email.

What you’ll learn:

Breast & bottle feeding, safety, minimizing SIDS risk, diapering, bathing, soothing and getting your infant on an appropriate schedule
Nurses perform postpartum mental and physical health assessments
Ongoing virtual support. For example, if you have sleep questions when your baby is 4 months old, you can always shoot us a text!
We’ll teach you all the how-to’s: how to diaper, swaddle, burp, feed and more

Schedule a class now!

Must Know: Newborn Care Certificate for Doulas and New Parents – Newborn & Postpartum Care Online

Online Certificate – $199

Our virtual Newborn Care Academy is available on Teachable.com (https://newborncareacademy.teachable.com) and is usually taken by newborn caregivers. It’s been vetted and updated by Nurses and Pediatricians and uses only primary sources. These classes are the online version of what we teach in the classroom to nanny agencies, Certified Nursing Assistants and home health aides, so they’re appropriate for professional postpartum doulas and night nannies. Once you successfully complete the class, you’ll receive a signed certificate.

For parents, the newborn and postpartum care virtual classes are particularly helpful as they contain videos and opportunities further study. The information is also permanently available across all devices, so you can refer back to the material even after class is finished.

We cover these main topics in the virtual class: Safe Sleep and SIDS, early feeding, how-to videos on swaddling, diaper changes, burping, post-birth care, mental health information and more. You can see the whole curriculum by clicking below:

Newborn and Postpartum Support course curriculum — Newborn and Postpartum Care Online Curriculum

Take an Online Class

For Older Babies- Online Sleep Training Class

Online Class – $39

Once your pediatrician gives the green light that baby is able to sleep long stretches overnight, Let Mommy Sleep we will always help talk through your infant sleep questions at no charge. If you prefer, you can take the sleep training class. It’s free when you use code SLEEP.

The main topics include:

Step by Step Instructions to Sleeping Through the Night
Age Appropriate Sleep Schedules
Troubleshooting Infant Sleep
Safe Sleep and Minimizing the Risk of SIDS

Take the Sleep Training Class

Birthing classes cover what to expect during labor and delivery. We’re here to help you be prepared and confident when you bring your baby home! And nannies can get the most up to date evidence-based education. We’re also here to educate about about the postpartum phase as you transition from hospital to home.

Certified Newborn Care Proivder and happy moms — Newborn Care Classes

360 Canister Breathing

February 23, 2022

Diastasis recti is a very common result of pregnancy and birth. It means that the space between your left and right belly muscles has widened, and instead of being flat, the belly now sticks out. While it is rarely serious, it can make the postpartum phase a self-conscious one. Core exercises like 360 canister breathing can help strengthen the abdomen and eliminate or minimize diastatis recti.

360 Canister Breathing – a core workout that helps baby too!

Pregnancy puts so much pressure on the belly that sometimes the muscles in front can’t keep their shape. “Diastasis” means separation. “Recti” refers to your ab muscles called the “rectus abdominis.” While it is rarely dangerous, this “pooch” can cause pain or even a hernia, but more commonly causes those in the postpartum phase to feel self-conscious.

What’s 360 Canister Breathing?

By using what we call 360 canister breathing, you can strengthen your pelvic floor. It is named 360 breathing because the goal is for the ribs and torso expand in a 360 degree direction. This means that we’re not just breathing into our chest or our belly, but also expanding into our sides and back.

Here’s how to do it:

On your inhale, expand the belly, ribcage and pelvic floor. On a long, slow exhale, shush your baby by lifting the pelvic floor (think Kegel!), contract your ribs in and pull in and up on your abdomen. The 360 canister breath is the foundation of postpartum recovery, and adding a ‘shhh’ to the exhale makes it super-powered as it increases the contraction in your core. If you find yourself shushing for 15 minutes, that’s a solid core workout!

Bonus: You can strengthen your core and help heal diastasis while you shush your newborn to sleep! Double Bonus for arm strength if you’re soothing twins!

More tips for newborn and postpartum care.

360 Canister Breathing — Kendra Fitzgerald

This tip comes courtesy of Kendra Fitzgerald – PCES, TBMM-CES, CPT, and CYT. Co-founder of Devoted Mamas, Kendra is a pregnancy & postpartum corrective exercise specialist, diastasis, pelvic floor & running coach, and mom of two boys. Additionally, Devoted Mamas is dedicated to helping mothers create the massive strength and steadiness needed to journey through motherhood confidently. Connect with Kendra on Instagram or Facebook!

Chicago’s Most Trusted Postpartum Doula Certificate Now Available

February 22, 2022

updated, April 17, 2024 – Chicago’s Most Trusted Postpartum Doula Certificate Now Available shares the basics of our evidence based newborn care education. Successful completion of the Newborn and Postpartum Support (NAPS) curriculum also means students get listed on the national NAPS Registry.

Chicago’s Most Trusted Postpartum Doula Certificate Now Available – Online Options

Virtual newborn care and breastfeeding classes are hosted at Teachable. They include a quiz after each module so night nannies and postpartum doulas can be sure they have mastered the most up to date care and safety protocols. Additionally they are routinely updated as safe sleep and other newborn and postpartum care recommendations become available. This class is the online version of the material awarded local government contract #2000001276. Let Mommy Sleep is also a proud Cribs for Kids Safe Sleep partner.

Online Newborn Care Class – $199

Purchase, $199

Table of Contents excerpt:

Baby’s Appearance, Breathing, Cord Care & Circumcision Care
How to Use a Bulb Syringe (0:39)
Swaddling a Baby – 2 techniques
Soothing Techniques
Physical Recovery from Childbirth
Postpartum Depression Facts for BOTH Parents
and more

Breastfeeding Basics Class – $100

Purchase, $100

Breastfeeding Basics excerpt:

How is Milk Made?
Phases of Breastmilk
How Much Milk Does Baby Need?
How can we support breastfeeding in the home?
Troubleshooting common breastfeeding issues
and more

Online Sleep Training Class- $39

Purchase, $39

Online Sleep Training Class Table of Contents:

Sleep Training: Managing Expectations so that you and your baby can be calm
Infant Development & Sleep
Safe Sleep and Minimizing the Risk of SIDS
Step-by-Step Instructions to Helping Baby Sleep Through the Night
Sleep Schedules by age, in addition to acheiving those schedules
Troubleshooting Infant Sleep

Chicago’s Most Trusted Postpartum Doula Certificate Now Available – In-Home Options

In Home Class- $100 per hour

Book Class, $100

Chicago area parents can contact us anytime for personal and in home classes too. We serve everywhere Riverwood to Arlington Heights, from Streeterville to Northbrook, Downers Grove and beyond. In-person classes for parents are taught by our Night Nurses (RN) and veteran Postpartum Doulas. You’ll learn safe sleep, the basics of infant CPR and emergency care, how to swaddle, how to diaper, how to know if your newborn is feeding well and much more.

This place is a godsend for parents. Erin is very responsive and quickly matched us with a night nanny, Elene, when our daughter was born. Elene was fantastic! Always available and genuinely enjoys what she does…(more)
RM- Lake Forest, IL

Your Baby Nurse will personally teach you and as many friends and family members as you wish and also remains on-call via text or phone. This ensures you are getting answers immediately and ongoing as you need them!

Nanny agencies and home health care organizations are also welcome to contact us! We have taught postpartum and newborn care to: Nanny Next Door, Muslim Nannies and more.

For Chicago based baby care experts and postpartum doulas who have already earned the newborn care certificate and wish to register with us, apply now.

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