Every family that brings home a newborn deserves a caregiver who takes safe sleep seriously, not just as a policy, but as an every night practice. Let Mommy Sleep’s partnership with Cribs for Kids is one of the ways we demonstrate that commitment in a concrete, verifiable way.
Here’s what that means for your baby.
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What is Cribs for Kids?
Cribs for Kids®is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization founded in 1998 with a clear mission: to prevent infant sleep-related deaths by educating parents and caregivers on safe sleep practices, and by providing portable cribs to families who cannot afford a safe sleep environment for their baby.
Their work is both educational and practical. Through their National Public Safety Initiative, Cribs for Kids partners with community organizations, public safety agencies, and newborn care providers to make sure every baby has access to a safe place to sleep and that every caregiver knows how to use it correctly. Their Baby Friendly hospital designation incorporates evidence-based safe sleep in the hospital environment as well.
Let Mommy Sleep is proud to be a Cribs for Kids Safe Sleep Partner.
What Our Cribs for Kids Partnership Requires of Our Team
Being a Cribs for Kids Safe Sleep Partner is not a logo. It is a standard.
All Let Mommy Sleep night nannies, newborn care specialists and postpartum doulas are trained Safe Sleep Ambassadors. This means they:
Follow and actively reinforce AAP safe sleep guidelines on every shift
Educate parents on creating and maintaining a safe sleep environment
Never place a baby to sleep in a product or position that does not meet safe sleep standards
Know how to identify unsafe sleep products and communicate concerns to parents without judgment
Cribs for Kids safe portable cribs are required and available at no cost to families who need them. Caregivers provide contact information and resources to receive a crib if needed.
When you bring a Let Mommy Sleep caregiver into your home, safe sleep is already built into how they work.
Certified Newborn Care Providers and Safe Sleep
Our caregivers are certified Newborn Care Providers (NCP). Certification matters in an industry with no licensing requirement. It means your caregiver has completed standardized training overseen by an independent advisory board, not just on-the-job experience, though we require that too.
In addition to NCP certification, Let Mommy Sleep caregivers hold current Infant CPR and First Aid certification and are up to date on vaccines that protect newborns too young to be immunized, including TDaP and MMR.
Learn more about how Let Mommy Sleep advocates for standards in the newborn care indstry by reading The State of Newborn Care policy paper, published on SSRN.
Why This Matters More Than You Might Think
Social media has made it genuinely difficult for new parents to sort evidence-based guidance from well-marketed but unsafe products. Influencers promote loungers. Retailers stock inclined sleepers despite recalls. Well-meaning relatives pass along products that haven’t been used safely in years.
Having a trained, certified newborn care specialist in your home who is accountable to a clear standard of care, and who will gently, consistently reinforce safe sleep every shift is one of the most practical things you can do for your newborn’s safety.
That is what our Cribs for Kids partnership represents. Not a credential on a website, a standard of care in your home.
Feeding Support and Postpartum Recovery
Safe sleep is one piece of the picture. Let Mommy Sleep’s team also includes International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) who provide non-judgmental feeding support whether you are breastfeeding, bottle feeding or both. Our caregivers also support postpartum recovery including mobility support after cesarean birth and monitoring for signs of postpartum mood disorders.
The overnight hours are when families are most exhausted and most vulnerable. Our role is to make those hours safe, supported and restorative for your baby and for you. Read 10 Steps to Safe Sleep for Baby for more information about creating a safe sleep environment.
updated, October 23, 2025 – Written and medically reviewed by the Registered Nurse Advisory Board of Let Mommy Sleep
One of the most common questions our night doulas and newborn caregivers receive is: “Can you help our newborn get on a routine and sleep through the night?” It’s completely natural for parents to crave predictability after their baby arrives. There isn’t one “right” way to help babies sleep, but there are evidence-based, gentle methods that support both infant development and family wellbeing.
That’s why we created The Ultimate Guide to Baby Sleep Training, so families everywhere can access practical, expert guidance.
Baby sleep training means helping your infant sleep 6 or more hours overnight without unnecessary waking. Most babies are ready around 4 months and 14 pounds with pediatrician approval. This guide covers when to start, which methods work, and how Let Mommy Sleep’s Slingshot Method supports the process.”
TL;DR: Quick Start to Helping Your Infant Sleep through the Night
Here’s the condensed version:
Wait until baby is about 4 months old and 14 pounds, with pediatrician approval.
Ensure baby’s environment follows safe sleep guidelines (flat surface, back to sleep, no weighted blankets).
Consolidate feeds to daytime and gradually wean overnight feeds.
Use a consistent bedtime routine and choose a gentle, structured sleep training method (like the Slingshot Method).
Stay consistent for 10–14 days while tracking progress.
Ultimate Guide to Baby Sleep Training
Should You Sleep Train?
For this guide, “sleep training” means helping your baby sleep at least 6 hours overnight without unnecessary waking or feeding.
This topic sparks strong opinions, and the fact is both sides are right!
YES, you should comfort your baby and meet their needs.
ALSO YES, it’s healthy for your baby to learn to sleep independently if that’s right for your family.
Maternal mood and overall family wellbeing improve when parents get uninterrupted sleep. In fact,maternal mood scales statistically significantly improvedwhen moms and dads get sleep. And we know there’s a direct correlation between Sleep Deprivation and Postpartum Depression. In other words, in a time where many of us don’t have loved ones to help care for our little children, we have to be our own little Village. This means using tools like sleep training to help the whole family function in a healthy way.
Managing Expectations: When to Start Sleep Training
Every baby is different of course but in general, 4 months and 14 pounds is a good time to start sleep training a full term baby. Here’s why:
because this is usually when baby has physically grown enough to be able to skip nighttime feeds; their stomach is big enough to hold enough calories to keep them feeling fuller, longer.
they’ve developed the hormone melatonin which induces sleep.
The 4 month pediatrician visit is the ideal time to confirm readiness for sleep training. This way you get the pediatrician’s confirmation that baby is ready to begin.
NOTE: Yes, we all have that friend whose child started sleeping through the night earlier than 16 weeks! And that’s great! And you and your pediatrician might agree that sleep training earlier is fine…and that’s also okay!
What Should NotHappen When Sleep Training:
Don’t “Sleep Train” a Newborn – There’s no reason to let a newborn (baby aged 1 -3 months old) cry it out. Crying indicates a need. As Night Doula Erin says, Newborns don’t learn *not* to be hungry, uncomfortable or scared.
Don’t let newborns “cry it out.” They’re not manipulating you. They’re adapting to life outside the womb.
Frequent, on-demand feeding every 2–3 hours is normal and healthy.
Avoid rigid routines – Unless medically directed (e.g., NICU grads, preemies, jaundice), newborns don’t need strict schedules. Your baby’s natural clock will emerge if you remain responsive to their hunger and sleepy cues.
If it feels like baby sleep is a battle, pause and reset. Following your baby’s cues is the foundation of every effective sleep plan. Learn the Top 3 Infant Sleep Myths to understand common infant sleep misconceptions.
Understanding Infant Sleep Development – Ultimate Guide to Baby Sleep Training
The 4 Stages of Sleep
Adults experience four distinct sleep stages, but newborns only have two. Newborns gradually develop the full 4-stage cycle around 3–4 months, as melatonin levels mature.
REM (Active Sleep) – light sleep where the brain consolidates learning.
Knowing this helps parents catch the sometimes elusive “drowsy but awake” window; the optimal time to place baby in the crib. You can learn more about how the stages of sleep develop in The Four Month Sleep Regression Explained.
Sleep Cycles By Age
To help understand what’s expected in terms of baby sleep, here is a breakdown of newborns and infant basic awake and sleep times by age:
Age
Awake Time
Sleep Notes
0–2 weeks
30 mins
Sleepy newborn stage; most awake time spent feeding.
3–8 weeks
45 mins
Baby more alert; white noise and babywearing can help.
8–12 weeks
60 mins
Melatonin still developing; short naps are normal.
12–18 weeks
90 mins
Begin longer awake periods and fewer naps.
18–24 weeks
90+ mins
Consistent naps form as baby nears 6 months.
And here is a more in depth description of what’s typical each week:
Weeks 0-2: Baby is awake for a maximum of 30 minutes. This is the sleepy newborn stage where most of your newborn’s time awake is spent feeding. You might even have to prompt them to try to wake up during a feed.
Weeks 3-8: Awake for a maximum of 45 minutes. You’ll notice baby is more alert as they approach week 8. White noise, babywearing and giving a pacifier to help your baby sleep are all fine to do because at this age, your help to get and stay sleep is truly needed.
Weeks 8-12: Baby’s awake time is eventually 60 minutes. You might need to help your newborn with napping if they wake up after 10-15 minutes by giving a pacifier or patting. Please know you’re not instilling bad habits. It’s developmentally appropriate that your baby needs a little help because the system that makes melatonin is not mature yet.
Weeks 12 – 18: We’re getting to the 90 minutes of awake period! Baby is even more alert and may need help getting and staying asleep. Remember it’s okay to allow baby to play independently in the crib as long as they are happy. If you want them to sleep through the night eventually, there’s no need to rush them out of the crib when they wake up if they’re happy there.
Weeks 18 -24: Your infant is awake for 90+ minutes and you’re seeing longer and fewer naps. Naps will vary in length, especially if you’re out and about during the day. If you’ve begun nighttime sleep training these naps become even more consistent.
Safe Sleep: Reducing the Risk of SIDS
Before sleep training begins, ensure baby’s sleep setup meets AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines. Always place babies up to age 1 on their backs to sleep, alone on a firm flat mattress. This is true for naps as well as overnight sleep. You can read more in 10 Steps to Safe Sleep for Baby Please note that the AAP also cautions against using weighted swaddles and weighted sleep sacks on or near baby, as they are not safe and not recommended.
Steps to Sleep Through the Night
Now that we’ve addressed when to sleep train and how to make sure infants are in a safe sleep environment, we can move on to help baby sleep through the night.
There are 4 basic steps to sleeping through the night:
Confirm with your pediatrician – Ensure baby is developmentally ready to sleep 6+ hours without feeding. As our night nanny team often reminds parents, this is important because you want to set up baby for success, but also because you will feel confident that you’re making the right decision.
Consolidate daytime feeds over the course of about a week-
Offer 4 daytime feeds of 6–7 oz every 4 hours, plus one 10 PM dreamfeed.
Gradually space out feeds by 10–15 minutes each day until reaching 4-hour intervals.
Wean overnight feeds at the same time you’re increasing daytime feeds:
Reduce bottle size by ½ oz every 2–3 nights.
Replace comfort feeding with a pacifier or gentle soothing as best you can
Once night feeds are eliminated, you can begin formal sleep training.
implement formal sleep training using the Slingshot Method
The Slingshot Method, developed by Let Mommy Sleep, is a gradual, in-room approach:
Night 1–2: Stay beside the crib and soothe with voice or touch.
Night 3–5: Move slightly away; use voice only.
Night 6–10: Sit near the doorway until baby falls asleep independently. Consistency and remaining calm are key. The goal is to shift from “I get help to fall asleep” → “I can fall asleep myself.”
With 4 feeding sessions of 6-7 ounces plus a final dreamfeed, your baby is getting enough calories to sleep longer than 3 hours through the night. In other words, 28-32 ounces should be enough so your baby doesn’t wake out of hunger. Your baby might still wake because their body is used to waking every 3 hours, but having taken in about 30 ounces prior to sleep, you can be assured they’re not hungry.
A few notes about transitioning baby to a 4 hour feeding schedule:
Eating larger meals at predictable times means baby will also anticipate rest at predictable times. This is the natural transition to having a “night” and a “day” instead of the 24 hour schedule of eating a bit, sleeping a bit, eating a bit, sleeping a bit. As our night nannies and postpartum doulas like to remind parents: We’re not taking away ounces at night, we are simply repositioning them to be taken in during the day.
Upon waking in the morning, give as much milk as baby wants at feeding time. For the next feed, work on holding off for as close to the 4 hour mark as possible. THIS WILL BE A GRADUAL PROCESS and may take 1-2 weeks. We never want baby to get to a state of frenzied hunger so it’s recommended to hold off feeds for 3 hours and 10 minutes on these first tries, then work up to 3 hours and 20 minutes and so on. Just push the feeding time up by a few minutes each day as tolerated by baby.
You’ll see baby is able to go longer and longer stretches with each feed until after several days, they’ll be doing the larger 6/7 ounce feeds every 4 hours.
Once we know baby does not need to eat through the night, and of course there are no other physical ailments that are outside of your infant’s control waking them, we can help them sleep through the night.
The Dreamfeed Explained
Coined by The Baby Whisperer, a dreamfeed means gently feeding your sleeping baby around 10 PM to prevent middle-of-the-night hunger. The reason it’s recommended at 10:00 is because you are still awake but your baby hasn’t yet naturally awakened out of hunger.
Sample Dreamfeed Schedule:
7:00 PM: Baby’s bedtime feed
10:00 PM: Dreamfeed while baby sleeps
10:20 PM: Quick diaper change, back to bed
A dreamfeed works because it shifts baby’s natural hunger window closer to parents’ sleep cycle.
How do you do a Dreamfeed? If you gently touch the bottle or breast to your baby’s lips, they’ll instinctively begin to suck if they’re hungry and stop once they’re full. By giving this feed before your baby wakes up from hunger, you’re essentially topping them off so they can stay asleep through the time they would normally wake to eat. This “pre-emptive” feeding, often called a dreamfeed, helps everyone get a longer stretch of uninterrupted sleep.
Nurse’s Note: You can do quick diaper change after the feed too just to be sure your infant is comfortable and clean! Our night nanny and postpartum doula team loves using wipe warmers for the dreamfeed. A nice warm wipe can help keep babies calm. Why startle them awake with a cold wipe if you don’t have to?!
Why Does A Dreamfeed Work? Without a dreamfeed, a baby who typically feeds in the 7 PM hour may awakens naturally from hunger at midnight, 1 AM or 2 AM. Giving a feed in the 10:00 hour allows parents to head off this hunger and may allow baby to sleep longer, usually until 4 AM. Learn more: What Is a Dreamfeed? How It Works and Whether to Try It
Sleeping Through the Night: The Wind-Down Routine
When we think about sleep training, we often picture those middle-of-the-night wakeups: it’s 1:30 AM, do you go in and soothe, or wait a few minutes to see if baby settles? In reality, successful sleep training starts at bedtime, not at 2 AM.
If your baby can fall asleep independently at bedtime, usually between 7:00 and 8:00pm, they’re far more likely to resettle on their own when they wake overnight. Starting at bedtime also helps you prepare mentally for the process and be more patient, rather than being caught off guard in the dark.
To encourage self-soothing, establish a consistent 20–30 minute wind-down routine that happens the same way every night. Two or three predictable, calming steps signal to your baby that it’s time to rest.
A common sequence is: Bath → Bottle/Breast → Books → Bed.
This repetition helps your baby reach that “drowsy but awake” state where they’re tired enough to sleep, but still aware of being placed in the crib. That’s when the learning happens.
At this point, your baby will learn to fall asleep without being rocked, fed to sleep or relying on a pacifier. These are parent-managed sleep associations. When babies learn to manage their own falling-asleep process, they can also use those same self-soothing skills to return to sleep naturally during night wakings without needing help from you.
Ultimate Guide to Baby Sleep Training – What Method?
There are lots of sleep training methods out there but they all have one thing in common; the parent eventually cannot intervene. Sleep training or sleep coaching as it’s sometimes called, usually involves crying as a transition from being awake to asleep and each method essentially comes down to where you want to be positioned to hear the baby cry. Next to the crib? (The pick up/put down technique) In the hall? (cry it out) Popping in every few minutes? (Ferber).
None are right or wrong, we’re just making the point that sleep training methods aren’t really all that different from your baby’s point of view.
The formal sleep training technique our night nurses use is the Slingshot Method where you stay in the room while baby learns to go to sleep. You may choose another method at this point though and that’s fine! The important part is that the path has been properly laid so you know baby isn’t waking from hunger or something else outside of their control.
The Slingshot Method of Sleep Training
The Slingshot Method is a gentle, gradual approach to sleep training that helps babies learn to fall asleep independently while still feeling supported and secure. The Slingshot Method was developed by Let Mommy Sleep’s Registered Nursing team.
During the first few nights, stay close to the crib and offer comfort through your voice or gentle touch. Patting, soft singing, or using the familiar “shhhh” sound can be reassuring—but try not to pick your baby up. The goal is to show that you’re nearby, while allowing your baby to discover how to fall asleep on their own. If it helps you relax, it’s fine to sleep in the same room for the first few nights.
Crying is expected, especially during the first few nights or if this is the baby’s first time without a pacifier. It’s common to hear 7–10 minutes of crying before they begin to settle. If crying escalates after about 10 minutes and seems to worsen, it’s perfectly okay to pause the session and try again later that night.
Over the next few nights, move gradually farther away from the crib—first across the room, then near the doorway. Continue to soothe with your voice, waiting slightly longer each time before responding. Eventually, you’ll be able to leave the room entirely. The goal is a steady transition from “I get help to fall asleep” to “I can do this on my own.”
If your baby wakes between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., wait about 5–7 minutes before responding. Once babies can fall asleep independently at bedtime, they can usually soothe themselves back to sleep during night wakings. If you do check in, keep it brief and avoid picking them up; a calm voice or gentle touch is enough reassurance.
Most babies’ natural wake-up time is between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. While this may feel early, it’s developmentally normal. If your baby wakes happy and alert, there’s no need to rush in right away. Letting them play or babble in the crib for a few minutes promotes independence and helps them associate the crib with calm and comfort.
If this isn’t ideal, just remember that it’s not forever. Also- you don’t have to go rushing in to get your baby simply because they’re awake. If they are babbling or trying to scoot around the crib in the morning, it’s perfectly fine and healthy to let them play independently as long as they are doing so happily. After all, we want the crib to be somewhere they look forward to being!
Consistency is Key
The single most important factor in successful sleep training is consistency. Once you’re confident your baby isn’t hungry, teething, or unwell, sticking with your chosen method allows your baby to learn faster and with less confusion.
For example, if your baby cries for 10 minutes and is then given a bottle, they quickly learn that “crying for 10 minutes = bottle.” This resets progress and reinforces the behavior you’re trying to replace. Staying consistent—even when it’s hard—teaches predictability and builds your baby’s confidence.
Sample Sleep Schedules For Babies
Now that you understand how to guide your baby toward independent sleep, these sample schedules can help you picture how feeding and naps fit into a 24-hour rhythm. Here are All the Infant Sleep Schedules in One Place
Things to remember about these Infant Sleep Schedules:
– These are examples only. Every baby and family is different, and it’s fine if your schedule looks different or if you don’t follow one at all. – The purpose of a schedule is simply to help establish consistent start and end points to each day, creating space for one long stretch of overnight sleep. – Use your baby’s actual wake-up time to adjust any example schedule. – Around 7–8 months, babies often drop their late-afternoon nap (around 4:00 p.m.), which is a normal part of consolidating sleep.
Ultimate Guide to Baby Sleep Training – The Four Month Sleep Regression
The “Four-Month Sleep Regression” is a normal developmental phase, not a setback. As we talked about above, newborns initially experience only two sleep stages: deep sleep and REM and around three to four months, the brain reorganizes to include all four sleep stages, just like adults.
When this change happens, REM sleep decreases from about 50% to 25% of total sleep, making room for lighter sleep stages. This means your baby is now more likely to wake up during the night—but that’s completely normal. Even adults wake up multiple times per night; we just don’t remember it. Learn more in The Four Month Sleep Regression Explained.
What you can do to help your little one through the 4 Month Regression
Darkness: Babies aren’t afraid of the dark; they’re simply responsive to light. Keep sleep environments dark to encourage melatonin production and restful sleep.
White Noise: Light sleep means more chances to wake from sudden noises. White noise helps mask environmental sounds.
Bedtime Routine: Continue a 20–30 minute calming routine like bath, bottle/breast, books then bed placing your baby in the crib drowsy but awake.
Once again, our night nanny and postpartum doula team recommends talking to your pediatrician at the 4 month well check is so baby can get through this regression before formal sleep training. You’ll get reassurance that they’re now ready to follow the sleep patterns they’ll have for the rest of their lives.
Troubleshooting Common Infant Sleep Issues
Will adding rice cereal to the bottle help baby sleep longer? No. Studies, including those from the NIH, show no relation to thickening formula and longer sleep. Thickened formulas are used only under medical guidance for specific conditions.
My baby has gas, how can I help? Offer slow feeds with frequent burping, keep your baby upright for at least 30 minutes after feeding and try gentle tummy massage or bicycle kicks. Ask your pediatrician about probiotic options to support gut health.
Why does my baby wake at night if they’re not hungry? Common reasons include: discomfort from congestion or ear infection for example, teething (typically between 4–7 months), or simply following the same 3 hour cycle they do during the day. Once cleared by your pediatrician, gentle night weaning can help break the cycle of waking.
When should I stop swaddling? Stop swaddling once your baby starts rolling. Transition gradually by freeing one arm and then the other while keeping gentle pressure on the abdomen. Learn How to Swaddle Like a Pro
How do I reduce or stop overnight feeds? Wean slowly by decreasing one-half ounce (or a few minutes of nursing) from each night feed. You can give a pacifier after giving the smaller amounts of milk if baby needs to suck to feel soothed.
What about the pacifier itself? Gradually shorten pacifier time during bedtime or remove it once sucking stops or slows. If you prefer, you can go “cold turkey,” but the gradual method is often easier for both baby and parent.
How do I sleep train for naps? Once your baby is successfully sleeping through the night there is no special “nap training” that has to happen. One big caveat though: Naps can be inconsistent for so many reasons: your own family schedule, unexpected trips out of the house and the many gradual transitions babies make in growth.
My toddler still wakes up. What can I do? Toddlers often test boundaries or crave reassurance. Keep routines consistent and calmly return them to their bed each time. They’ll learn the new pattern through repetition. Learn more in Sleep Coach Your Toddler
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re dedicated to following an infant sleep schedule or you’re out and about without a schedule, there are a lot of ways to keep your newborn, infant and older kids happy and healthy. As long as your family is safe, harmonious and healthy, the parenting you’re doing is right.
Even if you follow expert advice exactly as it’s written, your newborn, infant and toddler will still cry. They will cry to a point where you might experience frustration that scares you. If this happens it is okay to put your baby down in the crib or other safe space and walk away for 15 minutes. You can go back in when you’re more calm. And maybe your child is more calm too. If you’re concerned about baby’s crying or health, please contact your pediatrician.
Our infant sleep plans were written by Registered Nurses and Night Nannies using the guidance of our Medical Advisory Board. They’re not intended to be used as or replace medical advice. Any kind of sleep training or change to your baby’s feeding and sleep habits should only happen under the direction of your child’s primary care physician.
If you’re struggling emotionally, please reach out to the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline for free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and Spanish: 1-833-TLC-MAMA. You can also learn more in PPD vs. Baby Blues: Know the Difference.
updated, August 18, 2023 – When Dr. Maria Montessori started her classrooms for children in Rome in the early 1900’s, she created an environment based around children. Her classes included child size sinks, toys and shelves so that the children could freely and independently explore. The children of varying ages were also responsible for keeping their classroom orderly. They helped make meals for each other and cleaned up after play and meals. As a result of this set-up, Dr. Montessori quickly observed that the children were calmer, more caring toward each other and able to focus on activities for longer periods of time. Creating a Montessori Home for Babies and Toddlers brings these findings to your home
Creating a Montessori Home for Babies and Toddlers
Creating a Montessori Home for Infants and Toddlers
Many parents practice Montessori philosophies naturally, but want to implement the full program at home. Newborns and infants are of course a little more limited in what they can do but for older kids here’s what a Montessori program means:
“Self-care: washing, dressing, toileting, and eating, according to each child’s individual capacity
Care of the environment: cleaning, food preparation and food service; plant care and animal care
Large-motor activities (indoors and out): walking, climbing, running, jumping, balancing, climbing steps, and more
Fine-motor skills: reaching, grasping, picking up objects, transferring objects, using tools and utensils, doing art work
Language: naming objects, describing actions and intentions, discussing pictures, conversation, music, and singing
Social skills: developing manners through interactions with peers, teachers, and adult-led small group games”
Here’s how can you develop this type of learning environment in your own home:
Furniture – For toddlers, place developmentally appropriate furniture in their play space and around the house. This means furniture that’s sized for the child and easily accessible.
Rotate Toys – Don’t overwhelm your child with too many toys. eep a few toys available at a time and rotate them regularly. This maintains the baby’s interest and prevents overstimulation.
Natural Materials – Avoid toys that have batteries, flashing lights or that play loud music. Instead, have an open play space with a few toys out on a shelf that a child can choose to play with. Montessori encourages uninterrupted, deep engagement with an activity, which can be compromised by constant noise or flashing lights.
Safe Physical Play – Have a soft, physical playset area so baby can explore safely with minimal parent intervention. A playroom for an infant could also include a mirror so they can observe their body movements.
Age Appropriate Tasks & Routines – Make helping with meals and household tasks a routine part of your child’s day. A learning tower in the kitchen allows little ones to safely and independently help with things like putting vegetables in a salad, rinsing plates or wiping down the counters.
Other examples of Montessori style learning are to bring elements of nature indoors, like plants and natural light. Toys such as puzzles, blocks, cardboard boxes, musical instrumentals and art supplies also allow your child to play and learn at their own pace, as creatively as they like.
Age appropriate, safe art supplies are a Montessori staple for babies and toddlers
Creating a Montessori Home for Babies and Toddlers – What About Sleep?
Sleep is probably the category where we see the biggest difference between Montessori philosophy and other parenting practices. When little ones, are ready to sleep alone in their own room, a Montessori nursery means not using a crib, and simply using a mat or a floor bed for sleep. This is part of creating freedom of movement, and an area where babies can safely explore if they wish.
To many parents in the US this sounds unsafe and a little strange, but it’s vital to understand that this sleeping arrangement would only occur in a securely and fully childproofed room, when a baby is ready to be on their own at night. Since the AAP recommends newborns and babies stay in the same room (but not the same bed) as their parents for 6 months after being born, baby would typically sleep in a bassinet next to parents’ bed for that timeframe. While a mat can certainly be used, a safe-sleep set-up using a firm flat mattress can also be effective.
Whether you choose Montessori or a traditional layout, a safe nursery is most important when designing your child’s room. Here is a breakdown of how to create a safe nursery from the newborn to toddler stage.
Hi TikTok! Here are the 3 most recent Grant Opportunities links to apply for grants/scholarships:
GivingJoyGrants.org – for female business owners opening or expanding a business. Deadline for this round is July 31 2024.
Rising Tide Equity Scholarship Application – From the website: There is an urgent need right now in the US for more Black IBCLCs to provide culturally-congruent care for Black families. Our Rising Tide Scholarships are designed to remove financial barriers for Black aspiring IBCLCs to increase access to the lactation care field and help meet that urgent need.
Newborn & Postpartum Support (NAPS) Certification – Complete this form to receive your promo code to take certification classes for free. Once classes are complete and a background check is submitted you are certified and listed on the national NAPS Registry.
*** This blog, Grant Opportunities continually shares available grants that have free and low-cost application fees. Our aim is to make these opportunities available to women, veterans, LGBTQ and BIPOC entrepreneurs who may face systemic barriers or racial inequities in addition to the usual challenges that come with starting a small business.
See the grants below or search #grantopps o for ongoing opportunities without barriers to entry. You can read about why we started these efforts here. Many of the applications are ongoing so be sure to read the whole list.
Grant opportunities for women and minority owned businesses
Grant Opportunities
Birth Workers and Postpartum Doulas
ChildBirth International -awards up to three scholarships every two months to individuals who are part of a marginalized group with an intention to work within that community to address disparities and injustice. Scholarships cover education of birth and lactation support. Apply at ChildBirth International.
Funding Opportunities for LGBTQI businesses – These organizations listed by the US Chamber emphasize LGBTQ rights and protection with a central goal of supporting and funding LGBTQ businesses.
Queer to Stay
Funding to uplift and preserve small businesses that serve the LGBTQ+ community.
Who Can Apply? Any for profit business that primarily serves/caters to the LGBTQ+ community and has been negatively impacted by covid19.
Deadline: 11:59pm, August 31, 2023
How can I apply? Complete this application
Giving Joy Grants
Grants of $100 – $500 are given 4 times per year. Grant money is raised from the Giving Joy website which purchases handmade jewelry and goods from independent artisans around the world. The sale of these one-of-a kind items finances the grants that are awarded to other female entrepreneurs…an incredible social-enterprise cycle!
Who can apply?
Female Individuals, small businesses, for-profit and non-profit entities
Applicants from any field are encouraged to apply: education, the environment, promoting democracy, healthcare, cooking, etc.
Your business/organization/idea must have an impact on women, girls and families.
Applicants may only apply once per cycle.
When is the deadline? Sept 30, 2023 but there are 4 opportunities each year
How do I apply? https://givingjoygrants.org
Astraea Lesbian Foundation For Justice
Funding for racial, economic, and gender justice initiatives. As the website states they are the only philanthropic organization working exclusively to advance queer, trans, and intersex human rights around the globe.
Call for Concepts: Climate Justice for Queer, Trans and Intersex Communities in the US – Grant awards for applications focusing on core support for ongoing work on climate justice range from $20,000 to $30,000; those for applications focusing on planning for future work on climate justice, either from existing or new groups, will range from $5,000-$10,000
Due July 31, 2023
National Black MBA Association, Inc – Scale Up Pitch Challenge
The pitch challengeis a competition that aims to help “Make Big Ideas Bigger” by helping members to create start-ups that are scalable.
Applicants must be:
U.S. resident
over the age of 18.
Have a founder who is Black (of African descent), who maintains an “at least equal stake” in the startup (if the startup has three owners, at least 33% of its ownership must be Black).
One member of each Scale-Up Pitch Challenge team must be an active member of the National Black MBA Association
Due August 4, 2023
Hello Alice
Numerous grants to historically underserved populations throughout 2023. You do need to sign up, but the platform is free.
When is the deadline? Deadlines are ongoing!
Antares REACH Grant Program – $20,000 grants to small businesses, with an emphasis on businesses preparing for their next stage of growth; operated by historically underrepresented entrepreneurs; and providing important community services.
Who Can Apply?
Be a for-profit business that is majority (51%) owned and/or operated by individuals who identify as New Majority (Women, People of Color, Military-affiliated, Persons with Disabilities, or LGBTQ+)
Have less than $5 million USD in annual revenue
Have a demonstrated need for support
Have a strong plan for moving forward
DueAugust 4, 2023
Giving Joy Grant Winner, Laura Pettie Kissakwa
US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
20 Grants of $5000 will be awarded to Latin-Owned small businesses impacted by Covid-19.
Who can apply?
Businesses with less than 20 full-time employees that are majority Hispanic owned and have an Employment ID number or Tax ID number. Business also needs to have been in operation for at least 9 months.
When is the deadline? June 11, 2022- hurry!
How do I apply?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) Free & Low Cost Business Training
Who Can Apply? Any woman who wants to start, grow, and expand their small business. The SBA’s Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) are a part a national network of entrepreneurship centers throughout the United States and its territories. WBCs seek to level the playing field for women entrepreneurs, who still face unique obstacles in the business world. Apply here for help today!
If you’d like another option, SCORE is sponsored by the SBA and is the nation’s largest free, non-profit network of expert business mentors dedicated to helping small businesses.
There are no deadlines to take advantage of these services.
Asian Women’s Giving Circle -NYC only
Who Can Apply?
Any Asian American women-led organizations and individual artists in NYC who are using arts and culture to:
bring about progressive social transformation,
raise awareness and catalyze action around critical issues that affect Asian American women, girls and families, and
highlight and promote women’s central role as leaders, creators, developers and managers of these projects.
When is the Deadline? March 22, 2022
How Do I apply? Fill this out!
Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program
Who can apply? The Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program (VLP) draws from and builds upon the Bush Institute’s existing leadership and military service programming. The program is designed to develop the leadership skills of individuals who are serving our Nation’s veterans by helping them scale their impact through leadership projects and through network relationship building. The program ultimately and widely affects our Nation’s veterans and the services and opportunities available to them.
Research shows that while every veteran transition looks different, there are three keys to a successful transition: Health and well-being, education, and employment. Government programs and initiatives, more than 45,000 philanthropic organizations, corporations, and millions of individuals are committed to improving veterans’ quality of life. By honing participants’ leadership skills, enhancing their network, and advancing individual projects, the program will empower those who are responsible for implementing the programs and policies.
When is the deadline? February 2, 2022
How do I apply?
Invoice2Grow Fund
Grants of up to $15,000 and in-kind support to USA minority-owned businesses to recognize the contributions of underserved small business owners. Successful applicants will receive a monetary grant, business development workshops, and the opportunity to join a network of small business owners.
Who can apply? People who answer these questions with a yes:
1. I am an owner of a business, a legal U.S. resident, and am 18 years or older. 2. The business is majority owned by a legal US resident who identifies as one or more of the following: Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Latino, Native American or Alaska Native, Arab or Middle Eastern, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+, or as a person with a disability. 3. The business is less than 5 years old, has no more than 10 employees, and has an annual revenue of equal to or less than $1M.
When is the deadline? Friday, May 6, 2022
How do I apply?
IamSoGal Black Founder’s Start Up Grant
Grants of $5,000, grants of $10,000, and in-kind support to USA Black women entrepreneurs to support equal opportunities in business
To qualify, you should: – Self-identify as a Black woman or Black nonbinary entrepreneur – Have a legally registered business – Plan to seek investor financing in order to scale, now or in the future – Have a scalable, high-impact solution or idea with the ambition to be the next billion-dollar business
When is the Deadline? Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
How do I apply?
BIPOC Fitness Grant Program
Grants of up to $5,000 to USA female BIPOC-led nonprofit and for-profit organizations and women of color entrepreneurs to promote health and wellness among female BIPOC communities. Funding is intended to support organizations and entrepreneurs that have demonstrated commitment to making health and wellness inclusive to female BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities.
Who can apply? Female, women of color entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations or for-profit businesses actively creating or building businesses and/or programs that aim to make wellness and fitness practices more inclusive to female BIPOC communities.
When is the deadline? December 31, 2021
How do I apply? This grant has concluded
AARP Purpose Prize
Who can apply? US citizens who are at least fifty (50) years old as of the date of entry and who started the work for which they are applying for at the age of forty (40) or older who have founded a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) non-profit organization consistent with the Applicant’s social impact work.
When is the deadline? January 17, 2022
How do I apply? Visit: https://www.purposeprize.org
James Beard Foundation
Who can apply? Any food service business with 50 or fewer employees that is 51% or more owned by Black, Indigenous or Persons of Color.
When is the deadline? Sept 7
How do I apply? this grant is concluded.
Funding is intended to provide: Relief for immediate operating expenses in order to keep their owners from going out of business, especially with challenges faced during the COVID19 crisis.
IFund Women
Who can apply? Any female entrepreneur who is solving a compelling problem in an innovative way.
When is the deadline? Sept 20, 2021
How do I apply? Visit IFundWomen for full application.
Funding is intended to: “Award to a female entrepreneur to recognize outstanding business growth and impact on product markets. In addition to making an equity investment in the prize winner’s company, the funding source will afford selected honorees with the opportunity to compete for monetary prizes and coaching assistance.”
Coalition to Back Black Businesses Grant:
Who can apply? Black-owned businesses in economically vulnerable communities. Applicants may be eligible for Enhancement grants of up to $25,000. Businesses must be located in an economically vulnerable community, defined as any zip code not in the top 20% of zip codes in the United States.
When is the deadline? Sept 30, 2021
How do I apply? Visit the US Chamber’s We Back Black Businesses website. Applicants will need to complete an interest form and then the application.
Funding is intended to provide: $5,000 to alleviate the adverse financial impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. In addition to a cash grant, applicants will also be invited to participate in a coaching platform.
Gold Start Home Program
Support to families of service members who have been killed while serving the country by giving a mortgage-free home to surviving spouses with young children.
Who can apply?
1. Family of a U.S. Military Service Member killed in action in a combat zone or killed during authorized training. 2. At least one of the surviving children is 16 years of age or younger. 3. If Service Member and surviving parent were married, they cannot have been divorced or separated at the time of death. Surviving parent of the service member’s child(ren) is not currently remarried, engaged, or cohabitating.
When is the deadline? Ongoing
How do I apply? Visit Tunnel2Towers.org
Wealthy Single Mommy:
Who can apply? Any single mother in need of finanicial help.
When is the deadline? ongoing; grants are awarded as needed
How do I apply? Visit the links at Wealthy Single Mommy. Applicants will need to complete a Google form and link to a social media account to prove they’re a real person.
Funding is intended to provide: Immediate relief for single mothers experiencing financial hardship. It really is that simple!
Amber Foundation (WomensNet):
Who can apply? Any business that is at least 50% women owned in the US and Canada
When is the deadline? ongoing; grants are awarded each month
How do I apply? Visit this site
Funding is intended to provide:
$10,000 per month to help businesses and non-profits expand or reach their organizational goals.
Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation:
Who can apply? Any female owned business in operation for 3+ years and grossing a minimum of $100k per year.
When is the deadline? April 15, 2021
Funding is intended to provide:
$20,000 to further the business as well as “capacity-building training sessions and opportunities to connect with an unparalleled global network to advance their enterprises.”
Black Ambition Prize:
From the website: “Black Ambition is a non-profit initiative working to close the opportunity and wealth gap through entrepreneurship. We invest capital and resources in high-growth startups founded by Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. We believe entrepreneurs historically left out of traditional investment funnels are building the companies of tomorrow.”
Who can apply? Black and Latino/a Founders
When is the deadline? Feb 18, 2021
Funding is intended to provide:
Growth capital, pitch feedback, and mentorship in the categories of Consumer Products and Services, Design, Healthcare or Technology
Rural Small Businesses: $20,000 Grants
Funding fromLocal Initiatives Support Corporation to support rural small businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic, particularly those in underserved communities, including entrepreneurs of color, women and veteran-owned businesses.
Who can apply? Small business owners serving rural communities, “rural” defined as serving 50,000 residents or less who have been impacted by COVID19.
When is the deadline? January 5, 2021 and another round on February 2, 2021
Funding is intended to provide:
help with immediate operational costs such as rent and utilities, payroll, and outstanding debt
relief to those serving underserved communities, including entrepreneurs of color, women- and veteran-owned businesses that often lack access to flexible, affordable capital
Our Military Kids
Grants of $300 per child to cover extracurricular activities, tutoring or camps.
Who can apply? Military families with children age 3 -18 who have a deployed or recovering parent
When is the deadline? Ongoing
Funding is intended to provide:
up to 6 months of the child’s extracurricular activity
no eligible child has ever been turned away
daycare, mission trips and school tuition are not elible expenses
Brave of Heart Fund
Who can apply? Family members of healthcare workers & volunteers who have lost their lives fighting COVID19.
When is the deadline? May 15, 2021
Funding is intended to provide:
basic and immediate expenses such as funeral costs
food, housing payments
medical care, counseling
educational expenses of children and other dependents currently in school, and living expenses.
Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE)
Who can apply?
Honorably discharged women veterans of any military branch and service era
Active- duty women service members of any military branch
Spouses/same-sex partners of above (including widowed spouses/partners)
Participants must be able to complete the online component of the program and be able to travel to one of the mandatory conferences.
When is the deadline? Ongoing consideration
Funding is intended to give USA female veterans and female military spouses or partners an opportunity to attend a small business management and entrepreneurship program. The program aim is to equip eligible women with the skills they need to successfully develop and grow a business venture.
Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) is a premier training program in entrepreneurship and small business management. V-WISE helps women veterans and female military spouses/partners find their passion and learn the business savvy skills necessary to turn an idea or start-up into a growing venture.
This list is continually updated…check back soon for more opportunities or contact us for more info.
Grant Opportunities discussed at LMS franchise meeting.
For babies and newborns, an AQI of 0-50 (green) is safe for outdoor activity. At 51-100 (yellow/moderate) sensitive groups including infants should limit prolonged outdoor exposure. At 101-150 (orange) babies should stay indoors. Above 150 all outdoor activity for infants should be avoided.
Updated April 2026 – Experiencing poor air quality due to wildfires and pollutants is becoming more common. Newborns and their parents in all parts of the US may be affected. This blog, Air Quality Info for Families aims to ease parents’ minds by providing information on how to keep babies, children and themselves safe.
Air Quality Info for Families
Newborns, Infants and Older Children
There are specific health risks for newborns and infants. Children up to age 18 are also more at risk for issues related to poor air quality. Here’s why:
Developing respiratory systems: Because babies’ lungs and respiratory systems are not mature, they are particularly sensitive to air pollutants. Poor air quality can worsen respiratory conditions and even hinder lung development.
Higher breathing rates: Babies have higher breathing rates compared to adults, which means they inhale a larger volume of air relative to their body weight. They have an increased intake of polluted air when air quality is poor.
Weaker immune systems: Newborns and infants have immature immune systems, making them more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution. Exposure to pollutants can increase the risk of respiratory infections, allergies, and other health problems.
Long-term health effects: Early exposure to high levels of air pollution can have long-lasting effects on a child’s health. Studies have shown that children exposed to air pollution during infancy and early childhood are at a higher risk of developing respiratory disorders, allergies, asthma, and other chronic health conditions later in life.
Sensitive Groups: Who Are They?
Sensitive groups in the Air Quality Index (AQI) are those who are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution. The specific sensitive groups recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include:
Children under Age 18: Newborns, Infants, children and adolescents are considered sensitive, as their respiratory systems are still developing. Babies in particular also have higher breathing rates.
The Elderly: Age-related changes in the body’s respiratory and immune systems can increase older adults’ vulnerability. Natural age related health issues such as weakened immune system also add to this vulnerability.
Respiratory conditions: Individuals with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, or other respiratory conditions are more sensitive to air pollution. Therefore, pollutants can exacerbate their symptoms.
Cardiovascular conditions: Those with heart disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, or other cardiovascular conditions may experience worsened symptoms. They are also at increased risk of cardiovascular events due to poor air quality.
Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals may be more sensitive to air pollution because it can affect both maternal health and fetal development. Exposure to pollutants during pregnancy has been associated with adverse outcomes. Preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues are examples.
Outdoor workers: People who work outdoors are exposed to higher levels of air pollution for longer durations. They may experience increased risks to their respiratory and cardiovascular health.
Air Quality Index by the Numbers
On your weather app, you’ll see air quality index noted by numbers. Here is how they break down.
green: good; 0-50
yellow: moderate: 51-100
orange: unhealthy for sensitive groups: 101-150
red: unhealthy; 151-200
purple: very unhealthy; 201-300
maroon: hazardous; 301 and higher
air quality info for newborns and kids
Air Quality Info for Families: How to Protect Babies and Families
Stay Inside: try to remain in a well-ventilated, clean environment, avoiding outdoor activities that could expose them to polluted air.
Limit Physical Exertion: breathing heavily causes us to intake more air; try to limit this.
Get a Good Mask: As airnow.gov notes: N95 respirator masks can provide protection from wildfire smoke. Cloth masks will not work.
Take Indoor Breaks: If you must be outside, frequent breaks indoors in places where the air is clean can help.
Air Purifiers: Purchase an air purifier for your home for extra protection. Consumer Reports has a comprehensive list of indoor air purifiers.
On high AQI days, keeping your newborn safely indoors overnight with proper monitoring is essential. Let Mommy Sleep’s certified newborn care specialists are experienced in safe sleep environments and infant health monitoring. Contact your local team.
For more information on the AQI and how it affects our health, visit airnow.gov.
