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 on Twitter 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
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.
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.
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.
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
$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.
Experiencing poor air quality due to wildfires and polluntants 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 heavy 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.
For more information on the AQI and how it affects our health, visit airnow.gov.
updated, May 26, 2023 – There’s so much baby sleep advice about newborns and postpartum families. How do infants sleep through the night? When will my baby get on a routine or nap better? But parents of toddlers sometimes also have these same questions. Our team of night nurses, nannies and postpartum doulas assure parents that even if your young child hasn’t sleep through the night, it’s not too late to sleep coach your toddler.
Sleep Coach Your Toddler
Getting Ready to Sleep Coach Your Toddler
A question we’re often asked at LMS is if we’ll soothe toddlers back to sleep if they wake through the night. Even though the night nannies are there to provide newborn care, the answer is yes we will of course try to care for toddler siblings! BUT, our experience has been that overwhelmingly when the older kids wake up they want MOMMY or DADDY! These little ones aren’t waking up because they’re hungry or need a diaper change. They need cuddles from you. Understanding this goes a long way in the sleep training process.
Pave the Way with Communication
Explain the changes to your toddler in an age-appropriate manner. Let them know that they are growing up and that the new sleep routine is for big kids! Provide positive reinforcement for their progress and remind them during the day., what will happen at night. You can say something like: “Remember, if you wake up tonight, I’ll come in and lay you back down to sleep but I won’t lay in the bed with you.”
Some parents also use reward charts. For example, if the child stays in their room for 3 nights in a row, they get to choose a new toy from the dollar store. You know what your child will respond to best.
Have a family meeting and include toddler in the planning and explain the expected behaviors that are expected such as: staying in bed at night, not coming out of bed until their wake-up clock says it’s time, etc. Review the expectations each night night before bed. If you’re using a reward chart be sure to explain it and make it a fun part of the process.
It’s a Learned Skill
Your toddler must learn the skill of putting himself to sleep without help. But you can teach the skill without making him cry-it-out by communicating and then gradually intervening less and less through the night. Here’s how:
Slingshot Method
Use a gradual change method that gradually pulls you away from the child while they are falling asleep. Our night nanny and postpartum doula team call this the Slingshot Method. We find this to be most gentle for toddlers. In order to implement Slingshot Method, toddlers should be in their beds calm, but awake. You can do whatever wind down or rocking method you usually do, just be sure they’re still awake when put in the bed.
Next, simply gradually remove yourself from the room.
During the first few nights, stay next to the bed after laying her down and reassure with your voice and touch. If toddler is standing up, gently place them back in a laying down position. You can try patting toddler’s back or singing to keep them from getting back up, but try not to carry them. Yes, you will most likely have to place them back down in the lying position 10-20 times. You’re teaching them the new way to go to sleep which is probably pretty frustrating to them. But you’re also there so they can feel safe and secure.
Continuing on to the next nights, sitting a little further away. If they continue to fuss, you can get up and reassure with touch but try to wait a bit longer between each time. Yes, this is very hard when they are screaming, just keep calm.
During the next few nights, sit even further away from her bed near the doorway. You can get up and touch and reassure if needed.
Eventually you will be in the doorway and then not in the room at all.
Do the above steps slowly and gradually do this so that it is less traumatic for your child. You’re saying “I’m here to help you get calm, but it is your job to fall asleep.”
Does this mean you must stop co-sleeping? Nope. It’s completely normal for little ones to go through stages of wanting to sleep in the big bed. Like grown-ups, they may feel anxious or nervous about things. They lack the words to talk it through but they do know that being in the cozy bed with parents is comforting.
Sleep Coach Your Toddler – What if they keep getting out of bed and into my bed?
Here is where consistency is key. If your little one comes into your room and they’re not sick or in need of care you will quietly bring them back to their bed and tuck them in. They might follow you out again and you’ll calmly bring them back to their bed. Like sleep training in the crib, you might do this 10-15 times -and that is hard– but if you stay consistent your little one will learn that staying in their bed is the rule for overnights unless they are sick or need help.
I mean…
Don’t Begin on Empty
Make sure on the day that you begin sleep coaching that your child has a full “sleep tank”; they’ve had a good nap during the day- if that means that you need to take her for a walk in the stroller, or for a car ride, then do it. Do whatever you need to do to get sleep, and make sure that the nap ends 4-5 hours before her bedtime. This is a major component to sleep coaching, daytime sleep = nighttime sleep!
I have a plan, now what?
Soothing Bedtime Routine:
This is an important part of sleep coaching. It’s important to let them get their energy out and switch gears from wakeful to sleepy. Toddlers need help with a soothing routine, just as babies do so a bath and reading books for example provides a good step-down to sleepiness. Just like all babies and adults, when toddlers are drowsy, they’re more likely to fall asleep.
What Time is Bedtime?
Pay attention to your toddler’s sleep cues. They are not that different from baby sleep cues. Is he rubbing his eyes and yawning at 6:45pm? Then it’s time to start his bedtime routine. If you miss these cues, kids can become over tired, and their brains begin to release cortisol. This happens because the brain thinks, “oh, I need to stay awake, better pump out the hormone that helps!” When this happens, it becomes more and more difficult for them to settle down and fall asleep.
Tips to help toddlers sleep through the night – photo: Rameez Remy on Unsplash
Sleep Coach Your Toddler – what about when I have a newborn too?
In a perfect world, toddlers would be sleeping through the night before the new baby arrives. But we all know that the perfect world gets turned upside down pretty often in early parenting! Here are some strategies to help maximize sleep for your baby, your toddler and hopefully you:
Divide and Conquer – This is the man-to-man defense phase of parenting! One parent gets the toddler to sleep and the other handles the infant. Getting both children to bed at the same time can help both children wind down properly, giving the toddler a better chance at uninterrupted sleep.
Gradual adjustments– If your toddler is used to certain sleep habits, such as being rocked to sleep or having a parent present, gradually transition them to new sleep associations. For example, you can slowly reduce the amount of time you spend rocking them or move from sitting beside their bed to sitting farther away over a few nights.
Hire help – This is a great time to hire a mother’s helper or neighborhood babysitter who can look after your newborn while you concentrate on your toddler’s bedtime routine for a few hours each night. This special uninterrupted time can help pave the way for restful nights.
Once you begin, try your best stick to sleep training. Don’t go back to old habits like lying down beside your child until they are asleep, as this sends a mixed message. And that’s not fair to your toddler! It’s hard when you’re in the thick of sleep deprivation, but try to remember that your child is seeking reassurance when they wake up in the night.
There are so many unknowns to parents of newborns and infants! Being prepared in case of an accident or other emergency will not only help your baby, but also help you. Having the skills to help your newborn, twins or any infant in distress will not only give them the best chance of healing, but allow you to stay calm. Essential First Aid Skills for New Parents are detailed below.
Baby Nurse (RN) caring for newborn with mom
Essential First Aid Skills for New Parents
Know How to Treat a Burn:
Burns are unfortunately a common childhood injury. Depending on the severity of the burn, they are categorized as first, second, or third-degree burns.
First Degree Burns: use cool water (not ice) to treat first degree burns and apply aloe cream to the area. Do not apply any other ointments or home remedies. The Mayo Clinic suggests, keeping the area clean with a sterile gauze pad for 24 hours. Take care not to use adhesive bandages on young children since they can be choking hazards.
Second and Third Degree Burns (more severe): Seek medical assistance immediately and try to elevate the burned area. While waiting for help, remove baby’s clothes, apply cool water for five minutes and then cover the area with a clean dry cloth. If the burn is chemical in nature, rinse the burn persistently before taking off his/her clothes. Then remove clothing from the burned area and continue flushing the burn.
Be able to stop excessive bleeding:
In many cases, the best way to stop bleeding is to use clean gauze and apply firm pressure. If a cut won’t stop bleeding after 5-10 minutes of applied pressure, or the cut is very wide or deep, it’s time to seek professional help by visiting an ER. Continue to apply pressure to the area while in transit to the ER.
It is okay to give your older baby an age-appropriate dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for the pain, but never give ibuprofen (Motrin,) which can sometimes increase bleeding. For very severe bleeding cases where blood is spurting out (arterial bleeding,) call 911 right away. While waiting for help, continue to apply pressure and elevate baby’s legs to increase the flow of blood to the heart and brain.
Essential First Aid Skills for New Parents – Save a Choking Baby:
If an object gets lodged in baby’s airway, all parents should know what to do. Please note, if baby has a strong cry or is coughing hard, do not perform this procedure. Strong cries and coughs can often push the object out without any additional intervention. But, if your baby is not coughing or crying, follow these steps, as outlined by the American Heart Association:
Place baby face down on your forearm, using your thigh or lap for support. Hold the infant’s chest in your hand and jaw with your fingers. Point baby’s head downward so it is lower than the body.
With the palm of your free hand, give up to 5 quick slaps between the infant’s shoulder blades.
Turn the baby on his/her back and use two fingers to give up to 5 chest thrusts if the object does not come out.
Continue the cycle of back blows and chests thrusts until the object becomes dislodges.
If the infant loses alertness, give CPR, shout for help and call 911.
Remove the object from baby’s mouth if at any point the object becomes dislodged and can be seen.
Choking First Aide for Infants
Essential First Aid Skills for New Parents – Poisoning
Part of babyproofing your home and the homes of others looking after baby means keeping harmful substances out of reach. If baby ingests something poisonous, or even if you just suspect they may have been exposed, call Poison Control or 911 immediately.
Put Poison Control in your phone contacts 1-800-222-1222. Contacting Poison Control is free and confidential.
It may be tempting to induce vomiting if your baby has ingested something harmful. But inducing vomiting in a baby should never be done without the explicit guidance of a healthcare professional.
In the past, parents were counseled to induce vomiting in a child that ingested something harmful using Ipecac syrup. This is no longer recommended. We learned that Ipecac syrup caused side effects such as prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and damage to the gastrointestinal tract.
Identify & Treat a Fever:
If your newborn or infant has a fever, it’s important to monitor their temperature. For babies making eye contact and responding to you, drinking fluids and/or playing, there’s probably no cause for alarm. However there are times when it’s vital to call the doctor.
Call your child’s primary care physician if:
Your newborn up to 3 months old has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
Your infant age 3 – 6 months old, has a temperature of 102°F (39°C) or higher
Infant age 3-6 months has a lower temperature but is acting unusually irritable, sluggish or uncomfortable
Baby age 7- 24 months has a 102°F temperature for longer than 24 hours or has additional symptoms such as cough, or diarrhea
In addition to fevers, Registered Nurse and Newborn Care Provider Liz reminds us: “Newborns temperatures will more commonly drop when septic or fighting serious illness, temps below 97.0 should be taken just as seriously as a high fever.” A doctor or 911 should be called.
Infant Fevers: When to Call the Doctor
As always, if you feel something just isn’t right with your baby, call the pediatrician or even visit the ER.
In an emergency, if your baby is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911 and begin CPR. Below are general CPR instructions but these do not take the place of learning proper CPR. Parents and caregivers should take a class and get certified.
Place baby on a firm, flat surface
give 30 chest compressions using two fingers in the center of the chest.
Follow it with two rescue breaths, covering the baby’s mouth and nose with your mouth while maintaining a tight seal.
The above is not a substitute for actual CPR training. Attending a class is the only way to understand proper technique and practice skills.
