Resources
Free resources
and the products we prefer.
We are often asked which products we prefer as Newborn Care Specialists. Here they are in one place, along with free courses to start your learning.
Free courses
Start learning at no cost on our learning platform.
- So You Want to Be an NCS?: a free introduction to the Newborn Care Specialist profession. 2 lessons, 3.5 hours.
- Why Routines Matter: a free introduction to routines and how to explain them to families. 3 lessons, 30 minutes.
- Personal and Professional Boundaries: a free recording from National Nanny Training Day 2020. 1 lesson, 1 hour.
More free reading: the blog. Not sure which course fits you? Try Where to begin.
From Newborn Care Solutions
The First Six Weeks Logbook
A space for you as a new parent, or for your client, to note daily details and important information, with tips and information from newborn experts along the way. Get the logbook on Amazon
Tummy time toys
Tummy time tip: the best surface is the floor. Soft surfaces such as a bed or couch can make it harder for the baby to move. A familiar face (parents, siblings, pets) is best. For babies who need more motivation, our go-to toys are the Tummy Time Wobbler from the Lovevery Play Kit, a Lamaze rattle, or one of these:
- SmartNoggin NogginStik Developmental Light-Up Rattle
- Manhattan Toy Skwish Color Burst Rattle and Teether
- Fat Brain Toys Whirly Squigz
Swaddle blankets
Our favorite: the Butterfly Swaddle
The all-in-one swaddle and sleep training system. Visit The Butterfly Swaddle
The Butterfly Swaddle comes from Butterfly Swaddle Inc., founded by our medical advisor, Monica Bykov. This link includes a referral code.
More swaddles we like
- Comfy Cubs Swaddle Blanket, 3 pack: our favorite on Amazon
- Nunibum Baby Swaddle Blanket
- upsimples Muslin Swaddle Blankets, set of 4
- Ziggy Baby Adjustable Swaddle Wrap Set, 3 pack
Sound machines
Why use a sound machine?
Most nurseries and bedrooms are not soundproof. Phones ringing, traffic, televisions and other devices can disrupt a baby’s sleep, and babies startle easily. White noise or a sound machine can help mask that noise.
Sound machines play repetitive white noise, and some play heartbeat sounds. Some also have night lights.
To learn more about the science of infant sleep and the importance of a sleep plan, see our course Sleep Solutions: Birth to 6 Months.
What to look for
- A choice of different sounds
- Portable and rechargeable, or an AC adapter
- Timed play settings
- A night light
- Automatic shutoff
Sound machines we like
- LectroFan Micro2 Sound Machine: our favorite
- Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine and Night Light (1st Gen)
- By-Heart White Noise Machine
- Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine
- Baby Shusher, The Original
Baby dolls
- JC Toys La Baby 20-inch Soft Body Baby Doll
- JC Toys Lots to Cuddle Babies 20-inch Soft Body Baby Doll (Hispanic)
- JC Toys Lots to Cuddle Babies 20-inch Soft Body Baby Doll (African American)
- Educational Insights Baby Doux Asian Doll
Disclosure
Disclaimer: Newborn Care Solutions is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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