Act Early DC Quarterly Newsletter

August 2022

Visit the Act Early DC Website

The American Academy of Pediatrics issues new policies around Safe Sleep Environments and Breastfeeding


In July 2022, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a national membership organization of pediatricians, offered new guidance on safe sleep and breastfeeding.




AAP Recommendations for a Safe Sleep Environment

  • Put your baby on their back for all naps and at night
  • Use a firm, flat sleep surface
  • Never sleep with your baby
  • Instead of bed sharing, room share with your baby
  • Keep soft objects and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area
  • Don’t let your baby get overheated


To learn more, please read “Safe Sleep: Back is Best, Avoid Soft Bedding, Inclined Surfaces and Bed Sharing"


AAP Breastfeeding Recommendations:

  • The AAP recommends exclusively breastfeeding your baby for about the first 6 months. There is no need to give your baby infant formula or other sources of nutrition.
  • Beyond 6 months, the AAP recommends continued breastfeeding along with adding nutritious complementary foods. Your baby does not need any infant or toddler formula.


To learn more, please read “Breastfeeding: AAP Policy Explained”


If you have any questions regarding this new guidance, please discuss with your child’s pediatrician.

Keep Calm Everyday Toolkit


“Tips to Help Parents Keep Calm Everyday” was developed to support families during the COVID-19 Pandemic and beyond. Adapted from the Act Early DC “Tips to Help Parents Keep Calm During the Holidays” this toolkit is expanded to include not only tips for parents, but a variety of resources including a series of videos curated and led by Adriana Adelé to help support you through movement, breath, and/or mindful awareness; and a group coaching session led by Master Certified Life Coach, Natalie Miller.

Free Art Journaling Experience for Parents to Play and De-stress


Are you a DC Resident? Are you also the parent of a child ages 0-5?


Join us from August 29th through September 16th for an Art Journaling Experience led by Jennifer Price Davis. This session is designed to help you take some time for yourself.


Participants will be provided with daily art journaling prompts, access to an online community, and receive art supplies to get started!


Register here: 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ActEarlyDCArtJournaling2

Free Yoga for Parents and Caregivers


Relax and Rest in a “Rest and Restore” session!


Are you a parent of children ages 0-8? Do you live in DC? Do you need a space to relax and rest?


Join Act Early DC for a FREE restorative yoga class on Thursday, September 29th from 7:15 to 8:30 pm. This 75-minute session will be led by Adriana Adelé, a registered yoga teacher, and is designed to help you manage your stress and sleep better. Yoga experience is not required to participate. However, parents/caregivers will be expected to complete a survey after the session.


Parents/caregivers of children with special healthcare needs and disabilities are encouraged to attend.


If you are interested in joining these yoga sessions, register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RestAndRestoreSept29

Yoga Tranquilo


¿Es usted un padre, madre, o cuidador hispanohablante de niños de 0 a 8 años? ¿Vive en DC, Maryland, o Virginia? ¿Necesita un espacio para desestresarse y descansarse?


Únase a Act Early DC para una clase GRATUITA de Yoga Tranquilo el jueves 8 de septiembre de 2022 de 7 a 8 p.m. con María Elena. Esta sesión estará dirigida por María Elena, una profesora de yoga registrada, y está diseñada para ayudarlo a controlar su estrés y dormir mejor. No se requiere experiencia en yoga para participar. Se espera que los participantes completar una encuesta después de la sesión.


¡Se anima a los padres/madres/cuidadores de niños con necesidades especial y discapacidades a asistir!


Si está interesado en unirte a estas sesiones de yoga, regístrese aquí.

Meet our Partner:

DC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

The DC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (DC AAP) is a local membership organization of pediatricians. The mission of the DC AAP is to promote the optimal health and development of children and adolescents of Washington, DC in partnership with their families and communities, and to support the pediatricians who care for them.


DC AAP’s vision is that all children and adolescents in DC are healthy, both physically and mentally; have access to quality pediatric health services; and have strong advocates in their families, communities and government.


Check out the parent resource section on the DC AAP website.

Visit the Act Early DC Website