Whether you want to work with an agency, build your own client base, or add newborn care to the services you already offer, there are several ways to work as a Newborn Care Specialist.
Day shifts. Overnight care. Live-in positions. Agency work. Your own business.
The path can look different for everyone. The training is where you start.
Turn newborn care into a career.
12 components covering the core knowledge and professional skills you'll need as a Newborn Care Specialist.
What you'll learn inside the program
- Newborn appearance, behavior & reflexes
- Development & responsive care
- Holding, soothing & different cries
- Bathing, diapering & total body care
- Babywearing, tummy time & car seats
- Safety, trust & common newborn concerns
Newborn Care Foundations
Newborn Care
- Formula, breastmilk & feeding schedules
- Pace feeding & bottle-feeding
- Breastfeeding foundations & support
- Feeding issues, allergies & red flags
- Tongue & lip ties
- Bottle sterilization, cleaning & logs
Feeding and Breastfeeding
FEEDING
- Newborn sleep development
- Safe sleep & SUID
- Circadian rhythm
- Wake windows
- Swaddling & soothing
- Routines, dream feeds & sleep development
Newborn Sleep & Safety
SLEEP
- Twins, triplets & multiples
- Prematurity & corrected age
- NICU care & common complications
- Special care for premature infants
- Postpartum complications
- Postpartum mood & anxiety disorders
- Medical professionals & referrals
Multiples, Prematurity & Medical Considerations
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
- Day, overnight & live-in care
- Pre-shift preparation & shift responsibilities
- Client communication
- Baby-care logging
- Difficult conversations
- Professional boundaries
- Inclusive family care
Working With Families
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
- Agency vs. independent work
- Business basics
- Taxes, insurance & contracts
- Interviews & recognizing red flags
- Marketing & finding your ideal client
- Time management & burnout
- Social media profile optimization
Build Your Career
BUSINESS
Complete foundational training approved by the Newborn Care Specialist Association.
Here's what you get when you enroll.
NCSA-APPROVED TRAINING
MORE THAN JUST THE COURSE
Approximately 14 hours covering newborn care, feeding, sleep, special circumstances, professional practice, and business.
12 COURSE COMPONENTS
Guides, checklists, contracts, and other resources included throughout the program.
PRACTICAL RESOURCES
Complete the 60-question final exam after finishing the coursework to receive your certificate of completion.
FINAL EXAM
Pass the final exam and receive your Certificate of Completion from The Cradle Coach Academy.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Get lifetime access to the program and all future updates.
LIFETIME ACCESS
If you decide you want to pursue NCSA certification, you can continue through their separate certification process.
03 — NCSA certification is optional
Use your training to pursue agency work, independent clients, or add newborn care to the services you already offer.
02 — Start putting your training to work
Work through the training and complete the 60-question final exam to receive your certificate of completion.
01 — Complete the program
What happens after you finish?
Your TCCA training comes first. What you do next is up to you.
You don't have to become NCSA certified to complete this program or receive your TCCA Certificate of Completion.
"We have helped 40 families so far since launching in July. It’s a very gentle, intuitive, and very successful program. The newborn care specialist course help me to understand the complex needs of newborns, but yet how widely flexible you can be in shaping their sleep."
“The newborn care course was so helpful and informative and really helped to elevate my postpartum doula business as I added overnight support to my list of services. I am also currently taking the Cradle Coach Academy Sleep Consultant course. I have nothing but positive things to say about these trainings!”
Nicole, Balanced Sleep Co.
Amber, Postpartum Bliss
See what our graduates are doing with the training.
“My experience was great because we have the tools first hand. We were taught how we should approach certain situations and walk in confidence to do so. I recommend anyone who is looking to become a newborn specialist to make sure the right school offers the right certificate you need, and I can honestly say that The Cradle Coach Academy offers this and more.”
Claudette
How do I get started?
I'm all about over delivering to help you get results. In addition to the 12 module course, you also get:
Did someone say bonuses?
Checklists, example questions, and a roadmap to help you move from completing the training toward working with families.
NCS BUSINESS STARTER KIT
Bonus One
$297 Value
If you later decide to add remote sleep consulting, you'll receive $400 toward the TCCA Sleep Consultant Certification & Business Accelerator.
$400 SLEEP CONSULTANT CREDIT
Bonus Two
ANNA RODNEY
Founder, Chicago Family Doulas & Doula Educator
Anna has worked as a doula since 2009 and founded Chicago Family Doulas to provide professional support to families during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
Her experience supporting families and training doulas helped shape TCCA's approach to practical, professional education.
MARILYN BANSE
Certified Newborn Care Specialist, Lactation Consultant & Sleep Consultant
Marilyn is a Certified Newborn Care Specialist and Certified Lactation Consultant who went on to become a Certified Sleep Consultant.
Her experience spans newborn care, lactation, sleep, and hands-on family support.
MARLI KLAUS
Owner & Lead Instructor, The Cradle Coach Academy
Marli spent more than 13 years in corporate before building her career in pediatric sleep consulting and education.
As the owner and lead instructor at TCCA, she brings together the practical, business, and educational sides of building a professional career supporting families.
Meet the team behind the program
Why learn from us?
The Cradle Coach Academy's Newborn Care Specialist program was built by professionals who have spent years working with families, newborns, and the professionals who support them.
Common Qs and As:
I have a question...
The course is designed to be completed at your own pace. The program includes approximately 14 hours of training, followed by a 60-question final exam.
How long does the program take to complete?
Yes. The program is online, self-paced, and available 24/7, so you can work through the training on your own schedule.
Is the program self-paced?
No. The program is focused on Newborn Care Specialist training and covers the role, responsibilities, skills, and professional practice involved in newborn care.
Do I need to be a sleep consultant to take this program?
No previous newborn care experience is required. The training covers the fundamentals of newborn care, feeding, sleep, prematurity, multiples, postpartum care, professional practice, and business so you can start from zero.
Do I need previous newborn care experience?
The program covers newborn care, feeding and breastfeeding, sleep and safety, multiples, premature infant care, postpartum considerations, medical care and referrals, client communication, day/overnight/live-in care, inclusive care, and business fundamentals.
What does the training actually cover?
After completing the coursework and passing the 60-question final exam, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion from The Cradle Coach Academy. The program also includes online course access and membership in the student-only Facebook group.
What do I receive when I complete the program?
No. Completing this TCCA program and receiving your Certificate of Completion are separate from pursuing NCSA certification. If you choose to pursue NCSA certification, that is a separate step.
Is NCSA certification required?
Yes. The course includes client communication, baby-care logging, difficult conversations, daily and weekly routines, day/overnight/live-in expectations, business basics, contracts, insurance, interviews, marketing, and finding your ideal client.
Will I learn about working with families, not just caring for babies?
Marianna
Before I knew it, I was all done with it. It was so much fun! You can listen to this course anywhere and everywhere. I have learned so much. The team was extremely attentive and supportive. The Cradle Coach Academy NCS course opens windows of brand new possibilities! It is amazing.