Join the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers (NCIT) and the early childhood community during the month of May in raising the alarm for needed investments and solutions for the key issues impacting infants and toddlers! If your organization has an event, workshop, or report release during the month of May, ensure that it is added to our calendar for May All Babies Thrive Activities. You can submit your event details and any supplemental materials here for inclusion during the month’s activities.
The NCIT celebrates infants and toddlers throughout May – from National Baby Day to raising awareness about the key issues impacting their health and development. Explore and share what’s happening this month using the toolkit below:
Today marks the start of the #May4Babies Month of Action! Join us throughout the month in raising the alarm for needed investments and solutions for the key issues impacting infants and toddlers such as nutrition, child care, and mental health. #NCIT #PN3
How can you participate?
Important Days:
May 1: May all Babies Thrive Month Kickoff
May 2: National Baby Day – #NationalBabyDay
May 5: International Day of the Midwife
May 8: Provider Appreciation Day
May 13: Day Without Child Care
Sample Social Media Posts:
Sample Facebook and LinkedIn Post 1:
May is here, and so is the celebration of May All Babies Thrive Month!
Join us at the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers as we shine a spotlight on the well-being of our youngest children throughout May.
Every baby deserves the best start in life, and together, we can make it happen!
Stay tuned for inspiring stories, helpful resources, and exciting events dedicated to promoting the health and development of infants and toddlers.
Let’s come together to ensure that every baby thrives!
#MayAllBabiesThrive #InfantAndToddlerWellness #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #NationalCollaborativeIT
Sample Facebook and LinkedIn Post 2:
Join us in celebrating May All Babies Thrive Month with the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers! Throughout May, we’re shining a spotlight on initiatives that support the well-being of our youngest children.
Together, let’s advocate for policies that ensure every baby has the opportunity to thrive. Stay tuned for inspiring stories, events, and resources to support our mission.
#MayAllBabiesThrive #InfantWellBeing #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment
Sample X (Twitter) Post:
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Saturday, May 2, is Baby Day! Join @ZEROTOTHREE for a digital day of action urging Congress to #ThinkBabies by investing in what families need to thrive – affordable child care, an enhanced Child Tax Credit, paid family and medical leave, and stronger support for early childhood mental health and Early Head Start.
Use this toolkit to share the #NationalBabyDay message with your networks and encourage them to tell Congress to fight for their littlest constituents.
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Tell Congress to invest in the policies and programs babies need to thrive!
It’s #NationalBabyDay! Today and every day, we’re pushing for what infants and toddlers need. Congress, we need more than just baby steps on the policies your youngest, cutest constituents need to thrive! #ThinkBabies #May4Babies
On #NationalBabyDay, here is our wish list for Congress to #ThinkBabies!
#PaidLeaveforAll
High-quality, affordable #childcare
Enhanced #ChildTaxCredit
Investments in #EarlyHeadStart, #MentalHealth services, and the #ChildWelfare system
Babies’ early relationships form the foundation for all learning and development that follows. We must support parents, families, and early childhood professionals during this critical period. #NationalBabyDay #ThinkBabies #May4Babies
Poverty affects babies’ healthy development and disproportionately impacts Black and Latino families. #NationalBabyDay #ThinkBabies #May4Babies
There are more than 11 million infants and toddlers in the U.S. and they need us to change more than just diapers. What better way to celebrate #NationalBabyDay than to prioritize their needs. #paidleave #mentalhealth #childcare #EarlyHeadStart #economicsecurity #ThinkBabies
Babies’ brains develop faster from birth to age 3 than at any other time of life. On #NationalBabyDay, urge Congress to #ThinkBabiesandAct by investing in policies that support their ability to learn, grow, and thrive. #May4Babies
#ChildCare #CareCantWait
Access to affordable, high-quality child care is critical for families and supports babies’ development. On #NationalBabyDay, tell Congress to invest in a child care system that meets the diverse needs of families with infants and toddlers. #ThinkBabiesandAct [tweet congress link]
The future begins with babies! When families have access to high-quality #childcare, it lays the foundation for a strong start. Let’s prioritize the quality care babies need for healthy development. #ThinkBabies #NationalBabyDay
Early childhood professionals play a critical role in the healthy development of the babies in their care. Policymakers must #ThinkBabiesandAct to offer them the support, resources, and compensation they need to provide high-quality care and support their own families. #NationalBabyDay #CareCantWait
Infant-toddler care costs more than college tuition in 35 states and DC. Urge your Members of Congress to #ThinkBabiesandAct so families can afford the high-quality care their babies deserve. #CareCantWait #NationalBabyDay [tweet congress link]
#EconomicSecurity #ChildTaxCredit #CTC
Poverty gets under a baby’s skin, undermining brain development and physical health. We must ensure #economicsecurity for families to create an environment where all babies can thrive. #NationalBabyDay #ThinkBabies
We can ensure families have what they need to care for their babies and toddlers – safe housing, nutritious food, diapers and clothing, and access to medical care. Economic stability is essential during this critical period of growth and development. #NationalBabyDay #ThinkBabies
The expansion of the federal #ChildTaxCredit will help families meet basic needs and reduce material hardship. Urge the Senate to expand the CTC to support families with infants & toddlers. #NationalBabyDay #ThinkBabiesandAct [tweet congress link]
Poverty among American Indian/Alaska Native and Black infants and toddlers is nearly 2X the national average, affecting more than 1 in 3 babies. It’s time to invest in policies that ensure #economicsecurity for all families. #NationalBabyDay #ThinkBabies
#PaidLeave #PaidLeaveforAll #CareCantWait
Caring, consistent relationships help establish a baby’s ability to learn & form positive relationships. Urge Congress to establish a comprehensive national paid family and medical leave program so families can get the time they need with their babies during this critical period. #
NationalBabyDay #ThinkBabiesandAct #PaidLeaveforAll [tweet congress link]
For #NationalBabyDay, 3 things babies (Heart) about #paidleave:
The people they know best are there to care for them.
It’s good for their health & (down arrow) infant mortality!
Their families can focus on caring for them without worrying about $$$.
#ThinkBabiesandAct #PaidLeaveforAll
More than 85% of working people in the U.S. do not have #paidleave through their employers, meaning parents must make impossible choices between caring for their babies and losing their paycheck. Let’s ensure #paidleave for all working people. #NationalBabyDay #ThinkBabies #PaidLeaveforAll
The time after birth or adoption is an essential time of development, growth & learning for babies. We need a national paid family and medical leave policy that is available for all working people and offers a meaningful length of leave. We need #PaidLeaveforAll now. #NationalBabyDay #ThinkBabies
Practices like #paidleave are associated with lower infant mortality and reduced occurrence and length of childhood illnesses. It’s time to ensure all families have access to paid family and medical leave. #NationalBabyDay #ThinkBabies
#EarlyHeadStart
Only 11% of eligible children get #EarlyHeadStart services? But we know it works! Congress, that doesn’t make sense. #ThinkBabiesandAct and invest. #NationalBabyDay
#EarlyHeadStart creates opportunities for both parents and children, helping families improve their economic security and ensure babies are on a strong path to lifelong learning. Let’s invest in this evidence-based program. #NationalBabyDay #ThinkBabies
Let’s invest in #EarlyHeadStart to support the healthy development of babies, toddlers, and pregnant people who rely on these services.
#NationalBabyDay #ThinkBabies
Access to high-quality early childhood education programs is essential for ensuring all children, regardless of income, have the same opportunities to succeed. Let’s advocate for increased investment in programs like #EarlyHeadStart. #NationalBabyDay #ThinkBabies
#EarlyHeadStart is the only federal program focused on early learning experiences of babies living in families with incomes below the poverty line, but it only reaches 11% of eligible babies. Urge Congress to #ThinkBabiesandAct and expand access to this essential program: [tweet congress link] #NationalBabyDay
#MentalHealth #IECMH
A baby’s social and emotional development is the heart of all future learning and growth. This #NationalBabyDay, raise your voice for infant and early childhood #mentalhealth. #ThinkBabiesandAct #IECMH
Infant and early childhood #mentalhealth is critical for young children’s development. Tell your policymakers to invest in prevention and treatment services to support babies’ social and emotional well-being. #NationalBabyDay #ThinkBabiesandAct #IECMH [tweet congress link]
#Mentalhealth and social and emotional development starts at the beginning, well before babies even utter their first words. Congress, investing in prevention and treatment is key from the start. #NationalBabyDay #ThinkBabies #IECMH
Don’t forget about the babies! The national conversation around #mentalhealth is growing, but too often, the needs of infants and toddlers are left out. Let’s invest in a national structure to provide foundational mental health services to our youngest children. #NationalBabyDay #ThinkBabies #IECMH
Infant and early childhood #mentalhealth is how babies experience, express and regulate emotions; form secure positive relationships; and expand their environment and capacity to learn. We must prioritize social and emotional development from the start. #NationalBabyDay #ThinkBabies #IECMH
#ChildWelfare, #FamilySupport
We need to transform #childwelfare policy and prioritize the positive, healthy development of babies and toddlers. This means promoting prevention, enhancing court oversight, and embedding early childhood development principles in child welfare systems. #ThinkBabies #NationalBabyDay
This #NationalBabyDay, let’s take action to strengthen families to reduce the nearly 200k babies who experience maltreatment every year. They’re counting on us to #ThinkBabiesandAct and invest in the #childwelfare system: [tweet congress link]
The lack of stability for babies in foster care can disrupt their emotional health and cognitive development. It’s time to invest in policies that remove systemic obstacles for families to strengthen early child/parent relationships. #ThinkBabies #NationalBabyDay #FamilySupport
Today, we honor the strength of mothers who grieve. Your love matters. Your story matters. You are not alone. Loss doesn’t take away motherhood. Today, we remember and uplift bereaved moms everywhere. Let’s break the silence around pregnancy and infant loss. Share, remember, and advocate with us.
Resources:
https://nationalshare.org/
https://firstcandle.org/
https://rtzhope.org/
https://resolve.org/
https://sistersinloss.com/
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is a campaign focused on raising awareness of mental health challenges before, during, and after pregnancy. It aims to support women and families, reduce stigma, and connect people to the care and resources they need to recover and thrive.
Resources: https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/get-involved/maternal-mental-health-awareness-week/
Rolitta M. Dawson, CNM, is a certified nurse midwife specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.
A down-to-earth people person, she embraces working with patients of all backgrounds and life experiences. As a child and teen, she was inspired to pursue a career in medicine. In her senior year of college, she discovered midwifery, which sparked her passion for maternal-child health, patient, and family centered care.
In her spare time, she enjoys scrapbooking, reading, watching movies, cooking and getting fit with Zumba.
“My approach to care is that I am just one member of a big team, and the only way that team can work well is for everyone to take part. ‘Teamwork makes the dream work’ – author unknown.” Rolitta M. Dawson, CNM
Black moms don’t need to be stronger. They need to be supported. Today, we hold space for stories — of survival, loss, joy, fear, and strength. If you’re a Black mom, or you love one: What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your experience?
Your voice matters. Your life matters. Your birth experience matters.
Tag a Black mom who inspires you on social media.
Drop a ✊🏽 if you believe Black moms deserve better.
Volunteers in New Jersey launched Provider Appreciation Day in 1996 to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for children of working parents. Celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day, the event has grown each year and now includes:
Child Care Aware of America convenes Provider Appreciation Day® each year to amplify our nation’s collective gratitude for those who support our youngest children’s social, emotional, and physical care.
Celebrate Provider Appreciation Day 2026 by Saying #ThankYouChildCare
We invite you to show your gratitude for the child care workforce by recording a video as part of the #ThankYouChildCare campaign.
Some tips for recording a great video:
Take things to the next level by using our partner toolkit here, and accessing video promotion resources here.
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Today, on Birth Mother’s Day, we honor the love, strength, and selflessness of birth moms — those who made the courageous decision to place a child for adoption.
Your story matters. Your love is seen. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Resources:
https://www.bravelove.org/
https://birthmotherthoughts.com/
Happy Mother’s Day to the incredible moms who show up with love every single day.
Today, we celebrate ALL mothers:
The ones raising their children with strength and grace.
The ones experiencing the joys and challenges of motherhood.
The ones grieving, remembering, and honoring their babies.
The ones who made difficult choices for their children’s future.
You are seen. You are loved. You are powerful.
No matter how you experience this day, we honor your story and the many ways motherhood shapes us all.
Share a memory or tag a mom who deserves extra love today.
Observed each year on the Monday following Mother’s Day, National Women’s Checkup Day is a powerful reminder for women to prioritize their health and well-being. This day encourages women to schedule regular checkups, stay up to date on preventive screenings, and take an active role in managing their overall health.
For mothers and caregivers especially, prioritizing your own health is essential—not just for you, but for your family. When women have access to consistent, quality care, it leads to healthier pregnancies, stronger families, and better outcomes for babies and toddlers. Preventive care can help detect potential health concerns early, manage chronic conditions, and support both physical and mental well-being.
National Women’s Checkup Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of equitable access to care. Many women—particularly Black women and those in underserved communities—face barriers to receiving the care they need. Raising awareness and advocating for accessible, high-quality healthcare is key to ensuring that all women can thrive.
Take action today: Schedule your annual checkup, encourage the women in your life to do the same, and talk with your healthcare provider about screenings, mental health, and any concerns you may have.
Follow us on social media to learn more and see how we’re uplifting women’s health as part of May All Babies Thrive Month.
On May 11, #DayWithoutChildCare, child care providers, parents, and supporters are walking out of our places of work to illustrate how our economy relies on child care. We are calling on our elected leaders to act quickly to solve America’s child care crisis. At the federal level, the Democrats’ reconciliation package offers us a once in a generation opportunity to acknowledge the incredible value that caregiving and caregivers add to our economy and to help families struggling with their rising child care costs.
**If you have any questions, please contact Jaya Chatterjee (jchatterjee@communitychange.org) and Meredith Loomis Quinlan (mquinlan@communitychange.org) at Community Change.
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Every Second Counts—Learn Infant and Toddler CPR
Cardiac emergencies in babies and toddlers can occur without warning. Knowing how to perform CPR can make the difference between life and death. Immediate action can double or even triple a child’s chance of survival.
Today, we emphasize the importance of learning CPR techniques specific to infants and young children. Empower yourself with the skills to act swiftly and confidently in emergencies.
Resources: American Heart Association – Infant CPR Anytime® Training Kit
A self-directed, at-home training kit that teaches infant CPR and choking relief in about 30 minutes. Ideal for parents, grandparents, and caregivers.
🔗 Infant CPR Anytime Training Kit https://cpr.heart.org/en/training-programs/community-programs/community-resources/infant-cpr
🔗 Infant CPR Anytime (Video) https://youtu.be/MixkFGfveyQ?si=nznak4zKKYWR8Jpy
🔗 How to perform Child CPR with an AED (Video) https://youtu.be/dfE6ixuRfjQ?si=OFrl2Gaz9HsKkQxB
All children develop at their own pace—and every child deserves support that meets their unique strengths and needs.
When we identify developmental differences early and connect families with the right services, we empower children with special needs to thrive from the very start.
Let’s create an inclusive world where every baby and toddler gets the care, attention, and opportunities they deserve.
https://www.zerotothree.org/early-development/children-with-special-needs
https://www.understood.org/
Help us to celebrate by wishing a “Happy Birthday Head Start!” on social media. You can use this toolkit to help your social media posts: https://socialpresskit.com/natlheadstart
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May 19, 2026
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. CST
Doulas have been shown to reduce cesarean rates, lower preterm birth risk, and improve postpartum outcomes, yet integrating them into health care settings remains a challenge. In this session, certified doulas Averjill Lacey and Angela Daniel of A&A Doula Consulting draw on over 30 combined years of perinatal health experience to explore what meaningful doula integration looks like in practice.
As founders of the Doula Friendly Initiative, Averjill and Angela bring a unique lens to building systems that truly welcome doulas as part of the care team. Attendees will learn about the full scope of doula care, the latest research on clinical outcomes, and the real-world barriers facing patients, doulas, and health care facilities alike.
The session offers practical strategies for building collaborative, inclusive care teams, including co-learning opportunities, policy development, and accountability frameworks, so that every birthing person has access to the support they deserve.
https://ncit.org/event/doula-integration-increasing-collaboration-to-transform-care/
This session will equip paid leave, early childhood, and parent advocates with practical tips and insights to add NICU /PICU leave to their policy and advocacy efforts. Join us to learn how this emerging policy can bring in new voices and champions, strengthen paid leave campaigns, and build momentum for further paid leave work. We will highlight the unique paid leave needs of NICU families and share how the NICU Parent Network has successfully engaged parents – and legislators – to advocate for policy change.
Co-Hosts:
* Jacy Montoya Price, Senior Director of Advocacy and Issue Campaigns, Alliance for Early Success
* Raquel Bueno-Morales, National Senior Advocacy Consultant, National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers (NCIT)
Featured speakers:
* Gabrielle Wynn, Staff Attorney at A Better Balance
* Keira Sorrels, Founder & Executive Director of the NICU Parent Network
* Jennifer Stout, Early Childhood Education Policy Analyst, Voices for Utah Children
Explore their work and resources: https://www.thenaabb.org/
May 25–29 is Influencer Week in the May All Babies Thrive toolkit—a week dedicated to celebrating the diverse, real-life stories that continue to inspire our work and connect us to families everywhere.
This year, we’re excited to welcome back some familiar faces as they take over our social media platforms and share moments from their everyday lives. From life on a working farm, to the joyful chaos of raising quadruplet toddlers, to a dance studio owner navigating business and life with a new baby, each story offers a unique window into the many ways families thrive.
We’ll also get a candid glimpse of one of our NCIT staff members juggling toddler life at home—because our advocacy is always rooted in lived experience.
And returning from a fan-favorite takeover last year, we’ll also revisit the warmth and joy shared by two dads navigating life with their daughter—moments that resonated deeply with our community and continue to remind us what love and connection look like in everyday parenting.
Together, these stories highlight the beauty, complexity, and resilience of family life, while reinforcing our shared commitment to ensuring all babies have the strongest start possible.
Lifting Up Single Parents
Single parents show incredible strength every day—navigating feedings, work, milestones, and midnight snuggles, often without a backup. They deserve recognition, respect, and real support.
Whether it’s access to quality child care, paid leave, or community resources, supporting single parents helps babies thrive too.
Tag a single parent you admire—or share what helped you most when parenting solo.
Resources:
https://www.parentswithoutpartners.org
https://www.singleparentadvocate.org
Babies and their families from every state and DC will come to Washington, DC on June 9, 2026 for Strolling Thunder, to share their stories and call on Congress to write a new chapter for our nation that prioritizes infants, toddlers , and their families. more info here: Strolling Thunder 2026 | Think Babies™
