• How will we stay connected to families with babies and toddlers?
• How will we invite new parents with the youngest children?
• How will we provide Baptism for little ones? 

Of most crucial importance is to stay connected to these families you have! “Parents are ready to provide the very best for their little ones!"  Below are some ideas for creating spaces to honor and care for our youngest and those parents and family members who love and nurture them and who seek a congregation's caring support.
 
IDEAS: 
1.  A VIRTUAL GROUP: Offer a parent/ grandparent/ caregiver group (similar to a Mom’s group)
Goal: To enable a church to connect with families and for families to connect with each other to build relationships.
Invite parents to a zoom gathering once a month or seasonally (based on holiday themes)
Keep it short, 30-35 minutes

• Offer an opening prayer and a faith quote to focus on (Do introductions) 
• ​Offer an informational segment on parenting                 
• Offer a problem solving moment when parents talk about concerns and discuss issues to solve            
• Offer time for little ones. A show & tell with a pet, a mini faith video, a Bible song video, and / or a craft     
• Introduce your caregiver (If you have one from in-person ministry.)
• Resource ideas: 101 Great Games for Infants, Toddlers & Preschoolers  (author: Jolene L. Roehlkepartian)

2.  NEWSLETTER: Create and mail a hard copy newsletter or send an E-newsletter to engage the experience of nurturing a baby with faith based language.  

• “Splash” ( from Augsburg Fortress)  For parents of newborn to 3 yr old children. This is not a digital resource. You will post a hard copy only
• Frolic by Sparkhouse  A digital e-newsletter for parents

3. VIRTUAL NURSERY PROGRAM: 

• Frolic by Sparkhouse is digital! Free trial 30 days!  
• Seasons Growing Faith Leader Guide with matching mini books/cd (not digital but easily adapted) available from Woodlake Publishing 

4.  NURSERY Greeting Card Ministry: Send out cards to mark the anniversary of a child’s Baptism and other milestones in the lives of your babies and toddlers. (Birthday, first holidays...etc)

• “Splash” https://www.augsburgfortress.org/store/search?ss=splash+greeting+cards&c=0 

5.  VIRTUAL STORYBOOK TIME:  Just for little ones & parents (Try to avoid common nap times) Offer this story time once a week or once a month. Keep it short, not more than 20 minutes and utilize holiday & faith themes.
Invite Grandparents to join their littlest grandchildren in an interactive, easy to manage setting. 
  
6.  BAPTISM: Some churches are doing a virtual ceremony from a family home.  Parents and others in the home are able to participate in a blessing for the child with water or oil at the direction of the pastoral leader. 
 
Provide an item for the baptized child as a gift from the congregation: A first book of prayers, a chalice, a blanket, a candle, a corsage, and/or other traditional items to mark the occasion.

Baptism Books and Resources: 
 
My Baptism Book  
by Sophie Piper, illustrations Dubravka Kolanovic

At Your Baptism by Carrie Steenwyk, illustrations Linda Saport

Wonderfully Made-A Keepsake Book of Faith Moments 
by Kristin Limberg and Tera Michelson, illustrations Mary Jo Scandin
  
 Splash! We Do- A Guide for Godparents from Augsburg