Nobody will deny that raising kids can be overwhelming. Fussy babies don’t want to go down for bedtime, babysitters back out at the last minute, dishes pile up almost as fast as the laundry, and tykes turn up their noses at the faintest hint of distaste.
Rather than feeling ashamed for wanting a little help, parents are growing their village and reaching out to entrepreneurial locals who have created solutions to alleviate some of the stress. From vetted babysitting services to virtual sleep-training programs, these companies make parenting just a little easier.
DreamBabySleep
Started by Naples mom and certified sleep consultant Carolynne Harvey, DreamBabySleep helps newborns, toddlers and their families get some shut-eye. Virtual classes, one-on-one coaching and e-books focus on science- backed solutions and gentle training methods to soothe your little ones to sleep, from creating an enjoyable bedtime routine to setting a consistent nap schedule. Bonus: The small team of sleep consultants—all of whom are moms—also includes a lactation educator.
Naples Babysitting Company
Former educator Madison Hill thoroughly vets her bench of nearly 60 babysitters—all of whom are 18 years or older, have passed background checks and drug tests, and are CPR-certified. With the serious details out of the way, parents browse the online catalog of bios and photos to find the perfect sitter who shares their kid’s love of dance parties or board games. Sitters can escort your minis on outings, too. They might set up a beach walk with an environmental specialist or a Pure Naples cruise.
Rattled Concierge
After a difficult birth and battling postpartum depression, former t eacher and assistant principal Megan Dixon launched Rattled Concierge to help with the A to Z of new parenthood. Clients choose from packages (these also make great gifts), like the Pre-Baby Organization to set up the nursery or the Newborn Visit, which includes tasks new parents likely don’t have time for, such as laundry and dishes. You can add on tasks like walking the dog or running to the grocery store. And, if parents become reliant on this extra help, no worries—Rattled Concierge can keep working with you long after tykes are out of diapers.
Maidorganic
Raised to follow an organic lifestyle, Bonita Springs-based Sheila “Shal” Gagne is adamant about the negative effects of chemical-laden cleaning products. At Maidorganic, her team uses Sheila’s line of third-party-tested, vegan, cruelty-free, non-toxic cleaning products, which are made with organic ingredients and essential oils. And, they’ll safely sanitize pacifiers and kids’ plush toys with their antibacterial spray, which is proven to kill pesky germs like E. coli, salmonella and staph, along with mold and yeast.
Chef Daniela
After shuttering her eponymous North Naples restaurant, chef and mom-of-four Daniela Craciun turned to catering. In addition to private chef services and family-friendly at-home cooking classes, she creates heat-and-serve meals that are deceptively packed with vegetables and whole grains. (Kits are picked up at Mercato’s Harvest & Hand market or can be delivered throughout Naples.) Picky eaters will love her line of colorful pastas made with veggie purees, the crispy baked chicken nuggets and the spongy cakes that swap butter for avocado.