Your baby doesn't need you to fill every wake window with entertainment
Your baby doesn't need you to fill every wake window with entertainment.
They are driven to explore the world through their own play. You just need to know how to support it.
They are driven to explore the world through their own play. You just need to know how to support it.
From a teacher & Montessori early childhood educator of 10+ years, mom
You'd do anything for your baby and were told 'good' moms make the most of every moment. But now wake windows are getting longer and you're wondering how you could possibly keep this up...
You're not alone. Everyone is overloaded with noise online that makes us think:
More stimulation means smarter baby
More engagement means stronger bond
Stepping back means missing something important
Wanting a moment to drink your coffee instead of waving a toy at your baby means you care less
But here's what research shows:
Your baby has 2 core needs: a responsive relationship with you AND the freedom to explore the world through their own self-directed (aka independent) play.
And stepping back at the right moment actually supports both attachment AND development better than constant stimulation.
It also happens to be much more relaxing and enjoyable for you... which helps you show up as the parent you want to be.
That's baby-led play.
A simple daily rhythm of connection and independent play that gives your baby exactly what they need and lets you enjoy this important season a lot more.
No fancy toys, play invitations, or 75-page activity guides needed. Your baby is wired for this when the conditions are right.
What other moms had to say:
Inside the challenge you’ll learn a piece of the PLAY Framework each day that will show you how to unlock this incredible rhythm at every stage of your baby's development
Here's how the P.L.A.Y Framework comes to life over 5 days:
You'll have instant access to day 1's lesson & action step when you sign up!
DAY 1:
WELCOME TO THE CHALLENGE
Baby-Led Play is about more than getting your baby to play independently. It's about seeing when to give your baby the support they need to feel secure, and the space they need to feel capable.
That means we need to bust myths about what 'good' parents do and see what research shows your baby actually needs so you can tune out the rest!
DAY 2:
P IS FOR PREPARATION
In many alternative education philosophies, the classroom is known as the "third teacher" because of how much children learn through their interactions with their environment. And some of these things they CAN'T learn from us.
On Day 2, you’ll discover how to tweak your space to unlock this powerful teacher and inspire your baby to play and work on skills they are ready for!
DAY 3:
L IS FOR LEAD WITH CONNECTION
Does it often feel like you’re either glued to your baby 24/7 or “ignoring” them to get a moment to breathe?
On Day 3, you’ll discover how intentional connection can actually unlock your baby's ability to explore on their own, and this rhythm of connection and exploration will not only give you a break, but builds strong attachment and self-confidence too!
DAY 4:
A IS FOR ALLOW FOR AUTONOMY
You want to let your baby play on their own, but the moment you step back you feel the pressure or the guilt to jump back in, amIrite?
On Day 4, you’ll go deeper into why it's so important to give your baby space-- for both you and them! You’ll also find out how to nurture your baby's concentration and build their stamina for play without pushing or forcing it.
DAY 5:
Y IS FOR YIELD TO REALITY
On Day 5, we're putting everything together through the lens of what only you know: your unique baby.
In this final day, we'll talk about releasing what's not in your control, and adjusting for what is.
Because when you stop getting caught up in your expectations for how things should be and start flowing with what they are, you'll actually unlock more capability in your baby...and more peace, presence and joy for yourself.
What's included:
Lifetime access to the 5 Day Challenge video/audio lessons
Daily action steps so you feel progress every day
Support in the lesson comments with responses within 48 hours
LIMITED-TIME BONUS: When you complete the post-challenge survey, I'll give you the Connected Learning Activity Library for 0-18 months- FREE! These are podcast-style audios explaining the most high-impact things you can do to support language, movement, and social-emotional development during connection time at each stage of your baby's development!
My Guarantee
Work through the lessons and engage in the comments. If you show up and don't feel like you got what you came for, just email me within the first 10 days for a full refund. No hoops.
Hi there! I'm Alexis.
I'm a mom and teacher/early childhood educator of 10+ years.
When my son Wyatt was born, I quickly saw that the same damaging “more is more" myth I’d experienced in education was alive and well in parenting: that more teaching, more activities, and more engagement is somehow better.
I'm tired of watching parents & children struggle because of this myth since research paints a very different picture of what babies need most for their development and your bond.
With Baby-Led Play, I'll show you how to confidently support your baby in a way that is actually better for everyone in the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age baby is this for?
Best for parents of babies 0-12 months.
The content goes up to 18 months so if you are on the edge of that range you can still join!
It's never too late, it's just a lot easier/feels more natural for everyone the earlier you start.
What if I have a baby that doesn't seem to like independent play?
I have worked with moms of velcro babies and babies who seem to need constant entertainment and I have yet to have one of these moms come through the challenge and not notice a huge change in their baby's interest in independent play.
Do I need any special equipment or toys?
If you have a baby 0-6 months old, a Play Gym is very helpful. You can often find them on used marketplaces.
Other than that- nope! I have recommendations for types of toys, but in general there are not specific ones you need.
How do I access everything?
Everything can be accessed through the Go Kollab App. Simple instructions for getting it set up will be found in your welcome email!
Is this evidence-based?
The Baby-Led Play P.L.A.Y. Framework was built based on attachment theory, Montessori and R.I.E. Approaches to infant development, 10+ years of elementary and early childhood education experience, countless education and parenting books, as well as conversations and courses from pediatric occupational therapists and speech language pathologists.
I know it says 5 days...what's the actual time commitment?
I broke this into 5 days so you could take one important step each day. That being said... the daily lessons only take 15-20 minutes, and then the daily action is typically something you'll do when spending time with your baby anyway!
So all said and done, this challenge will take you less than 2 hours.
Your baby’s first year goes faster than anyone warns you about. You don’t have to spend it exhausting yourself doing more than what really matters.