Dear Caregivers/Parents,

WELCOME TO THE NAS CARE RESOURCE TOOLKIT!!   

This Toolkit will provide you with valuable strategies and resources for caregiving.

HOW THIS TOOLKIT CAN HELP YOU HELP YOUR BABY:

The NAS CARE Resource ToolKit has information on how Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) can impact your baby.  Your baby may have what we call signs like crying, tremors, difficulty sleeping or feeding etc.  While this ToolKit focuses on babies impacted by NAS (which is typically from opioid exposure) the signs are similar in a baby with exposure to any substance (methamphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, alcohol etc.).  Not all babies will have these signs of withdrawal or stress.  Sometimes they may have only some of them.  Some babies have these signs at birth, and for others it may take 3-5 days or longer before signs become noticeable.  Also, the signs you see are not the same from baby to baby.  Some babies struggle right after birth and signs lessen in a few weeks. For others it may take some time before the signs become noticeable and then your baby may show signs for several months.  Many parents talk about how their baby was either constantly crying, or sleepy till about 5-6 months old when their signs changed and they seemed to ‘wake’ up.  

To help you understand the signs of NAS better please watch the short video below by Dr Loretta Finnegan. (See video Below)

In addition to explaining what NAS signs are, this ToolKit offers strategies on how to help your baby.  You just need to seach for a sign your baby is having/experiencing, and you will find different ideas about what might be happening and how to help your baby.  A team of experts have provided information to help you understand why your baby might be having these signs AND they will offer things you can do.   Remember, your baby can have different signs for many reasons, and a ‘one size fits all’ strategy does not always work. 

Please note that the strategies offered here are based on promoting healthy physical, emotional and neurodevelopment. 

Attention: This toolkit does not replace the infant’s care by their medical provider

WHAT’S IN THE TOOLKIT? 

SIGNS AND STRATEGIES

As mentioned above the NAS CARE Resource ToolKit has a description of withdrawal signs and offers strategies from a knowledgeable and caring team of professionals on how to help your baby.

TIPPS

There are also TIPs (TimeIn Parenting Strategies) that offer more parenting tips and strategies.  For example, there is a video that shows you how to do the Soothe technique a calming strategy for infants developed by Dr Kiti.  There is also a video from one of our consultant occupational therapists on Essential Interventions.   As more resources are developed they will be offered under TimeIn Parenting Strategies.

THERAPEUTIC INFANT MUSIC

We also have talented musicians who created calming and not overstimulating music for your baby.  There are currently two Therapeutic Music pieces offered at this time with another coming soon.

This ToolKit is FREE. 

To access the contents go to the ToolKit Menu. 

We will continue add to the ToolKit, so be sure to return for updates. 😊

SEARCH

To make the ToolKit as user friendly as possible you will notice that the last page in your ToolKit account is a TOOLKIT SEARCH page. Look up specific words (e.g. tremors) and you will be directed to those areas in the ToolKit.  

MENU:

The third page of the ToolKit is a menu of contents that will help you navigate throughout the kit. 

added bonus: This ToolKit was designed to help YOU! 

Using these resources can make parenting much easier.  Remember, with strategies and support you can have a better experience parenting your baby, helping you to feel more confident. Understanding and helping your baby through difficult times will positively changing their future. Using these strategies as early as possible can help prevent potential delays or difficulties. Your love and support can help them throughout this difficult time and throughout the rest of their life. 

© 2025 Dr. Kiti Freier Randall