This fall, new and expectant parents are invited to “New Families, New Traditions,” an informal Sunday morning series at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. “Having a baby doesn’t have to be an isolating experience,” says Betsy Aldredge, spokesperson for the Museum and a newish mom herself. “‘New Families, New Traditions’ is designed to create a welcoming space for Downtown Jewish and interfaith parents to share their experiences, create a community, and learn from experts.”

While children enjoy themselves in a safe play area within the room, moms and dads can chat over bagels and coffee and explore a range of topics that befuddle new parents, such as sleep (or lack thereof) and how to create an eco-friendly home. All families are welcome, including single, adoptive, and LGBT parents. Tickets are $10 per family per program and include a light bagel brunch. Space is limited and pre-registration is required (family@mjhnyc.org, 646-437-4300). The museum is located in Battery Park City at 36 Battery Place. For more information, visit www.mjhnyc.org/newfamilies.

The first three programs:

October 2, 11 a.m.
BEDTIME BLUES WITH DREAM TEAM BABY
Sleep deprived? A sleep coach from Dream Team Baby teaches the latest tips for helping your infant or toddler nap and sleep through the night. Dream Team Baby has been featured on NBC’s “Today Show” (watch the video) and has a column on The Bump, where you can get a taste of their advice on topics such as decreasing naps, decoding types of crying, and when to stop swaddling.

November 6, 11 a.m.
GREEN BABIES WITH ALEXANDRA ZISSU
Green-living expert Alexandra Zissu, author of The Complete Organic Pregnancy and The Conscious Kitchen, shares the latest information about the best environmentally friendly products and practices. “I have my kid to thank for turning me into an eco-obsessed author,” she has written. “In 2005, when I was thinking about trying to get pregnant, a friend asked how I’d make the rest of my pregnancy as organic as the food I ate. I began researching and was horrified to discover that everyday products on store shelves—cosmetics, crib mattresses, toys, even things like paint, shower curtains, nail polish, and yoga mats—aren’t for the most part safe.”

December 4, 11 a.m.
DECEMBER DILEMMA WITH JULIE WIENER
Julie Wiener—mother, writer, interfaith family columnist for The Jewish Week—has experienced and written about many of the challenges that come from being in an interfaith marriage. With insight and humor, she’ll share some of her tips for navigating the holiday season with a minimum of stress.

Spring events will be announced at a later date. “New Families, New Traditions” is funded through generous support from the UJA-Federation of New York. Additional support is provided by the Margaret Neubart Foundation Trust. This post was sponsored by the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust.