Setting up a Baby Café

​With BCUSA support resources and a proven model to follow, the process of setting up and operating a Baby Café site can be uncomplicated and time efficient.

Why the Baby Café Model Works

Baby Café Model Standards

  • Licensed by Baby Café USA with a signed License Agreement 
  • ​Uses the trademarked logo and branding​ in marketing materials ​​
  • Fully funded by the applicant
  • Staffed by approved Facilitators
  • Open weekly in informal settings with a baby scale on site
  • Linked with local health care providers and family resources
  • Free to all parents seeking breastfeeding support/ information
 
​Note: To view PDFs of the License Agreement & Staffing Guidelines see bottom of page -
Baby Café Application Support Documentation  

​ FAQs for Professionals

​ What do I need to do to start a Baby Café? 
  • Register in the form @ bottom of this page -  you'll be emailed a Starter Kit
  • Find a sponsor - e.g. Public Health organization, hospital, physician group (a sample proposal is included in Starter Kit) 
  • Secure funding- staff is paid the going rate for hours worked @ Café sessions (suggested Funding Sources)
  • Find a location with public-access  (most Cafés are in donated spaces ie: churches, libraries, YMCAs)
  • Find Staff to cover Café sessions, including back-up for emergencies (Guidelines included in the Starter Kit)
  • Be able to meet the Licensing Agreement requirements (download below: Application Support Documentation) 
​ What does it cost to open and operate a Baby Café? 
  • ​Application is free 
  • Initial license is $1000.00 (includes training of staff) 
  • Annual license renewal is $300 
  • Lower cost for Cluster Model sites (see document at bottom of this page)
  • Operating costs range from $8,000 to $20,000 per year, depending on the pay rate of your staff and Tier of your Café  
  • Extra costs you may incur: Marketing, snacks, improvements to space, baby scale, etc.
  • We recommend budgeting at least $1500 for start-up 
  • ​View Baby Café Fee Schedule   
             (to Download a PDF version of the Fee Schedule see the Baby Café Application Support Documentation
              table at the bottom of this page)   
​ WHAT IS THE APPLICATION and LICENSING PROCESS? ​
  • Fill out Application Form (see Sample Application Form at bottom of page) 
  • Receive approval 
  • Pay the invoice and sign the Licensing Agreement     
             (to Download a PDF version of the Licensing Agreement [License Agreement 9-23.pdf] see the 
              Baby Café Application Support Documentation table at the bottom of this page)   
  • Receive License Certificate and bound Toolkit 
  • Schedule and attend the training delivered via Webcast from BCUSA
  • Open the Baby Café 
  • Have a Grand Opening (can be scheduled a few months after a soft opening) 
​ MAY I SELL ITEMS AT THE CAFÉ? ​
No. Baby Cafés do not market or sell anything. If you use supplies like Nipple Shields, you may ask parents to leave a donation.
I HAVE A PRIVATE PRACTICE- MAY I book/perform those CONSULTS AT OR AFTER A CAFÉ? ​​
​No, Baby Café is a group format. You also may not self-refer for an issue needing one-to-one intervention. You may provide a list of local IBCLCs who offer private consults, and it may include you, or refer to your hospital’s outpatient department. You may also refer your private patients to your Café for free follow-up.
WHERE MAY I LOCATE A BABY CAFE? ​​
In welcoming community-based donated spaces such as Hospital, Churches, Libraries, Milk Banks, YMCAs, Parent/child meeting areas, WIC Offices, Pediatrician/OB offices, and Chiropractor offices. We encourage creativity.
ARE THERE SPACES WHERE I CANNOT LOCATE BABY CAFE? ​​
​Spaces/places which advertise or promote a specific product, service, political, or culturally sensitive agenda. Contact us with any questions you may have regarding your application.
DO BABY CAFES PROMOTE OR DICTATE CERTAIN BELIEFS? ​​
No. Baby Cafes never promote a certain religious, political, or parenting belief. They are structured as an open-forum discussion, guided by evidence-based practice. Their purpose is to help parents reach their own breastfeeding and/or chestfeeding goals.
IS BABY CAFÉ USA ASSOCIATED WITH ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION? ​​
Baby Café USA is a free-standing organization and receives no funding or backing from any other organization, business, or political party. We are a WHO-code compliant organization.

Would you like to learn more or apply? 

Baby Café Starter Kit:
​
​To receive an Information Starter Kit and/or
​connect with a ​BCUSA Administrator, please
​fill out the enquiry form below:
​
Ready to Apply? 

Please first download and review the Application Support Documents listed below and then select the Launch Baby Café Application button to open the on-line Baby Café application :
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