Thriving Babies
Congratulations on your newest family member! Babies sleep a lot, eat frequently, cry, require lots of diaper changes, and need a lot of love. Your baby’s brain is also working overtime—the time and love you invest in your baby now will pay off later on. Here are tips and tools to help as you start this journey.
Follow guidelines for doctor visits and the immunization schedule. Get off to a great start and protect your child from preventable diseases.
Get Started on The Basics. Guilford Basics helps families and caregivers with evidenced-based practices for everyday use to benefit young children of all backgrounds and in all corners of Guilford County.
Read to your baby starting…now! Pediatricians say that talking, reading and singing to your baby now will help him or her develop language and reading skills later on. Check out this link for great books to read to infants and toddlers.
Breastfeeding? Get support if you need it. Breast milk helps babies fight disease, prevents obesity, and helps babies’ brains develop. It can also help you lose pregnancy weight faster and lower your risk of cancer. It’s not always easy, but you can get support from other local mothers who are nursing. The Affordable Care Act also requires health insurance companies to cover the cost of a lactation consultant and breastfeeding supplies - get details here.
Get connected with Parents as Teachers (free resource!). You are your baby’s first and best teacher. This program provides free one-on-one support from a trained Parent Educator who will visit your home or meet with you elsewhere. You can also get connected with a group—another way to meet new parents. Call (336) 691-0024 or visit the website.
Help your baby develop healthy sleep patterns. Helping your baby learn how to sleep is important—for both to you! Check out these tips.
Looking for childcare? We have lots of resources to help you make the right choice for your situation. Learn more about your options and how to choose high-quality care.
Check with the experts about development milestones. These development guidelines help when you have questions about whether your child’s growth is on track. Talk with your baby’s doctor about any concerns. Learn from the experts about what works. Practicing these tips about positive parenting, safety and more can pay off both now and later in your child’s life.
Need to get connected to other resources in Guilford County? Call 2-1-1 from any phone or visit the online resource center.
Get expert advice 24/7. Find answers to your questions from early childhood experts, or ask a question of your own.
Visit the public library. Libraries in Greensboro, High Point, and Jamestown have a lot to offer, including programs just for babies and their parents. Encourage reading, have some fun and meet other parents.
Take a parenting class. Cone Health or High Point Regional - parents report making lifelong friends for themselves and their children.
Join or start a playgroup. Several local playgroups are already formed and are looking for new members.
WARNING: Important Pregnancy Information: Vaping while pregnant could cause craniofacial birth defects. Read More.
