Health Development
There are many health issues for both new parent and child at this phase of the transition process. It is usually forefront to consider the child’s health but is equally important to consider the mother’s health as well as potential issues facing other family members. Bringing home a new baby is a stress and joy filled time and changes the normal pattern of daily routine. This can lead to potential health issues for all involved. The following links cover information for both family and child; including those children with special medical or developmental needs.
This phase is the very beginning of parent and child interaction. By understanding what to expect along the way the parent can prepare ahead and know what milestones to expect and how to identify red flags.
Medicare
- Finding good medical care from a pediatrician, family physician, nurse practitioner or health department
- Recommended visits to doctor in first year of life for well-child checkups, screenings and immunizations: Within first couple weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months
- Early identification of problems – slow growth or inappropriate weight for height, maltreatment, delays, vision, hearing, language, acute and chronic diseases
Promoting Healty and Safe Habits
- Car Seats– rear facing infant seat fastened securely in the back seat of the car
- Crib safety – Firm mattress that fits snugly into the crib. Crib slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart; keep sides of crib raised
- Back to Sleep – for healthy babies, back sleeping is preferred and reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Smoke-free environment
- Never, never shake a baby
Nutrition
- Breastfeeding is best – mother eats healthy food and gets plenty of water
- If bottle feeding, give iron-fortified formula
- Do not feed honey in first year (risk of botulism for infants)
Oral Health
- To avoid harming a baby’s teeth, do not put him/her to bed with a bottle containing anything other than water
Parent Health
- Get adequate rest and eat well
- Ask for and accept help
- Engage all family members with the baby
- Manage stress
Parent-Infant Interaction
- Nurture the baby – holding, cuddling, rocking, talking, singing
- Learn about baby’s temperament and how it affects the way the baby relates to the world; babies are unique right from birth!
- Look for goodness of fit between infant temperament and parenting style and expectations
Be Involved in Community
Links