Now that your baby is born, there are many things you should do to keep him happy and healthy. Healthy kids become healthy adults. Without being healthy, it is much harder for a child to succeed in life. That's why FIRST 5 actively supports programs that help provide access to health care so children are born healthy and develop into healthy adults. Programs include:
Early Screening and Assessment: Identifying and treating developmental concerns

Healthy Kids: Providing healthcare access for children in the first 5 years of life

Oral Health Services: Providing oral health education and services

Therapeutic Services: Providing therapeutic and family support intervention services

Tips for keeping your baby healthy

• Immunize your baby. Start your baby’s shots on time and keep the shots up-to-date. Ask the doctor what to expect after each shot.
• Take your baby’s shot record with you to every doctor visit and keep this record with you. You will need it for school and childcare.
• Protect your baby’s teeth. Do not let your baby fall asleep with a bottle of juice or milk.
• Wipe or brush your baby’s teeth every day. Do not use toothpaste.
• Give your baby a variety of healthy foods and water instead of sweet drinks; When your baby is about 6 months old you can start to feed her solid foods.
• Never give honey or foods made with honey to babies under one year; your baby could get very sick or even die.
• Feed your baby when your baby is hungry. Do not try to feed your baby on an artificial schedule.
• When your baby starts solid food, add one new food a week. Watch for any allergic reactions such as rashes or breathing difficulties.
• Give your baby small servings.
• Don’t give foods your baby can choke on, like hot dogs, popcorn, grapes and peanut butter. Also limit sugary, salty and fatty foods.
• Take your baby to the dentist at least once a year starting at age one.
• Don’t smoke around your baby and protect him from second hand smoke.
• Protect your baby from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS); put her to sleep on her back.
• Don’t place soft stuffed toys, pillows or bumper pads in the crib with your baby.
• Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of SIDS; breastfed babies are generally healthier and more resistant to disease.
• Protect your baby from too much sun; apply sunscreen on him before going outdoors and choose a stroller with a hood.

For additional information on keeping your baby healthy:

www.nutrition-abc.com: Suggestions and examples of healthy eating habits for children and families.

www.empoweredparents.com: Empowered Parents: Contains various articles for parents/caregivers to review.

www.babycenter.com: Allows you to track your baby's development week by week through pregnancy and beyond.

www.kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/ : Baby basics including communicating, feeding, sleep and play.