Support for Your Baby

As a parent, you want to give your child a good start in life—you nurture, protect and guide them. As your baby grows and develops, there are many things you can do to help keep your baby safe and healthy.

Feeding your baby

Did you know that good nutrition during the first two years of life matters most for growth and development? That’s a fact, but there is no perfect way to feed your baby. Every baby has different needs, and every parent does too. Find what works for both of you.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a great source of nutrition for most babies, especially during the first six months. Breastfeeding can also protect you and your baby from some illnesses and diseases. But nearly 70% of birth parents in the US struggle with breastfeeding. It can be hard for parents, especially in the first few days and weeks. If you feel challenged, you’re not alone!

Find out what to expect during your first few days at home with your new baby.
Learn the facts about breastfeeding and the benefits for you and your baby.

Learn about where to get support on your breastfeeding journey.

Formula Feeding

Every baby is different. Talk with your child’s doctor or nurse if you have questions about choosing an infant formula for your baby or if you are thinking of switching infant formula brand or type. If formula is the best option for you and your baby, check out:

Safety Do’s and Don’ts list from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Infant formula feeding information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on:
- How to choose an infant formula.
- How to prepare, clean, and store the formula.
- How much and how often to feed your baby.
- What to do if there is a shortage of formula.

Babies younger than 12 months old should be fed infant formulas specifically designed to meet their nutritional needs. If you have questions about your baby’s growth or how much infant formula your baby is taking, talk with your child’s doctor or nurse.

Sleep

Babies do not have regular sleep cycles until they are about six months old. Different babies have different sleep needs, and those needs will change with time. While you adjust your sleep schedule (and lose a little sleep too), you can help your baby sleep safely and get the best sleep so they can grow up healthy.

Here are some basic steps to follow:

Place your baby on their back for all sleep times—naps and at night.
Use a firm, flat sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib.
Keep soft bedding such as blankets, pillows, bumper pads, and soft toys out of your baby’s sleep area.
Have your baby share your room, not your bed until your baby is at least six months old.

Read frequently asked questions about safe sleep practices.

Safety

Your baby is now a part of your family. Now is the time to make sure your home is as safe as possible for a new baby. As a parent, it is your job to ensure your baby is safe. Here are a few safety tips to always remember:

Do not shake your baby―ever! Babies have very weak neck muscles that are not yet able to support their heads.
Always put your baby to sleep on their back to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (known as SIDS) and create a safe sleep area for your baby.
Protect your baby and family from secondhand smoke. Do not allow anyone to smoke in your home or your car.
Place your baby in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat while riding in a car. Use this tool from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to find the right car seat for your baby.
Never carry hot liquids or foods near your baby or while holding them.
Visit SaferProducts.gov to make sure the products you are using are safe for your baby. This is very important if you are using second-hand baby items.

Hygiene

Safe and healthy hygiene habits are important for all ages, but they are most important when your children are very young and in diapers.

Learn safe diapering and infant feeding practices to reduce the spread of germs. This will also help keep you and other children and caregivers in your life from getting sick.

Find useful tips on infant bathing and skin care.

Health

You can find the information you need on the CDC’s website about how to help keep you and your baby healthy and safe. This includes information on things like:

Developmental Milestones

Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye-bye” are called developmental milestones. Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, behave, and move (like crawling, walking, or jumping).

Here are some things you can do with your baby to help them develop and bond with you:

Talk to your baby. They will find your voice calming.
Answer when your baby makes sounds by repeating the sounds and adding words. This will help them learn to use language.
Read to your baby. This will help them develop and understand language and sounds.
Sing to your baby and play music. This will help your baby develop a love for music and will help their brain development.
Praise your baby and give them lots of loving attention.
Spend time cuddling and holding your baby. This will help them feel cared for and secure.
Play with your baby when they’re alert and relaxed. Watch your baby closely for signs of being tired or fussy so that he can take a break from playing.
Distract your baby with toys and move them to safe areas when they start moving and touching things that they shouldn’t touch.
Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Parenting can be hard work! It is easier to enjoy your new baby and be a positive, loving parent when you are feeling good yourself.

You can also download the CDC’s Milestone Tracker App to track your child’s milestones from age two months to five years with CDC’s easy-to-use illustrated checklists, get tips from CDC for encouraging your child’s development, and find out what to do if you are ever concerned about how your child is developing.