Your Body Is Your Baby’s First Crib

• Waiting 18 months will give your body time to fully recover and get your nutrition levels back to normal

• Waiting provides needed special one-on-one time with your new baby

• Not waiting 18 months can increase the risk of having your next baby be born too early or too small because your body has not had time to recover from your first pregnancy

• There are lots of birth control options – pick the one that works best for you (click here to get more information about Family Planning services at the Genesee County Health Department)

Tell your doctor if you feel depressed after childbirth

• Lots of women experience depression or sadness

• If you’ve been depressed in the past, you are more likely to get depressed during or after your pregnancy. Make sure to tell your doctor.

• If you have felt sad or down for more than two weeks, call your doctor

This time is so important for your family … and especially for your new baby. To help your child have a happy and healthy first year follow these tips for early parenting …

Breastfeed your baby

• Breastmilk is the best nutrition for your baby

• There is less risk your child will be overweight

• Breastfeeding leads to fewer ear infections

• Your baby will be better protected against sudden unexpected infant death (sometimes called SIDS)

• There is less risk of diabetes for you and your child

• Breastfeeding leads to less risk of breast cancer for you

• There are lots of local resources to help you be successful with breastfeeding (click here to find out more)

Keep your baby safe during sleep

• Place your baby to sleep on his or her back alone in the crib for every nap or sleep-time

• Remove all pillows, bumper pads, stuffed toys and other loose items from the crib

• Babies need lots of air for easy breathing – make sure there is nothing in the sleep area that could cover your baby’s face

• Don’t allow anyone to smoke anything around your baby

• Don’t overheat your baby – dress him or her in as much (or as little) clothes as you are wearing

• Use a firm mattress with tightly fitting sheets in a safe crib

• Tell anyone caring for your baby about these safe sleep tips

Play with your baby