A parent is the most important person in a baby's life. Show your baby that they can depend on you when they are happy as well as when they are sick, scared, or hurt:

 

• Respond to your baby's cries.  You cannot spoil a baby. A crying baby is letting you know that your help is needed
• Holding your baby, talking, singing and feeding your baby are all ways to show your baby that you love them and they can depend on you

 

Learn how to read your baby's cues. It takes time to get to know babies and how they communicate. When you understand what your baby's cues mean, it will be easier to meet their needs. Babies can tell you what they need by the sounds they make, different types of cries (such as hunger, boredom, pain), facial expressions, making or avoiding eye contact, and body movements.

 

Relax, and don't worry about making mistakes. All parents learn by trial and error. Try to respond to your baby in a warm, sensitive manner most of the time.

 

For more information on building a relationship with your baby, visit Programs and Resources.

 

Many new parents find that parenthood is not what they expected. This is a normal feeling.

 

Parenting can be a challenge. We can help.

 

For more information or to speak with a Public Health Nurse, please contact

York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653
TTY 1-866-252-9933

 

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