Babies spend a lot of time sleeping and eating.
Here are some tips and resources:
Feeding your baby
- Deciding to breastfeed/chestfeed is an important health choice. The Philly Loves Families team supports you feeding your baby in whatever way is best for your family. For most infants, breast milk is the best source of nutrition.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants receive only breast milk until 6 months of age, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced. Breastfeeding is recommended for 1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant.
- The City provides one-on-one support for families as well as education, training, and support for health care providers who work with pregnant or breastfeeding people. Connect with Breastfeeding Counseling here.
- The Pacify app is a free resource for all Philadelphia families. Pacify provides 24/7 live support for all sorts of breastfeeding/infant-feeding questions such as milk supply, latch, engorgement, medication(s), hunger cues, feeding patterns, weaning, introducing solids, and more. Learn more about the Pacify app and be sure to use enrollment code PHILLY for free sign-up.
Safe sleep
- One of the most important things you can do for your baby is make sure they have a safe sleeping space.
- Remember the ABCs of safe sleep:
- Alone
- On their Back
- In a Crib
- Keep the room smoke free.
- Do not put any pillows, blankets, bumpers, or toys in the crib.
- Do you need a Pack 'n Play? Contact our Safe Sleep team here.
Staying healthy
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia offers car seats at no cost through its Child Safety Seat Program at CHOP. Anyone who cannot afford to buy a child safety seat can be referred to this program by a health care provider.
- To be eligible, you must be currently receiving public assistance and have a green EBT Access card. Learn more about the Child Safety Seat Program.
- Lead poisoning is dangerous and protecting babies and children from lead exposure is key. Visit the City Lead Guide to learn more.
- It is important that parents and caregivers take care of themselves as well as your baby. Check out our mental health and wellness support resources for helping you along your parenting journey.
