Things You Can Do

Tips for Parents
• Be patient with each other. Having a new baby can be stressful.
• Spend some time together each night after your baby goes to sleep.
• Take turns doing the hardest tasks.
• After breastfeeding has become easy, you may want to pump or express some of your milk into a bottle so Dad can help feed the baby.
• Let the little things go. It’s more important to enjoy being with your new baby than to have a perfect house.
• Plan some family outings, so you don’t feel trapped in the house.
• Share chores and talk about who does what.
• Give each other little breaks—like time for a bath or a moment alone.
• Don’t forget romance. Even if you aren’t ready to have sex, let your partner know he or she is attractive to you.
• If you argue, try to stay focused on what’s bothering you. Tell your partner clearly why you are upset. Listen carefully and try not to blame.

Nurture Your Baby
• Protect your infant from too much noise and from glaring lights.
• Create comforting routines for feeding, diapering, naps, hellos and good-byes.
• Talk to your baby in a soothing voice and use simple words.
• Respond promptly to your baby’s smiles, coos, gestures and cries.
• When your baby cries, pick him up, cuddle and comfort him.
• For more information on early childhood, call National Parent Info Network. Visit www.iamyourchild.org, www.ccfc.ca.gov or www.npin.org.

Adoption and Foster Care
All children need a loving home. Think about becoming an adoptive or foster parent. Call Adoption and Foster Care.