Between one and three months you’ll see big changes in your little baby. Those sleepy eyes will learn to watch your face and follow moving objects. Those little clenched fists will learn to open and shut, and that busy mouth may even give you a tentative gummy smile!
There’s no doubt the first months together with your baby are a special time, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges. Crying is likely to peak around six weeks, there’s little time for sleep and you may find yourself struggling with the “baby blues” or a postpartum mood disorder.
You may still be healing too. That means your partner and the rest of the family have important jobs to do – see below to learn more.
Above all, remember that you don’t have to be the perfect parent – you just have to be the best parent you can be that day.
Your checklist for 1 to 3 months
✓ If you have any concern that your baby is not feeding well, call your physician, midwife or the Client and Community Support Team at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 as soon as possible. We offer local breastfeeding support for parents with infants under 12 weeks of age.
✓ Make an appointment for your baby’s first set of immunizations.
✓ Keep the immunization record (yellow card) in a safe place. You can also keep track of immunizations through the Immunize.ca app as a back-up. These records will be needed when travelling and starting school.
✓ Give your baby vitamin D every day. Because of our Canadian climate, all babies need extra (the exception is for babies who eat only formula, which is already fortified with vitamin D.)
✓ Do tummy time every day to help strengthen your baby’s neck and stomach muscles.
✓ If you haven’t already, sign up to receive Nipissing developmental checklists by email.
✓ Mouth care is important, even before teeth appear. Wipe your baby’s gums with a washcloth, baby toothbrush or rubber finger brush to get her used to the feeling.
Partners and families can:
✓ Get to know the new baby by spending time with him. Partners are especially good at comforting, bathing, changing and skin-to-skin comfort.
✓ Pick up the baby when he’s crying. This helps you develop a closer relationship with him and makes him feel safe.
✓ Help and support mom. Keep her well-stocked with food and lots of water.
✓ Take care of the baby so mom can nap – but make sure you get your sleep in, too.
✓ Enjoy special time with older children.
Local activities
From infant massage to support groups and parenting workshops, EarlyON Child and Family Centres are a great way to get out, learn a little and meet other parents. Check out your local program calendar:
If you live in Guelph, you probably also have a Neighbourhood group. Find supports and services specific to your neighbourhood by searching the map.
Guides and resources
- A Parent’s Guide to Vaccination from Health Canada
- [VIDEO] Safe Sleep for Your Baby
Your local and Public Health supports
- Here 24 Seven. 24-hour, 7 days a week help line providing intake, assessment and referrals for addictions, mental health and crisis support. Call 1-844-437-3247 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
- Here4Kids for referrals to developmental services: 1-844-454-3711
- Health811: A registered nurse can answer your health questions 24-hours a day, seven days a week for free. Call 1-866-797-0000.
- MotherToBaby provides phone, email or live chat access to an expert for one-on-one counselling about the risk or safety of medications, alcohol, herbal products, chemicals, X-rays, infections, and chronic conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, asthma, epilepsy, depression) during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Community Torchlight crisis assistance has both phone line and online chat options; call 1-888-821-3760.
Looking forward? Read ahead to 4-6 months >