An online resource for families with a new baby
The transition to becoming a parent can be both exciting and a major life change. You are not alone. This web page provides information about a variety of topics, in addition to available services, that parents may find helpful when bringing home a new baby.
Child Development
The Looksee Checklist
The Looksee Checklist, formally called the Nipissing District Developmental Screen (NDDS), is a checklist designed to be completed by a parent or caregiver. It provides a snapshot of your child’s development to discuss with your health care and/or child care professional. The screens identify key developmental stages up to age six.
If you answer “no” to any question or have any concerns about your child’s development, follow-up with your health care and/or child care professional.
Community Resources
Click on the following link for community resources available in Renfrew County and District.
Creating a Safe Sleep Environment
The resource below is designed for parents of infants from zero to 12 months and for all who care for infants.The resource is divided into three sections:
- healthy sleep tips for Infants and for parents;
- safe sleep tips from infants zero to 12 months;
- and frequently asked questions.
Feeding My Baby
Breastfeeding Support
To learn more about breastfeeding support:
- visit: our “Infant Feeding” web page
Breastfeeding Matters
The resource below is an important guide to breastfeeding for women and their families.
Infant Formula
After making an informed decision about using infant formula, the booklet below will help parents, families, caregivers, and childcare providers prepare, feed and store formula safely.
- Infant Formula: What You Need to Know
- Les préparations pour nourrissons: ce qu’il faut savoir (Français)
Getting My Baby's Needles
Ontario’s Routine Immunization Schedule
Routine immunization begins at two months of age and continues throughout life according to Ontario’s routine immunization schedule.
Personal Immunization Record
At two months of age, when your child receives his/her first immunizations from their physician or at RCDHU, you will be given a yellow “Personal Immunization Record“. This is where you can keep track of your child`s immunizations. The “Personal Immunization Record” also includes a guide that indicates at what age or grade you child is due for their next immunization.
RCDHU’s Immunization Clinics
All of the routine vaccines are free and are available at RCDHU’s immunization clinics, or from your family physician.
Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON)
You can now update, view and/or print your child’s immunization record through the ICON portal. ICON is a secure tool for submitting updates and viewing your child’s immunization information on file at RCDHU.
For more information:
- phone: 613-732-3629 Ext. 609 OR 1-800-267-1097 Ext. 609, or
- visit: our “Immunization” web page.
Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program
The Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) is a FREE voluntary program that provides supports and services during pregnancy and to families with children from birth to school entry.
To learn more about the HBHC program at RCDHU:
- visit: our “Prenatal Education” web page and click on “At Home”;
- email: familyhealth@rcdhu.com; or
- phone: Family Health Intake Line at 613-735-9774 (direct line) OR 1-800-267-1097 Ext. 589 (toll free).
Keeping My Baby Safe
Prevent Child Injury
Children grow and learn so much during their early years of life. They are learning to do new things all the time by playing and exploring in their home. They also learn from you. As they learn, they may also be at risk for an injury. The site below is designed to guide you through the many ways to create a safer home for your child zero to 36 months of age.
Pet Safety
- To learn about pet safety, visit our “Child Health” web page, click on “Child Safety” and scroll down to “Pet Safety”.
Car Seat Safety
- To learn about child car seat safety, visit our “Child Health” webpage, click on “Child Safety” and scroll down to “Safe Travel”.
Parent Child Wellness Clinics
Spend one-on-one time with a Public Health Nurse and get support as well as answers to your questions about feeding, sleeping, crying and other parenting inquiries. Open to families with children age zero to transition to school by appointment.
For more information:
- email: familyhealth@rcdhu.com, or
- phone: Family Health Intake Line at 613-732-3629 Ext. 589 OR 1-800-267-1097 Ext. 589.
Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
We often hear about postpartum (after birth) depression, but depression can actually begin in pregnancy. One in five women report feeling depressed and/or anxious during pregnancy. Pregnant women who are worried about their moods are encouraged to talk to their health care provider. To learn more about depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy, click on the link below.
- Pregnancy and life with a new baby are not always what you expect
- Durant la grossesse et avec un nouveau bébé, la vie n’est pas toujours rose (Français)
Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale
The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale is a short questionnaire that checks for postpartum depression. New mothers can easily complete and score it at home and then take it to their health care provider to talk about how she is feeling. It is important for a woman to tell their Health Care Provider all the symptoms she is experiencing so that all available support and treatment options are considered.
To learn more about Mental Health:
- visit: our “Mental Health” web page and click on “Perinatal Mood Disorders”.
Tummy Time
Tummy time is essential for infants’ core, motor, and sensory development and achievement of milestones. The resource below includes tummy time activities (including pictures!) by age, tips for making tummy time fun for baby, like practicing tummy time at baby’s happiest time, and a checklist for developmental milestones baby should reach at three and six months.
Understanding My Baby's Crying
The resource below is to help you better understand, cope with and/or support someone with ‘difficult to comfort’ crying.
Woman Abuse
Woman abuse is a serious issue. One in three women will be abused at some point in their life.
Abuse against women is never justified or acceptable.
Plan for your safety:
- Your safety and the safety of your children is most important.
- Call 911 if you or your children are in danger.
- Tell someone you trust about what is happening in your relationship.
- Keep in touch with family and friends.
- Seek legal advice.
- For assistance with making a safety plan, contact Bernadette McCann House (local):
- call: 613-732-3131 or 1-800-267-4930 (toll free) for immediate assistance;
- email: help@wsssbmh.org (messages are monitored regularly, response time may vary);
- text: 613-639-1233 (messages are monitored regularly, response time may vary); or
- visit: http://www.wsssbmh.org/en/.
- Keep important documents ready to take with you (birth certificates, passports, health cards, bank account numbers, and keys).
Help is available (24 hours a day, 7 days a week):
- Emergency Medical Services, call: 911
- Bernadette McCann House (contact information listed above)
- Renfrew Victoria Hospital (RVH) – Regional Assault Care Program, call: 1-800-363-7222 or 613-432-4851 Ext. 224 or visit their website
- Assaulted Women’s Helpline (Crisis line for assaulted women across Ontario/Translations in 150 languages), call: 1-866-863-0511 or visit their website
- Ligne de soutien pour femmes victimes de violence: 1-877-femaide (366-2433) or visit their website