Infant Health & Wellness
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has health benefits for both mother and baby, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for 12 months. It can be challenging to breastfeed, so read here for tips and more information.
WIC (Women Infant Children Program)
Infant Screening
There are screenings infants receive to make sure they’re growing and developing. Please see below about common screenings all infants should receive.
Low Birthweight
Low birthweight, when a baby is born weighing less than 2500 grams (about 5.5 pounds), is one of the largest contributors to infant mortality in Chicago. Getting prenatal care early is a great way to be proactive about the health of your baby.
Positive Parenting & Infant Wellness
Babies don’t come with instructions and parenting can be hard. Here are some tips and resources for new parents, to learn how to understand your baby’s development and how to support their mental health and wellness.
Benefits of Reading & Talking to Your Baby
Preterm Birth
Preterm birth, when a baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation instead of the usual 39-40 weeks, is one of the largest contributors to infant mortality in Chicago. Getting prenatal care early is a great way to be proactive about the health of your baby.
SUIDS/SIDS & Infant Safety
Sudden unexpected infant death syndrome (SUIDS) is the sudden, unexpected death of an infant under one year of age. SUIDS includes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. SUIDS is the leading cause of death among infants from 1 month to 1 year of age in the U.S.
Vaccines
Vaccines are safe and protect your child from 16 preventable diseases that can lead to hospitalization and death. These include measles, pertussis (whooping cough), and chickenpox. Vaccines have the power to stop them in their tracks.
Chicago Department of Public Health Fast-Track Immunization Clinics
Family Services and Other Support
Child Care, Safety, Items & Clothing, Emergency Child Care, Lead, LGBTQ+, and more...
Community Services
Shelters & Housing Assistance, Legal Service & Renter's Rights, Transportation, and more...
Health Services
Pregnancy Testing, Prenatal Care, Birth Control, Sexually Transmitted Infections and more...
Social Services
Crisis Intervention, Food Assistance, Sexual Assault Help, Smoking/Tobacco Cessation, and more...