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.

About Breastfeeding

WIC (Women Infant Children Program)

Local Chicago Data on Breastfeeding

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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.

General Newborn Screening

Hearing Screening

Heart Screening

Blood Screening

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.

About Low Birthweight 

Local Chicago Data on Low Birthweight

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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.

Parenting Support for Infants

Benefits of Reading & Talking to Your Baby

Infant & Early-Childhood Mental Health

Tips for Dads

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.

About Preterm Birth

Local Chicago Data on Preterm Birth

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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.

About SUIDS/SIDS

Creating a Safe Sleep Environment

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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.

About Vaccines

Chicago Department of Public Health Fast-Track Immunization Clinics

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Family Services and Other Support
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Community Services
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Health Services
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Social Services
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