For Parents and Caregivers

Crying means that your baby needs something to change now! 

Crying lets you know your baby needs quick attention.

Link to WIC baby behavior information:

• breastmilkcounts.com/baby-behavior/crying-its-normal/

How do I calm a crying baby? (video):

• youtu.be/-GwiPQGgAJg?si=yM9bfVT6sySaHI1B 

Babies use signals or cues to let you know when they want to start or stop eating. 

Be on the lookout for these cues to help meet your baby's needs quickly. Your baby may give several cues at one time.​

Link to WIC baby behavior information:

• breastmilkcounts.com/baby-behavior/babys-cues/

How to tell when baby is hungry and full (video):

• youtu.be/57LsG4bML-0?si=CYARvEo8S5NPMg2J

It is normal for your baby to wake up often at night. 

Newborn babies spend more time in light sleep which also helps to protect their health. ​

Link to WIC baby behavior information:

• breastmilkcounts.com/baby-behavior/all-things-sleep/

How do babies sleep? (video):

• youtu.be/GCRyS5dyLqc?si=_Xbo1z2-nqlCLyiI

Have a safe sleep plan in case you must leave your home during an emergency. 

Natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, or fires can happen quickly. Have a plan to keep your baby sleeping safely.

*Visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website (cpsc.gov/SafeSleep) for more information about crib safety and safety-approved infant sleep surfaces or to sign up for product recall notices.

• Natural Disaster Safety for Expecting and New Parents | CDC
• Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies | CDC
• Texas Ready

Babies born early or who have special health conditions may be at a higher risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). 

Making a safe sleep plan before you leave the hospital can help keep your baby safe.

Sleep Training: What is it? ​Is it worth it? 

Any sleep resource, coach, or other sleep information you use with your baby should follow safe sleep guidelines.

• The term "sleep training" is often used to mean any information that parents use to get baby to sleep longer at night.​
• Many sleep training programs and methods can be found online, but not all follow safe sleep guidelines.​
• Putting infants to sleep in a separate room for sleep training may be linked to an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).​

Sleep training babies younger than six (6) months can result in: ​

• Poor nutrition as it may limit the number of times your baby may eat​.
• Separation from mother, which can impact the success of breastfeeding. 

Talk with your baby’s doctor if you have concerns about your baby’s sleep.