Welcome to the Delaware Thrives blog!

The blog is a forum for sharing news, opinions and best practices related to maternal and infant health, early child development, healthy families and healthy communities in Delaware.

Mother and daughter brushing teeth in the bathroom

Infant and Toddler Mouth Care. What You Need to Know

January 31, 2023

The joy and excitement you feel after meeting your new baby can also be a stressful time for families. Developing a routine for eating, sleeping, bathing, and oral care may be challenging.  Did you know that it is important to clean your infants’ gums after a feeding?  Babies need help to remove bacteria and sugars[…..]

Cute black baby with teething rings

Teething – What to Expect?

December 15, 2022

Teething begins when a tooth breaks through the gums. Teething can be a difficult time for the infant and adults.  Infants can become fussy, have trouble sleeping, drool more than normal or lose their appetite. When to expect the first tooth? The age that the first tooth appears is different for each baby.  Many babies[…..]

Mother brushing infant's teeth with a finger brush

How to Make Cleaning Your Infants Mouth Part of a Daily Routine After Birth

November 15, 2022

Cleaning your infant’s mouth soon after their birth is an important part to keeping them healthy. Cleaning your babies’ gums to clear out residue left behind from breast milk, formula or food prevents the buildup of bacteria and protects teeth when they begin to peek through and gets them ready for toothbrushing. Start by wiping[…..]

Halloween candy teeth in a bowl

Timing Your Treats Are the Trick

October 15, 2022

The real ghouls on Halloween are the ones who tell you don’t eat candy, don’t drink soda, eliminate sugar from your diet and pass out fruit, or sugarless candy during Halloween. Let’s be real! Halloween will always be the sweetest day of the year. Only one time a year can children can fill buckets with[…..]

Black Breastfeeding Week 2022

July 21, 2022

There are countless reasons why breastfeeding is best for black mothers and babies. Join our sessions that break down the barriers to breastfeeding and offer support to help moms form that healthy bond with their little ones.

Let’s Get Behind Breastfeeding — and Share the Love with Moms and Babies

July 20, 2022

Breastfeeding is an incredible act of love for mothers and babies, creating a bond that can last a lifetime. Through breastfeeding, a mother gives her child one of the very best starts in life, in terms of physical and emotional wellness. Plus, when a mother breastfeeds, she practices “self-love,” because it provides her with benefits[…..]

Navigating the Infant Formula Shortage

May 26, 2022

Free Baby Formula Available for Delawareans We all want what is best for our children, and of course that includes proper and safe nutrition for our babies and toddlers. We understand the toll the low supply of baby formula has taken on Delaware families, and we are here to help guide you with trusted and[…..]

Elevating Women’s Voices: An Intimate Conversation About Black Maternal Health

March 30, 2022

Date: Wednesday, April 13 Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Join the Delaware Healthy Mother & Infant Consortium to celebrate Black Maternal Health Awareness Week, April 11 – 17, with a live-broadcast panel discussion featuring Tiffany Chalk, Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, and other voices in our community. Tune in to DETV Broadcast (Comcast channel 28), DETV Social[…..]

Protect your child from COVID-19.

The COVID-19 Vaccine and Your Child. What to Know. Where to Go.

December 29, 2021

From reading every nutrition label on their baby food to toddler-proofing your kitchen to insisting they wear helmets on bikes, scooters and roller skates, you take great care to protect your child. You do everything you can to keep them safe, no matter where they are. You will go to any length to keep your[…..]

Prematurity Awareness Month: How to Lower the Risks

November 22, 2021

Did you know that one in every 10 babies is born prematurely each year in the United States? A premature (or preterm) birth is when a baby is born at least three weeks before the due date. A developing baby goes through important growth throughout pregnancy, including in the final months and weeks. For example,[…..]