HOME VISITING: Preparing for your new baby

Getting ready to welcome a new baby is very exciting! You are preparing to get to know your little one. When it comes to preparation, there is a lot to think about. All the information you read can get overwhelming. That’s why a home visitor can be a great help. Home visiting is a free program for new families who are expecting, or already have a baby. The program provides you with a trained professional who can help you out and give you parenting tips. Here are a few ways a home visitor can be of great help to you and your budding family.

Care during pregnancy
Taking care of your baby starts before they get here. A home visitor is happy to meet you wherever you feel comfortable. They are able to come to your home whenever works for you. A home visitor can also meet you in a public place like a coffee shop if that works better for you. Each visit will last about an hour. During that time, they can answer any of your questions about taking care of yourself during pregnancy. They can provide you with advice from nutrition to physical health tips. A home visitor can answer any questions you have for when your baby arrives as well. Once your baby is here, a home visitor can help you make sure your baby is on track up until they are two years old.

Safe sleep environment for baby
One of the most important ways to prepare for your baby is to set up a safe sleeping space. Home visitors are educated on all the rules of safe sleep. One of these rules calls for your baby to sleep alone. Another states that your baby should sleep in an empty crib. If you don’t know where your baby will sleep yet, a home visitor can help you determine where is best. They can also give you tips about what should and shouldn’t be in your baby’s sleeping environment.
For some, it might be hard to ask for help. When it comes to raising a child however, it takes a village! Take advantage of the home visiting program today. Dial 2-1-1 for Help Me Grow to learn how you can join and visit DE Thrives to see all the programs we offer.