Parenting & Childhood Development
Your baby grows and changes so fast. We’ll help you keep up with their milestones, answer your parenting questions and share tips to create a safe, loving home. Whether it’s learning about safe sleep, car seat safety or making sure your child is developing on track, we’re here for you.
Parenting support
Want tips for raising a happy, healthy kid? We’ll help you understand your child’s growth and behavior, and give practical advice for creating a safe, loving home.
Infant safety
From car seats to safe sleep, we’ll show you how to keep your baby safe every step of the way.
Infant safety info & resources
Breastfeeding can come with challenges like latch issues, engorgement or milk supply concerns. Here are resources to help you succeed.
Safe Sleep
One of the most important things you can do to keep your baby safe is to practice safe sleep. Sadly, unsafe sleep is one of the leading causes of infant deaths in the U.S. — and most of these tragedies can be prevented. That’s why it’s so important for everyone who cares for your baby — parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, babysitters — to know and follow safe sleep practices.
The ABCs of Safe Sleep
Follow The ABCs of Safe Sleep to keep your baby safe while sleeping:
- A — Alone
- Baby sleeps in their own crib, bassinet, or pack-n-play — never in bed with adults or on soft surfaces.
- B — Back
- Always place baby on their back to sleep for naps and nighttime.
- C — Crib
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface with nothing else in it — no blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or bumper pads.
Information
- ABCs of Safe ZZZ’s brochure
- ABCs of Safe ZZZ’s checklist
- Ready, Set, Sleep! (Wolfson Children’s Hospital)
- 5 Safe Sleep Essentials for Your Baby by Healthy Children
- Safe Sleep for Babies by the American Academy of Pediatrics
- Safe Sleep Solutions by Charlie’s Kids Foundation
Workshops & training
- ABCs of Safe ZZZ’s Workshop
- Safe Sleep Ambassador Training (Cribs for Kids)
- Safe Sleep Practices for agencies, community partners
- National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program by Cribs for Kids
- Safe to Sleep Provider Training by the National Institutes of Health
- Reducing the Risk for SIDS and SUIDS: Continuing Ed for Nurses by the National Institutes of Health
Resources
Plan of Safe Care
Plan of Safe Care is a referral system that connects families to free support services that help with health, recovery and your baby’s development through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Doctors are required by federal law to notify DCF if:
- A mom tests positive for substances, has an untreated substance use disorder, or may be misusing substances.
- A baby is born affected by substance use, withdrawal symptoms, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Important: The state’s goal is to support — not punish — families. DCF only steps in if there is clear and present danger to your baby’s safety.
How A Plan of Safe Care helps:
- Focuses on the health and well-being of you and your baby
- Connects you to free services and community programs based on your needs
- Provides referrals to counseling, support, or treatment if you want them
- Helps guide your baby’s healthy growth and development
For more information, visit myflorida.networkofcare.org
Developmental support
We check to make sure your little one is hitting milestones and can connect you to early help if anything needs extra attention.