mother and child

Parenting from Newborn to Age 5

Parents and caregivers play an important role in helping children grow, learn and stay healthy. From feeding and sleep to play, learning and behaviour, you are your child’s first and most important teacher.

We are here to support you from pregnancy through the early years. On this page you will find parenting programs and supports, where to get help if you have questions or concerns and where to find local activities for your family to enjoy.

Find information by your child’s age

Choose your child’s age to find checklists, tips and local resources.

  • Birth to 12 months: Crying, feeding, safe sleep, starting solids, early development, immunizations and caring for your baby in the first year.

  • Ages 1 to 3 years: Walking and talking, toddler behaviour, routines and limits, toilet learning, play, eating and sleep.

  • Ages 3 to 5 years: Preschool learning and social skills, resilience, active play, screen time, safety and getting ready for school.

Our role in supporting parents and caregivers

WDG Public Health works with parents, caregivers and community partners to:

  • Support positive parenting and healthy child development

  • Connect families to local programs and services

  • Share reliable, up-to-date health information

  • Identify concerns early so children can get help as soon as possible

If you have questions about your child’s health, development or behaviour, you can always call us at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006. A public health nurse will listen and help you decide what to do next.

Programs and supports for parents and young children

Online Prenatal and New Parent Program: Our free program offers information about pregnancy, labour and birth, caring for your newborn and breastfeeding. The program is most helpful during pregnancy and the first 8 weeks after birth.

Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC): A parenting support program that provides home visits to pregnant individuals and parents/caregivers with young children (from birth to school entry). It’s free! To find out more, call us at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006.

Growing Great Generations System of Care: Helps families move through one intake process and connects them to the right supports at the right time. Visit the website to learn more.

Here4Kids: Supports children with developmental delays up to age 6 in Guelph, Wellington County and Dufferin County.

Dental programs for children: If you cannot afford dental care for your child, there may be programs that can help. Call our Dental Line at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 2661 to find out if you are eligible.

Local activities

EarlyON Child and Family Centres

EarlyON Child and Family Centres provide children and parents/caregivers opportunities to participate in high quality play and inquiry-based programs. Find your local centre:

Ontario Early Years Centres (OEYC)

Programs at your local OEYC help children develop through play, songs, stories and rhymes. Check out your local calendars:

Libraries

Libraries are great places to go not only for books, music and movies, but also for programs and story time.

Museums

Museums often have family-friendly activities and events. Check what’s on at a museum close to you.

Community Activities, Sports and Events

Check out your local municipal website for activities such as parades, farmers markets, museums, sports, classes and more (these are just a few!):

Guelph Neighbourhood Groups

If you live in Guelph, you probably also have a Neighbourhood group. Find supports and services specific to your neighbourhood by searching the map.n 2 content

Health information and support lines

WDG Public Health: Call 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 to speak with a public health nurse about feeding, sleep, development, behaviour and parenting questions. Hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Health811: Call 811, or TTY 1-866-797-0007 for help from a Registered Nurse. Available 24/7.

Registered Dietitian: Get answers to your nutrition questions by talking directly to a registered dietitian. Call Health811 toll-free at 1-866-797-0000.

Mental health and crisis supports

When to get help

Contact your child’s health care provider or a public health nurse if you are worried about:

  • Feeding and growth

  • Sleep that is not improving

  • Crying that is hard to soothe

  • Developmental milestones (such as movement, speech or social skills)

  • Behaviour that feels hard to manage

  • Your own mood or mental health during pregnancy or after birth

You know your child best. If something does not feel right, it is okay to ask for help.

To talk to a public health nurse, call us at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

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