Throughout your pregnancy and your child's early years, you’ll receive mailings that contain valuable health tips and information such as:

By 13 to 17 weeks of pregnancy your baby is six to eight inches long, weighs about five ounces, has a heart beat, gets nourishment from the umbilical cord and can be observed as a boy or girl.

A newborn needs to develop trust and a sense of security. Hold and cuddle her often and soothe her promptly when she is distressed. Don’t worry, you can’t spoil your baby by holding her too much.

It’s important to call your health care provider if any of the following occur in your newborn:

• temperature over 100.4 degrees under the arm or 102 degrees rectally
• excessive vomiting or diarrhea
• change in skin color to yellow or blue
• change in baby’s behavior—becomes fussy, unable to calm or is difficult to wake

At four months of age your baby can tell people apart, is fascinated by his hands and likes to cuddle, rock and hear you sing.

Toilet training is a physical, mental and emotional process for your toddler. A child may begin to show signs of toilet training readiness between the ages of 18 - 24 months, but may not be ready to toilet train until 30 months or older. The right time to begin toilet training depends on your toddler’s physical and emotional readiness.

At age three, it is important to talk with your child about safety issues such as stranger safety, fire safety, and the use of 911.

By age four, most children are ready to interact with people outside of the immediate circle of caregivers. As children play with other children, it is important to gently correct misbehaviors to help them understand right and wrong.

As your child gets ready for the classroom, it is important to have their vision and hearing checked. Early detection of such problems will prevent learning problems as they progress through elementary school.

For more information or to become a part of this free program, call (231) 935-5640, or toll free at 1-888-403-8468. You may also contact Healthy Futures by email.

Healthy Futures is a partnership of northwest lower Michigan health care providers, health departments, and Munson Healthcare.