Setting Your Baby Up for a Healthy Start
Child Health Day is October 7th
Every year, the first Monday of October is recognized as Child Health Day. A time to raise awareness about the importance of nurturing children’s physical, emotional, and developmental health.
For new parents, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what really matters in the early months. Between late-night Google searches, advice from family members, and differing opinions on social media, it’s easy to feel like you’re “not doing enough.”
The good news? Supporting your baby’s health doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s look at five simple, evidence-based ways to set your little one up for a strong and healthy start in life.
1. Safe Sleep: Protecting Your Baby’s Rest
One of the most important steps you can take is creating a safe sleep environment. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the safest sleep setup includes:
Placing baby on their back for every nap and overnight sleep.
Using a firm, flat mattress in a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or play yard.
Keeping the sleep surface clear — no pillows, blankets, toys, or bumpers.
Sharing a room (but not a bed) for the first 6–12 months.
While this can feel strict, safe sleep guidelines are proven to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). If you’re struggling to get rest while following these guidelines, a postpartum doula or overnight newborn care provider can help ease the load.
2. Building a Strong Bond
Your baby’s emotional health starts with secure attachment. This doesn’t mean you need to be “perfect”. It means being present and responsive as much as you can.
Ways to strengthen your bond include:
Skin-to-skin contact.
Responding to cries with comfort and care.
Talking, singing, and making eye contact during everyday routines.
Babywearing to keep your little one close while freeing up your hands.
Bonding builds trust, which supports lifelong emotional resilience.
3. Nourishment Matters
Whether you choose to breastfeed, formula-feed, or use a combination, your baby’s nutrition plays a central role in their health.
Breastfeeding: Offers antibodies, tailored nutrition, and bonding benefits.
Formula feeding: Provides safe, complete nutrition for babies who need or prefer it.
Combo feeding: A flexible option that can support both baby’s needs and parents’ mental health.
The best feeding choice is the one that helps your baby thrive and supports your wellbeing as a parent. A lactation counselor or doula can walk with you through feeding challenges and help you feel confident in your decision.
4. Supporting Development with Play
Did you know that tummy time, play, and interaction are essential for your baby’s growth? Early developmental play helps strengthen muscles, prevent flat spots, and encourage cognitive skills.
Simple activities like:
Short sessions of tummy time (starting with just a few minutes a day).
Singing songs and using gestures.
Reading books, even before your baby understands words.
Narrating your daily tasks (“Now we’re changing your diaper!”).
These everyday moments lay the foundation for milestones like rolling over, crawling, and eventually walking and talking.
5. Know When to Call Your Pediatrician
One of the most empowering things you can do as a new parent is learn the difference between normal newborn behavior and red flags that need medical attention.
Call your provider if your baby has:
A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in the first 2 months.
Breathing difficulties or persistent blue coloring around the lips.
Trouble feeding or refusing to eat.
Very few wet diapers (fewer than 6 per day after the first week).
Extreme lethargy or inconsolable crying.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
How Doulas Support Infant Health
Doulas aren’t medical professionals, but we do play an important role in supporting your baby’s health. By helping you implement safe sleep practices, supporting feeding choices, and teaching soothing techniques, we help parents feel confident and empowered.
Perhaps most importantly, doulas give parents the time and space to rest, because your health matters, too. When parents are supported, babies thrive.
Child Health Day is a reminder that giving your baby a healthy start is about more than checkups and milestones. It’s about the little, everyday choices that nurture both baby and family.
Remember: you don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right support, you can feel confident in giving your baby a safe, healthy, and loving start.
💡 At Sun & Stars Birth Services, our doulas are here to help you navigate those early days with peace of mind.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your family’s health and wellbeing.
