Those first months with your new baby can raise a lot of questions. Especially if it is your first baby. Michigan has a number of Home Visiting programs to help families with infants during that important first year and beyond.
Michigan also has the Early On© program to provide extra help if your baby seems to be behind in development or has health issues that could slow development.
All eight of Michigan’s Home Visiting programs work with moms and families with infants. They are: Maternal Infant Health Program, Early Head Start, Infant Mental Health, Nurse-Family Partnership, Healthy Families America, Parents as Teachers, Family Spirit, and Play and Learning Strategies.
These are free programs giving extra support and training to parents and caregivers in Michigan who are taking care of infant children. They provide nurses, educators and social workers who will meet with you in your home or at a location you find most comfortable.
There is no cost for qualified Michigan families.
To find out more about the benefits of Home Visiting programs, visit the Home Visiting program page.
The things you do with your baby in these first months really matter. 80% of a child’s brain develops by age three. The earlier you start your baby’s learning can make a big difference.
Working with the nurses, social workers and educators in the Home Visiting programs can teach you the simple things you can do to keep your baby healthy, safe and prepare them for success later in life.
Early On provides extra support and help for babies who have a development delay or a pre-existing health issue that could slow their development. Working with Early On can help reduce the need for special education later on, help build your child’s confidence and reduce family stress.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a nutrition program for eligible women and children up to age five. They provide nutrition education, food and referrals to health care.
If you need help making ends meet, you can apply at MiBridges for cash, food, housing, and child care assistance.
Ages 0 – 3 are the most crucial for a child’s development. Early learning starts in your baby’s first year. Learn simple steps, like talking, reading, singing, playing, and interacting with them on a daily basis.
These are local groups who can connect you with the local resources available in your community. They can also help you find play groups and other activities to support your baby’s learning.
Finding child care you can trust for your baby can be difficult, especially if this is your first child. Great Start to Quality rates licensed Michigan child care options to help you find the one that right for your baby.
Keep track of when your child should reach certain milestones, and find activities and learning tips with the Center for Disease Control Milestone Tracker app.
