New Parent Resources to Help You and Your Child Thrive

As a new parent, you can look to Military OneSource for support to navigate the exciting — and sometimes challenging — journey of raising your youngest family members. Whether you’re expecting your first child or already raising a toddler, connect to parenting resources, benefits and practical tools tailored for every stage of your child’s development, to help you and your child thrive.

Specialized support for new parents

Get answers to your parenting questions with Military OneSource’s resources, benefits and support services.

• New Parent Support Program — This free, voluntary program offers parenting education and support to improve the lives of infants, toddlers, young children and parents through home visits, resource referrals, parenting classes and playgroups. Find a New Parent Support Program near you.
  

  But don’t just take our word for it. Hear from home visitors and the parents they support in this two-part podcast series:

• Support for Military Parents Without Judgment, Part 1
• Support for Military Parents Without Judgment, Part 2
• Military OneSource specialty coaching and consultations — Military OneSource has several options for free coaching and consultations with specialists in a variety of key parenting areas, including education, adoption and foster care, and special needs, even for parents welcoming a new baby or who have a child up to the age of 5. Call 800-342-9647 or log in to start a secure live chat to explore additional coaching options.
• Thrive parenting-education program — Explore how this free online program can help you raise healthy, resilient children from birth to 18, including helping you thrive as a new parent.
• Military Parent Resource Center — From your baby’s first steps to toddler tantrums, this page is a one-stop shop for parenting support to help you through each step of your parenting journey.

Safety, stress and self-care

Explore these tips for keeping you and your child safe and healthy.

• Register your newborn or adopted child for TRICARE health care coverage in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System.
• Create safe sleeping environments for your infant. Watch this safe sleep video to discover ways to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, create safe sleep environments, enhance nighttime sleep and more.
• You also need your rest. Lack of sleep can hinder making good decisions. Remember:
• Do not leave your child unattended. Accidents happen in a split second, like a child left alone in the bath for a moment.
• Call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 to get information on parenting supervision guidelines.
• Read about ways to keep your children safe.

• Whether you’re experiencing parenting or military life challenges, discover a variety of resources to help manage stress.
• Personalized, one-to-one Military OneSource counseling and other support options are available to help you navigate difficult times.
• Explore on-the-go stress reducers to help calm mind and body, like the Chill Drills app.

Child care and fee assistance options

Explore resources to connect to quality, affordable and licensed child care options both on and off your installation to meet your family’s needs.