New Parents

Military OneSource offers New MilParent specialty consultations for military parents getting ready to welcome a new baby or currently parenting a young child.

The New Parent Support Program offers a number of services to help active-duty service members and their spouses or partners transition successfully into parenthood. Nurses, social workers and home visitation specialists provide supportive home visits to expectant and current parents, prenatal and parenting classes, playgroups and more.

ZERO TO THREE is an early childhood development organization that offers parents practical resources to help them connect more positively, deeply and continuously with their babies and toddlers to ensure they get a strong start in life.

Babies on the Homefront is an app developed by ZERO TO THREE filled with information about your child’s development, ideas for playing with your baby or toddler (even while deployed), dealing with challenging behaviors and maximizing your own self-care.

Download the app from Google Play.

The DOW offers a variety of programs and resources to support families with special needs. Learn more about the Exceptional Family Member Program and how to navigate early intervention services.

Communication during your baby’s first year may be a bit one-sided, but don’t let that discourage you. Just the sound of your voice can be nurturing to your baby.

As your baby begins to make sounds and eventually form words, repeat the words back to your child, which encourages speaking and listening skills. By the end of the first year, a child can often respond yes or no — either vocally or with a nod of the head — to simple questions.

At this age, a child is learning to say many new words and may understand even more. Try some casual communication and patiently try to answer what may seem like an endless string of questions like “Why?” and “What’s that?”

Toddlers will continue to be curious. They may talk to you about everything from a boo-boo or lost toy to the highlight of their day. Give your toddler your full attention whenever possible so your child understands you care what he or she says.

At this stage, children begin to communicate more like miniature adults, and you can have more structured communication. To help, you can ask specific questions like, “What did you read in school today?” You and your preschooler can also communicate through books, music and play.