Welcome to the adventure of becoming a parent – there’s no handbook (although many of us have wished for one)! New parents often share similar questions during the first year of their child’s life about feeding, sleep, development, and understanding what their baby needs.
At Cook Memorial Public Library we understand that transitions in life feel more manageable with support and connection.
The resources below reflect the wisdom of caregivers, health professionals, and early childhood experts who are committed to helping families thrive. We hope this list strengthens your circle of support as you grow into this new role during your child’s first year of life.
If you’re navigating a lot right now, you’re not alone—here are some helpful resources on your baby’s crying and sleep.
- Erikson Institute’s Fussy Baby Network helps families struggling with their infants’ crying, sleeping, or feeding. English and Spanish
- Sleep: American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Crying and Colic: American Academy of Pediatric.
- Infant Safe Sleep: Advocate Condell Medical Center.
If you’re looking for support, here are some trusted resources on your baby’s feeding and nutrition throughout the first year
- Erikson Institute’s Fussy Baby Network helps families struggling with their infants’ crying, sleeping, or feeding. English and Spanish
- Nutrition: American Academy of Pediatrics
- Breastfeeding, Chestfeeding and Lactation Support. University of Chicago Medicine.
- The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children (WIC) in Lake County.
- Babies Families and Food: The Transitions to Solids. University of Illinois Early Learning Project
- Responsive Feeding for Young Children. Chicago Feed Group.
Here are recommended resources to support you in nurturing your baby’s growth, health, and the attachment you share—from the very beginning and as your baby continues to develop in the years ahead.
- Pathways.org: We take the guess work out of baby’s development
- Baby Brain Map: Your Guide to Early Development: Zero to Three.
- Recommended Immunization Schedule: American Academy of Pediatrics
- Why relationships really matter in our earliest years. Harvard Graduate School of Education.
- Early Relational Health. American Academy of Pediatrics.
Play is how little humans learn to be big humans—sparked by the moments you share together.
- How to Share Books with your Baby. American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Early Childhood.
- Supporting Language and Literacy Skills from 0-12 Months: Zero to Three.
- Pathways.org Baby Milestones: Explore milestones and access 300+ easy activities to achieve Baby’s milestones.
- Vroom: Access 1000+ science-backed, fast, and fun activities for children from birth–age 5.
- Lantern: A text messaging platform that provides timely childhood development resources for families to help every child thrive (pregnancy-preteen).
Be sure to check out our Early Childhood events page for opportunities to connect with your little one and local families!
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Categories: Early Childhood, Kids