Ottawa Public Health - Parenting in Ottawa is THE parent resource for Ottawa families. This has been an incredibly helpful resource for myself as a first-time parent as I navigated questions about becoming a parent, pregnancy 101, and even the questions I now have about the COVID vaccine for my child who is now over 6 months old. Not only am I thankful to have the resource to turn to as a parent, but also for the collaboration of Parenting in Ottawa and Macaroni Kid Ottawa.
The Parenting in Ottawa website is easy to navigate and find the information you need quick - which I appreciate as a new parent because time is precious! I am starting to make progress on the daytime naps, but I certainly don't want to spend those precious minutes and hours trying to sift through websites finding information. Parenting in Ottawa is parent-friendly, bilingual, reliable resource as all the Parenting in Ottawa content is written by Public Health Nurses and community experts. Here's a snapshot of all the great resources just on the Parenting in Ottawa website. There is also the Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page as well as the Parenting in Ottawa Instagram page (also both available in English and French!) that provide daily tips and information on healthy child development hosted by Public Health Nurses.
Becoming a Parent and Pregnancy
Starting a family is a big, but exciting step. You probably have a lot of questions about the road ahead. We're here to help. Here's what you can find in this section:
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding
You will make many decisions before, during and after becoming a parent that will affect your child. Deciding how you are going to feed your baby is a very important one. Breastfeeding your baby is one of the things you can do to give him or her their best start in life. Learn more about:
- Why Breastfeed?
- Breastfeeding in the Early Weeks
- Breastfeeding in Public
- Breastfeeding Tips
- Alcohol, Cannabis, Tobacco, and NRT while Breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding Resources in Ottawa
- Healthy Eating While Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding
Babies and Toddlers
From your baby's first steps to their first words, we're here for you. The babies and toddlers section covers everything from healthy development to safety. Find answers to your questions about:
- Life With a New Baby
- Mental Health and Behaviour
- Immunization
- Health and Development
- Healthy Eating
- Baby and Toddler Safety
- Baby and Toddler Resources
- Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs
Children
Is my child ready for school? How can I get my child to be more active? How do I cope with challenging behaviour? These are some of the many questions parents have about their children. We're here to help. Find answers to your questions about:
- Active Living for Children
- Health and Development
- Immunization
- Mental Health
- Healthy Eating
- Child Safety
- Child Resources in Ottawa
Youth
There's a lot of pressure facing today's youth. They are going through puberty while trying to find out who they are and where they fit in. Some describe this as the "awkward" phase when people come into their own. You may have questions about your youth's behaviour. We're here to help. Learn answers to questions about:
- Mental Health
- Alcohol, Tobacco, Marijuana and Other Drugs
- Immunization
- Healthy Eating
- Youth Safety
- Other Health Topics
- Youth Resources in Ottawa
If you are looking for information on the COVID-19 vaccine for children, visit www.OttawaPublicHealth.ca/ChildCOVID19Vaccine
Do you have more questions about parenting?
- Speak with a Public Health Nurse. Call the Ottawa Public Health Info Centre at 613-PARENTS [613-727-3687] (TTY: 613-580-9656) or email Ottawa Public Health at ParentinginOttawa@ottawa.ca
- Connect with a Public Health Nurse and other parents on the Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page
- There are a variety of services to make it easier for your child to grow up healthy in Ottawa