Being a parent isn’t easy and all parents have questions. When should my baby sit up? What is that rash? Should I take my child to the doctor? What kind of stories should I read? When do I start toilet training? How do I pick a good day care? To help parents with children ages 5 years or younger succeed, First 5 San Diego provides the Kit for New Parents – a free parenting resource that includes advice and useful tips to best prepare them for the joys and challenges of parenting. The kit, available in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese and Korean, includes:

• DVD and a Guidebook - Topics range from healthy teeth to childcare to safety and discipline. All materials are divided by “ages and stages” so parents can easily find the answers for their child’s age.

• What To Do When Your Child Gets Sick – This easy-to-read book answers questions parents have about their child’s health and common illnesses. This is a great guide for helping new parents know when to treat an illness at home and when to call or see a doctor.

• Parents Guide - The guide provides information on San Diego family services and resources for children.

For more information or to receive a Kit for New Parents, call 1-888-5 FIRST 5 (1-888-534-7785).

The Kits for New Parents are distributed by UCSD's Regional Perinatal System's Welcome Baby Program.