Long-lasting benefits will accrue from a healthy pregnancy and birth followed by healthy growth and development of the child during his first year. Your newborn’s health is assured by your efforts to reduce injury, illness, and disease risks.
It is important to meet the nutritional needs of your baby in order to ensure its development and healthy growth. The Public Health Agency of Canada has information for breastfeeding parents.
Extra protection and care is necessary for your newborn. Transport Canada, Health Canada, and the Public Health Agency of Canada provide advice and information about safe car seats, cribs, cradles, toys and child care equipment, as well as immunization.
Being a parent
You may have questions about your baby’s growth, behaviour, nutrition, and other issues. These questions can be answered by the Public Health Agency of Canada, which offers advice and guidance to parents.
Parents of children aged five and under can benefit from the parenting education and support provided by The Nobody’s Perfect program. It was created to address the needs of single parents, young and/or socially or geographically isolated parents, as well as those with low incomes who may not have access to community resources.
Your provincial or territorial government may offer programs on safety, nutrition, health, and baby care.
Canada’s government offers benefits, programs, and services for parents, children, and their families. The Raising a Family page has more information about the programs.
Register education savings plan
A Registered Education Savings Plan is an education savings plan that is registered with Canada’s Government. It allows you and your family, friends or neighbors to save money for your child’s college education.
You may be eligible for other savings incentives with an RESP.
If you are the mother of the child and reside in one of the provinces, you can apply for Canada Child Benefits simultaneously with the registration of the birth. To protect your personal data, the information from the birth registration form will be transmitted electronically to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Canada Child Benefits include the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB), the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB), the GST/HST credit, and any related provincial/territorial programs that the CRA administers.