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Telephone support line for families of babies, up to 1 year
Due to the decreased support in our community related to COVID-19 including the suspension of the Parenting-in-Ottawa drop-ins, Ottawa Public Health has increased telephone support for families of babies, up to 1 year. If needed, we can also offer support to you and your family via videoconferencing through the Ontario Telemedicine Network.
Do you have questions about your baby’s health?
Do you need help with breastfeeding/chestfeeding?
- Speak directly with a Public Health Nurse and/or Lactation Consultant
- Seven days a week, from 9:00am to 3:00pm, call 613-580-2424 ext 23774
You can also continue to call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line to speak directly with a Public Health Nurse:
- Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00pm, call 613-PARENTS (613-727-3687) (ATS : 613-580-9656) and choose option 4. Chat option also available.
There are a variety of Ottawa Public Health services to make it easier for your child to grow up healthy in Ottawa:
Online Support
Phone Support 
Parenting in Ottawa Drop-Ins
Home Visits There are a variety of other great resources available in your community:
| Parenting Courses |
| Family Services Ottawa- offers a wide variety of parenting programs covering many different topics, and can help you through the difficulties that come with parenthood. Plus, you'll meet other parents who are going through the same things as you are. EarlyON child and family centres- offer a variety of workshops on parenting and child development topics to support families of children 0-6 in their parenting journey. These are a great opportunities to gain knowledge, create connections with service providers and other families. |
| Life with a new baby |
| Welcome to the world of parenting! As the parent of a new baby, you will experience many changes and may have many questions. Ottawa Public Health is here to help. Visit our Life with a new baby page. |
Health and development
| Growth and Development |
| Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO): CHEO Access Team- is for those with complex needs. It is for children who have missed important developmental milestones like crawling or talking, or children and youth who have complex physical and cognitive health issues. First Words- is for families of preschool children who live in Ottawa. First Words focuses on preventing and finding speech and language problems early. They also offer treatment for these problems. EarlyON child and family Centres- offer a variety of workshops on parenting and child development topics to support families of children 0-6 in their parenting journey. These are a great opportunities to gain knowledge, create connections with service providers and other families. Looksee Checklist® (formerly Nipissing District Developmental Screen®-NDDS) Best Start: On Track Guide (PDF) Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: Your baby's speech and language skills Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: Blindness and low vision |
| Behaviour |
| Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO): CHEO Access Team- is for those with complex needs. It is for children who have missed important developmental milestones like crawling or talking, or children and youth who have complex physical and cognitive health issues. Autism Parent Resource Kit - an online resource to help parents, caregivers and families better understand autism and the range of services and support available in Ontario. Canadian Paediatric Society: Behaviour & Parenting Centre of Excellence: Behaviour |
| Mental Health and Attachment |
| Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre- is a children's mental health centre. It has services for children up to age 12 and their families. The Crossroads team has specialized skills.They offer treatment, support and life-skills training. They help children and their families with different mental health needs. Centre Psychosocial- offers mental health services in French. Families who have children from birth to age 17 can use these services. Best Start: My Child and I Attachment for Life (PDF) Best Start: Healthy Baby Healthy Brain |
| Toilet Learning |
| Sleep |
| Public Health Agency of Canada: Safe Sleep Health Canada: Is Your Child Safe? Sleep Time Caring for Kids: Healthy sleep for your baby and child Encyclopedia of Early Childhood Development: Sleeping behaviour |
| Healthy Eating |
| Active Play |
| EarlyON child and family Centres- offer a variety of workshops on parenting and child development topics to support families of children 0-6 in their parenting journey. These are a great opportunities to gain knowledge, create connections with service providers and other families. City of Ottawa: Recreation Guide Have a Ball Together (Best Start by Health Nexus) - This website will give you the tools you need to be able to promote and encourage physical activity for children 0-6. Inspiring play for baby - Active for Life Activity ideas for toddlers and others - Active for Life 24 Hour Movement Guidelines - Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology |
| Dental Health |
| Ottawa Public Health: Healthy Smiles for Young Children (PDF) |
| Immunization |
| Second-Hand Smoke |
| Ottawa Public Health: Smoke Free Regulations |
Baby and Toddler Safety
| Indoor Safety |
| Caring for Kids: Basic home safety: A checklist |
| Outdoor Safety |
| Car Seat Safety |
General
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
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