Mobile Parenting

Try mobile parenting

Have more questions than answers about your pregnancy or new baby? If you’ve just given birth, you were likely bombarded with information and now you may be struggling to remember it all.That’s where your phone or device comes to the rescue with the following features.

Text4Baby

Text4Baby is a new program from the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. Sign up for the service by texting BABY to 511411 (or BEBE in Spanish) to receive free text messages each week, timed to your baby’s age.

Starting in pregnancy and extending through your baby’s first birthday, you’ll receive approximately 150 texts on topics such as feeding, bathing, clothing and caring for baby. Text4Baby is a free service and most mobile carriers have agreed to waive the texting charge.

You’ll also get important check-up reminders so that you don’t miss any milestone appointments. Since winter is flu season, a recent message reminds moms to get themselves and their babies vaccinated: “You and everyone who cares for your baby should get a flu shot. This helps protect baby from flu. Call 800-232-4636 to find out where to get the shot.”

Safe sleep messages also remind you that, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ latest advice, nothing but a tight-fitting crib sheet on a properly sized mattress and your baby should be in baby’s crib: “Keep your baby warm at night with infant pajamas. No fluffy blankets or pillows should be in the crib. They are a danger to babies.”

Developmental milestones will also help you track your baby’s progress: “Your baby is 4 months old. Watch him hold his head up, steady, smile & even laugh. Babies also begin to roll. Call 800-311-2229 with questions.”