Your baby's health and first year

Call us or your county worker when you have your baby to make sure your baby has health insurance.

Don’t forget to schedule YOUR postpartum checkup 4-6 weeks after delivery.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the best food for your new baby. Breast milk is easier for babies to digest than formula. Breast milk also helps protect your new baby from infections and other illnesses or allergies. Experts recommend breastfeeding for at least 12 months. However, any length of time will benefit your baby. Continue to eat healthy while breastfeeding.

Eligible members can get a free breast pump from our vendor Everyday Miracles. Visit everyday-miracles.org/requests and have your Hennepin Health insurance information ready. Talk with your doctor about how soon you should start to pump breast milk. If you have trouble breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or call Hennepin County WIC at 612-348-6100 or 800-WIC-4039, TTY 800-627-3529.

Newborn screening

Soon after birth, your baby will be screened to see if they are at risk for rare, hidden disorders through the Newborn Screening Program. This program, run by the state together with hospitals and medical professionals, screens for more than 60 disorders. Newborn screening consists of three simple tests: blood spot screening, hearing screening and pulse oximetry screening.

When identified early, interventions, medications or changes in diet can help prevent most health problems caused by disorders on the newborn screening panel. Watch a short video on the newborn screening process and read more information at Newborn Screening Program Information: About Newborn Screening - MN Dept. of Health.

Baby checkups

Your baby will need frequent checkups (well-baby visits) to make sure they are growing well. The doctor or nurse will:

• Make sure your baby’s growth and development are on track.
• Check for possible problems so they can be treated early.
• Protect your baby with immunizations (shots) that can help avoid serious diseases.

You can earn gift cards for baby checkups and early childhood immunizations through our rewards program. Go to our Rewards program page.

Safe sleep

Parents, families and caregivers should follow safe sleep practices every time a baby sleeps or naps. This is done by placing babies on their backs in a smoke-free environment in a safety-approved crib free of blankets, pillows, bumper pads, stuffed animals and toys.

Find answers to your questions about safe sleep, including swaddling and sleep sacks, at Safe Sleep Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).  

Resources 

• Our online health resource, Healthwise Knowledgebase, can help you find answers to common parenting questions about infant health. Read about bottle feeding, colic, diaper rash, diarrhea, ear infections, fever or chills and tooth development. In the Infant and Toddler Health section, also learn about:

- Giving over-the-counter medicines to children
- Healthy habits for kids
- Thumb sucking: Helping your child stop
- Toilet training

• The Minnesota Department of Health Follow Along Program is a good way to see if your child’s development is on track. The program is free. For more information and to sign up online, go to Follow Along Program.
• Hennepin County Early Childhood Intervention Services has support for families from pregnancy through kindergarten including nurse home visiting, parent training and connections to community resources. Call 612-348-TOTS (8687). 
• Keep your child safe at home using the Safe Kids Worldwide Home Safety Checklist.

DHS approved 8/29/23; MC-1499-MC