Being a parent is the most important role you’ll ever have. At times, it may also feel like the most confusing and overwhelming place you’ve ever been. You can lean on the expertise and resources of the Healthy Families Partnership (HFP) of Douglas County.
Your community-based source for maternal/child health and family wellness convened in 2023 with a focus on providing supportive information and services tailored to Douglas County families on topics such as:
Today, 15 subject matter expert organizations are your trusted resources in support of your aspirations for a healthy family.
When you need a little more information or a little more support during a certain season, this web page is your comprehensive local source. Looking for specific resources or support? Contact [email protected].
The Douglas County Health Department is committed to supporting families through each phase of life, beginning with our youngest residents and their parents.
Learn about how the Health Families Partnership is supporting families with sleep sacks for their newborn babies.
Each new child development stage brings exciting milestones and, perhaps, some questions, too. Lean on these local resources, available both in-person and virtually, for every season of your family’s life.
Pregnancy is an exciting time. Remember, every pregnancy journey is unique. Knowing that you are doing all you can to stay healthy during pregnancy and give your baby a healthy start in life will help you to have peace of mind.
Maternal mental health matters. Maternal mental health refers to a mother’s emotional, social, and mental well-being during pregnancy and throughout the first year after childbirth. It’s more than just “baby blues”—it’s about supporting the whole person during a critical life transition.
The Douglas County Health Department can connect you or your loved ones with support and mental health care during and after pregnancy. Reach out today because healthy moms mean healthy families.
Newborn and infant brains are like sponges – they absorb everything. Nurturing and responsive care for the child’s body and mind is the key to supporting healthy brain development. Learn more about the importance of early brain development and health.
Middle childhood brings many changes in a child’s life. By this time, children can dress themselves, catch a ball more easily using only their hands, and tie their shoes. Having independence from family becomes more important now. Here is some information on how children develop during middle childhood:
This is a time of changes for how teenagers think, feel, and interact with others, and how their bodies grow. You may also observe the invincibility fable in your teen; a type of thought pattern most noted in teenagers that is characterized by the belief they won’t get caught when doing wrong and they won’t be hurt by engaging in risky behaviors. You play an important role in keeping your child safe―no matter how old he or she is. Here are some tips on how to address safety and other topics with your teen.
Each child in your care is different and may need different approaches to parenting. Find some positive parenting tips for all ages.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), which includes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), is the leading cause of injury death in infancy. Sleep is a big challenge for families with babies, but following safe sleep recommendations can prevent many SUID fatalities. We want to help teach you how your baby can sleep safely, so you can sleep soundly.
Did you know that infants cry an average of two to three hours a day over the first six weeks? It is normal for parents to experience moments of overwhelming stress and exhaustion while caring for a newborn.
In June 2024, Gov. Jared Polis signed HB24-1055, which updates Colorado’s child passenger safety law. These updates reflect the latest research-based recommendations on car seat, booster seat and seat belt use for children, including significant changes to rear-facing car seat rules. The updates, which became effective Jan. 1, 2025, and will ensure that laws keep pace with evolving best practices for car seat and booster seat use, based on your child’s age and weight. To view a chart of the new age and weight requirements, visit the Colorado Department of Transportation website.
As parents, we all want to see our children thrive. Keeping an eye on developmental milestones is one of the best ways to support their growth. From their first smile to their first steps, these milestones give us insight into how they’re learning, moving, and connecting with the world around them. Every child develops at their own pace, but noticing any delays early can make a big difference in getting the right support if needed. By staying engaged and celebrating each stage of development, we can help our little ones build confidence, curiosity, and the skills they need for a bright future.
Revise las listas de verificación de hitos del desarrollo de los CDC.
