Congratulations!

You’re a brand-new grandparent…or you’re about to become one. So you’ll soon have the opportunity to experience a great new phase of family life.

Things may have changed a bit since the days when you held your own children in your arms. So it’s important to understand the differences, since they may affect your children and your new grandchild.

Many health experts recommend breastfeeding

In the past, many people thought it was best to bottle-feed babies with formula. But now most experts think that breast-feeding is better for babies.

Of course, decisions about the best way to feed a baby are highly personal and should be left up to the parents. But it’s important for you to understand that many parents and health professionals prefer breastfeeding today.

• Get the latest information on breastfeeding.

Safe car seats for babies are now required by law

These days it’s against the law to carry an infant on your lap while riding in a car. And for good reason: It’s simply not a safe way for babies and children to travel.

Car seats are a much safer alternative. And they dramatically reduce fatal injuries in car crashes, which are the #1 threat to the lives of children according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In fact, car seats reduce fatal injuries by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.

Now you know why newborn infants must be securely strapped in a car seat when they go home from the hospital.

• Make sure that your grandchild has a safe car seat to travel in.

It’s better for babies to sleep on their backs

Many people used to think that babies should sleep on their stomachs. But now experts say that the #1 way to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is to let babies sleep on their backs.

It’s also a good idea to provide a firm mattress and keep everything else that could cause a problem—including pillows, coverings, bumper pads and toys—off the bed.

• Learn more about ways to reduce the risk of SIDS.

When adults smoke, it hurts babies and other children.

Research shows that babies can end up with a number of serious health problems —including low birth weight and nicotine addiction —when women smoke during pregnancy.

That’s why it’s so important for women who are pregnant or planning to have a baby to stop smoking.

Smoking around children of any age can lead to respiratory disease and other health problems. So everyone should stop smoking around babies, toddlers, and other children.

A smoke-free environment will lead to a healthier lifestyle for everyone.

You can be a big help to your children and grandchildren

Remember when you brought your new baby home? Remember all the chores and challenges?

Now that you’re a grandparent, you can help the new parents make the adjustment to having a baby at home.

Here’s how.

• Ask the new parents how you can help them. Take your cues from them on what to do.
• Offer to help with chores during the first few weeks. You can bring food and groceries, help with laundry and cleaning, or simply watch the baby while the new parents take a much-needed nap.
• Support the decisions the new parents make. They’ll appreciate you even more when they know you’re on their side.
• Give the new parents time and space to ease into their new role. Some new parents need time to adjust to having a new baby at home and to develop confidence in their parenting skills. So if you’re not sure whether your assistance and advice will be helpful or a bother, just ask the new parents. They’ll appreciate your understanding and concern.

These are all wonderful ways you can help your child’s family get off to a great start with your new grandchild.