Well-Baby Care Guide
A team of physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses closely follows your baby from birth to 18 months.
Appointments are generally set up as follows: 1 to 2 weeks, 3 to 4 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months (optional), 12 months, 15 months (optional) and 18 months.
We make sure your child is reaching their growth and development milestones and provide you with education, resources, and answers to any questions or concerns you may have. Vaccinations are provided according to Canadian guidelines on vaccines funded by the government of Ontario.
The following website pages are excellent places to find trustworthy answers and links for many common baby and child health questions.
- Rourke Baby Record Parent Resources
- Sick Kids: About Kids Health
- CHEO: Family and Caregiver Supports
This following guide gives a quick, parent-friendly snapshot of what’s happening at each age, plus practical tips to keep your baby safe and healthy. It’s based on the Rourke Baby Record (Ontario), the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS), and other trusted resources.
For details, explore the links at the end of each section.
What to Expect
Your baby sleeps most of the day—often 16–18 hours in short stretches. They need to be close to you, and you can’t “spoil” a newborn by holding them. Crying is how they communicate.
Important Things to Know
- Feeding: Breastfeed on demand or formula‑feed every 2–3 hours. Formula‑fed babies typically take ~150 mL (5 oz) per kg/day
- Vitamin D: Give 400 IU/day
- Safe sleep: Always on the back, in a crib/bassinet that meets Canadian standards; no pillows, blankets, toys, or bumper pads. Room‑sharing (not bed‑sharing) for the first 6 months lowers SID
- Self‑soothing: When possible, put baby down drowsy but awake.
- Smoke‑free: Keep your home and car smoke‑free.
- When to seek help: Fever >38.0°C (rectal), poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, pale stools, poor weight gain.
Resources for newborns (1-2 Weeks):
Health Canada: Safe Formula Preparation
What to Expect
Your baby is more alert with longer awake periods. They may follow faces and respond to familiar voices. Their neck still needs full support. If you have other children, they’re adjusting too—behaviour changes are common. Feeling tired or emotional is normal; reach out if it feels overwhelming.
Important Things to Know
- Feeding: Still frequent; some babies begin to stretch night sleep.
- Crying & colic: Crying often peaks around 6 weeks. Colic usually resolves by 3–4 months. Comfort with cuddling, swaddling, gentle motion, soft sounds, pacifier, or a warm bath. It’s not your fault—ask for support if needed.
- Tummy time: Short, supervised sessions 2–3 times daily.
- Safety: Never shake a baby. If overwhelmed, place your baby safely in the crib and take a short break.
Resources 1 Month:
What to Expect
Your baby is smiling, making eye contact, cooing, and staying awake longer. You may notice longer night stretches and more regular feeds. Loving connection—talking, singing, reading, and responding—builds attachment and supports brain growth.
Important Things to Know
- Vaccines: First routine immunizations are given now; they teach the immune system to fight infections.
- Interaction: Read, talk, sing, and make eye contact every day.
- Feeding: Offer feeds every 2-3 hours during the day, letting your baby decide how much to drink—never force‑feed.
- Sleep: Longer stretches may appear, but night waking is normal.
- Safety: No sleeping in car seats outside the car; never leave baby alone on high surfaces; supervise closely in the bath.
- Spitting up (reflux): Common and usually harmless; seek care if poor weight gain or distress with feeds.
- Pain relief for vaccines: Breastfeeding, skin‑to‑skin
- After vaccines: Mild fever/fussiness or small redness/swelling can occur. You may give acetaminophen if needed. Call your provider for fever ≥40°C, unusual sleepiness/unresponsiveness, or worsening swelling.
Resources 2 Months:
CPS: Read, Speak, Sing to Your Baby
CPS: Keep Your Young Child Safe
What to Expect
Your baby may roll from front to back, reach and grasp toys, and explore with hands and mouth. They laugh and squeal, recognize familiar people, and enjoy interactive play. Head and neck strength are improving.
Important Things to Know
- Sleep: Always place baby on their back. If they roll onto their tummy on their own, you can leave them that way.
- Feeding prep: Watch for readiness for solids around 6 months (sits with support, good head control, interest in food). Don’t start before 4 months.
- Choking prevention: Avoid propping bottles; always hold your baby during feeds.
- Safety: Never leave baby unattended on high surfaces; keep small objects out of reach; supervise around water.
- Play & learning: Talk, sing, and read daily.
Resources 4 Months:
CPS: Feeding Your Baby in the First Year
UnlockFood: Introducing Solids
What to Expect
Your baby may sit with support, pivot or begin to crawl. They babble, respond to their name, and show emotions. They transfer objects hand‑to‑hand and love exploring textures and tastes.
Important Things to Know
- Solids: Start iron‑rich foods (meats, iron‑fortified cereals, beans/lentils). Introduce common allergens (peanut, egg, fish/dairy) one at a time and continue regularly once tolerated. No honey before 12 months.
- Textures & drinks: Offer purees and/or soft finger foods; introduce an open cup with water. Avoid choking hazards.
- Sleep: Night waking is common; keep a consistent, calming routine.
- Oral care: Brush emerging teeth twice daily with a soft baby toothbrush and water.
- Babyproofing: Secure furniture, cover outlets, lock up medications/cleaners; use gates as needed.
- Water safety: Constant, close supervision around tubs, pools, or even buckets.
Resources 6 Months:
CPS: Healthy Sleep for Your Baby and Child
CPS: Read, Speak, Sing to Your Baby
Food Allergy Canada: Preventing Food Allergies
What to Expect
Your baby may crawl, pull to stand, and sit without support. They might wave, clap, or play peek‑a‑boo. Stranger anxiety is common as curiosity about the world grows.
Important Things to Know
- Feeding: Continue breastmilk/formula as the main nutrition. Offer varied textures and soft finger foods.
- Safety: Lower the crib mattress; secure furniture; block stairs; keep small objects, cords, and hot liquids out of reach.
- Water safety: Always supervise around any water, even shallow.
- Dental care: Brush teeth twice daily with a soft brush and water.
Resources 9 Months:
CPS: Keep Your Young Child Safe
What to Expect
Your toddler may take first steps, say a few words, and follow simple instructions. They point to share interest and love to imitate your actions.
Important Things to Know
- Milk & drinks: Transition to whole (3.25%) cow’s milk, 500–750 mL/day (16–24 oz) in an open cup. Avoid sweetened drinks/fruit juice; offer water between meals.
- Healthy eating: Offer family foods with a variety of textures; wash produce; limit processed foods high in sugar or salt. Appetite often slows—let your child decide how much to eat.
- Mealtime routine: Aim for 3 meals and 2–3 snacks at regular times. Be a positive role model and eat together without screens.
- Cup over bottle: Switch from bottles to an open cup; no bottles in bed (cavities/ear infections).
- Choking prevention: Avoid small, round, hard, smooth, or sticky foods until age 4; have your child sit while eating/drinking.
- Sleep: Many toddlers sleep 11–14 hours/day, including naps.
- Dental care: Brush your child’s teeth twice daily. If your water supply does not contain added fluoride, your dental hygienist may recommend using a small smear of fluoride toothpaste.
- Screens: Under age 2, screen use isn’t recommended (except video chat with caring adults).
Resources 12 Months:
CPS: Healthy Teeth for Children
CPS: Iron Needs of Babies and Children
CPS: Weaning from Breastfeeding
What to Expect
Your toddler is likely walking well, climbing, and exploring everywhere. They use a few words, imitate, and follow simple directions.
Important Things to Know
- Milk & drinks: Offer 500–600 mL/day (16–20 oz) of 3.25% milk. More than 750 mL/day (24 oz) may reduce appetite and raise the risk of iron deficiency.
- Juice & sugary drinks: Avoid sweetened drinks; if offering 100% juice, limit to ≤125 mL/day (½ cup).
- Healthy habits: Read, talk, tell stories, and sing daily to build language and social skills.
- Screen time: Not recommended under age 2 (except video chat).
- Active play: Encourage frequent outdoor, unstructured play.
- Safety: Lock up dangerous items; use stair gates; supervise around water.
- Cough/cold meds: Don’t use over‑the‑counter cough/cold medicines.
- Car seats: Install per the seat’s instructions and keep each stage as long as possible.
Resources 15 Months:
CPS: Discipline for Young Children
Parachute: Choosing the right car seat
What to Expect
Your toddler may run, climb stairs with help, and use 10–20 words. Pretend play emerges, and they can point to familiar objects and body parts.
Important Things to Know
- Milk & drinks: Offer 500–600 mL/day (16–20 oz) of 3.25% milk in an open cup. More than 750 mL/day (24 oz) can curb appetite and raise the risk of iron deficiency. Encourage water; avoid sweetened drinks and juice.
- Eating: Picky eating is common—keep offering a variety of healthy foods at regular meals/snacks; avoid pressure to eat.
- Toilet learning: Some children show readiness now (interest, telling you, staying dry for short periods), but many aren’t ready until 2–4 years.
- Pacifier: Wean now to support teeth/speech.
- Sleep: Many toddlers still nap; keep bedtime routines consistent.
- Positive parenting: Use calm, consistent, responsive discipline; praise positive behaviors. Be a healthy role model with food and activity.
- Safety: Ongoing childproofing and close supervision—toddlers are fast and curious.
- Screens: Under age 2, screens aren’t recommended (except video chat with caring adults).
Resources 18 Months:
CPS: Screen Time & Young Children
AboutKidsHealth: Positive Parenting (0–5 years)
What to Expect
Your child is becoming more independent and eager to explore. They may run, climb, kick a ball, and use short sentences. Tantrums are common as they learn to manage emotions. Social skills grow through play and imitation.
Important Things to Know
- Feeding & Drinks: Offer a variety of healthy foods. Limit cow’s milk (2%) or fortified soy beverage to 500–600 mL per day in an open cup. Avoid sweet drinks and juices.
- Toilet Learning: Your child is usually toilet training at this age. Signs they’re ready include interest in toileting and letting you know when they need to use the toilet. Avoid pressure—follow their pace.
- Safety: Supervise near water, use stair gates, and ensure car seat use is appropriate for height and weight. Keep small objects and choking hazards out of reach.
- Sleep & Behavior: Consistent routines help with sleep and behavior. Children this age need 11–14 hours of sleep per 24 hours (including naps). Limit screen time to less than 1 hour/day for ages 2–5, and avoid screens before bedtime.
- Dental Care: Brush teeth twice daily with a smear of fluoride toothpaste if under age 3, or pea-sized amount after age 3. Floss if teeth touch.
- Physical Activity: Encourage daily active play—both structured and free outdoor play.
Resources 2-3 Years:
CPS: Keep Your Young Child Safe
What to Expect
Your child is gaining confidence and independence. Around age 4 they follow multi-step instructions, speak in full sentences, and balance on one foot. By age 5–6, they can count, hop, retell stories, and dress themselves.
Important Things to Know
- Feeding & Drinks: Offer balanced meals and snacks. Limit cow’s milk or fortified soy beverage to 500–600 mL/day. Avoid sweet drinks and juices. Encourage water and family meals.
- Safety: Ensure proper car seat or booster seat use, supervise near water, use helmets for cycling, and protect from sun (SPF 30+, hats, clothing). Avoid trampolines.
- Nutrition Tip: See Canada’s Food Guide and Nutri-eSTEP for healthy eating tips.
- Sleep & Behavior: Children 3–5 years need 10–13 hours of sleep per 24 hours. Keep a consistent bedtime routine. Limit screen use to about 1 hour/day for ages 2–5, no screens before bed, and keep devices out of bedrooms.
- Dental Care: Brush teeth twice daily with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Floss if teeth touch. Schedule a dental check-up if not already done.
- Vision: Book an eye exam with an optometrist before your child starts school—early detection supports learning.
- Social & School Prep: Encourage playdates, reading, and imaginative play. Support transitions to preschool or kindergarten.
Resources 4-6 Years: