Information & Resources for Families
Child Development
Parents of children between the ages of birth and five years old often wonder about the development of their child. Child development is a period of time when a child typically begins to learn how to do something new. Sometimes children will regress as they are learning a new skill. This is completely in the realm of normalcy. Children between the ages of Birth and 36 months develop quickly. Visit http://ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/pdf_forms/dcd_infant_toddler_important_milestones.pdf for a quick reference of some milestone these children will be learning.
North Carolina Health Care Services
Low Cost and Free Health Insurance for children is available through Health Check and NC Health Choice. Families must apply for services. More information is available at: http://www.nchealthystart.org/public/childhealth/index.htm.
Infant Health
Becoming a parent for the first time is a moment filled with many feelings. Feelings of uncertainty are typical. Understanding new born health and development can relieve some feelings of doubt. Information about New Born Health and Safety Tips can be found by visiting: www.nchealthystart.org/public/babycare/newborn.htm.
Infants communicate in many ways and crying is the most frequent way. During infants’ early development, 2 week to 5 months, some infants cry and cannot be comforted. These infants are not ill, hungry, sleepy or tired. This typical development in infants is called the Period of PURPLE Crying.
PURPLE is an acronym meaning:
P - peak pattern (crying peaks around 2 months, then decreases)
U – unpredictable (crying for long periods can come and go for no reason)
R - resistant to soothing (the baby may keep crying for long periods)
P - pain-like look on face
L - long bouts of crying (crying can go on for hours)
E - evening crying (baby cries more in the afternoon and evening)
P - peak pattern (crying peaks around 2 months, then decreases)
U – unpredictable (crying for long periods can come and go for no reason)
R - resistant to soothing (the baby may keep crying for long periods)
P - pain-like look on face
L - long bouts of crying (crying can go on for hours)
E - evening crying (baby cries more in the afternoon and evening)
Dr. Ronald G. Barr is a Developmental Pediatrician and World Expert on Infant Crying. He has studied infant crying for over 35 years. Please watch his video explaining the Period of Purple Crying.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f97psdLPC4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f97psdLPC4
In 1991, the United States began to encourage families to place infants on their backs to sleep after incidences of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) decreased in England and Wales by two-thirds. While having infants sleep on their backs decreases the occurrences of SIDS, there are more factors to consider. More information about SIDS can be found at http://www.nchealthystart.org/downloads2/BTS_info_sheet.pdf and http://www.nchealthystart.org/public/sids/index.htm.
Women, Infant and Children (WIC) is a program offering subsidized vouchers for food items high in protein, iron, fiber and Vitamin C. WIC Services are available in Onslow County: http://www.co.onslow.nc.us/health/wic.aspx.
Parent Education and Support
PEERS (Parent Education, Empathy, Rapport & Support) Family Development Center offers families information about parenting and parenting classes, support for adolescent parents, FREE Drop-In Care for children age's infancy to five years old, and a Kindergarten Readiness Program. For more information: http://www.peersfamily.webs.com
Car Seat Safety
North Carolina state law requires all children less than 8 years old and less than 80 pounds be restrained in belt-positioning boosters or some other type of child restraint. Additional guidance about choosing the appropriate type of restraint system can be found at http://www.buckleupnc.org/using_selection.cfm. Visit any local Law Enforcement Station or Fire Rescue Station to have your Car Seat installed professionally at no cost.
Product Recall
Parents and families purchase toys, furniture and equipment for their children daily. On occasion, products have defects which are not detected prior the product becoming available for purchase. Parents and families can visit the federal website for the most current product recalls. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html.
Toy Library and Creative Activities
The Onslow County Partnership for Children has a Resource Center with developmentally appropriate toys, children’s literature and family resource literature for members to borrow. A creative area is available for children and adults to draw, cut, glue creating pictures, scrapbooks, charts, party favors, invitations, and hundreds of other craft ideas. For membership information click here: http://www.onslowkids.org/Resource_Center.php.
Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce
The Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce provides information about Onslow County and area. Visit their website: http://www.jacksonvilleonline.org/
Women and Children Safety
The Onslow Women’s Center, Inc. offers women and children a safe haven from domestic violence. Counseling, Occupational Guidance, and Shelter are available. For free and confidential support call 910.347.4000.
