Caring for babies who have been prenatally exposed to substances requires knowing more than just “baby care”.  Caring for babies who have been prenatally exposed to substances requires:

• An understanding that other than alcohol and drugs, things like the mother’s health, stress level, and nutrition impacts how a baby grows in the womb
• An understanding of the importance of preserving the parent-baby relationship, the baby’s cultural heritage, and family and community connections  
• An understanding of the importance of infant attachment
• An ability to make a special connection to a baby
• An understanding about how to listen to babies and respond to their needs
• Caregiving strategies and “tools” for challenging times
• An ability to recognize problems with growth and development early on so that help can be received as soon as possible
• Knowledge about how to access community resources that assist and support caregivers and babies
• Recognizing that each individual infant is unique.

This booklet is a resource for parents and caregivers of babies who have been prenatally exposed to alcohol or other drugs. Information in this booklet was gathered from various sources, including parents, caregivers,  professionals and published books and articles. The information in this booklet is about the daily care of babies aged birth to 12 months who may have been exposed to substances in the womb.

Caring for babies who have been prenatally exposed to substances requires knowing more than just “baby care”.  Caring for babies who have been prenatally exposed to substances requires:

• An understanding that other than alcohol and drugs, things like the mother’s health, stress level, and nutrition impacts how a baby grows in the womb
• An understanding of the importance of preserving the parent-baby relationship, the baby’s cultural heritage, and family and community connections  
• An understanding of the importance of infant attachment
• An ability to make a special connection to a baby
• An understanding about how to listen to babies and respond to their needs
• Caregiving strategies and “tools” for challenging times
• An ability to recognize problems with growth and development early on so that help can be received as soon as possible
• Knowledge about how to access community resources that assist and support caregivers and babies
• Recognizing that each individual infant is unique.

This booklet is a resource for parents and caregivers of babies who have been prenatally exposed to alcohol or other drugs. Information in this booklet was gathered from various sources, including parents, caregivers,  professionals and published books and articles. The information in this booklet is about the daily care of babies aged birth to 12 months who may have been exposed to substances in the womb.