January 22, 1999

Many new parents have questions about their bundles of joy once they arrive home. Now the MGH is providing a resource guide to help parents with their new responsibilities.

Created by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay's "Success by Six" initiative, Growing Up Healthy is a child health diary that provides useful health, safety, child development and parenting information. It is easy for parents to use, with pockets for official immunization records and other documents as well as a resource list of family support services.

Available in English and Spanish, the diaries are being distributed at birthing hospitals, WIC programs, home visiting programs, adoption agencies and pediatric practices. The Partners HealthCare Community Benefit Program is one of the sponsors, along with the city of Boston and Tufts Health Plan. All birthing hospitals and most pediatric practices in the Partners system now have the diaries available.

The child health diary is available in English and Spanish.