Their Safety Starts With You
As a grandparent, your love, wisdom, and care are priceless — and now, more than ever, you play a key role in protecting your grandbaby's health. Whether you're caring for a newborn or simply visiting, your choices make a difference.
Life-Saving Steps You Can Take
Vaccinations: Protection Starts With You
Newborns and young babies are especially vulnerable to illness — and many vaccines won't fully protect them until they're older. That's why your immunity helps protect them.
MSDH recommends that grandparents, caregivers, and family members stay up to date on these key vaccinations:
- Pertussis (whooping cough): The Tdap vaccine protects against pertussis, which can be deadly in infants.
- Flu (influenza): Given annually to prevent seasonal flu.
- COVID-19: Updated doses protect against serious illness.
- RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): Especially important if you'll be in close contact with infants.
Visit your doctor or pharmacist to find out about vaccinations. No insurance? Our county health departments can help. Call 855‑767‑0170 for an appointment.
Safe Sleep: What Every Grandparent Should Know
Safe sleep guidance has changed over the years, and what we once believed was best may no longer be safe.
Today's recommendations are clear — follow the ABC rule:
- Put babies to sleep Alone, on their Back, and in a Crib — for every nap and every night.
- No pillows, no blankets, no toys, and no crib bumpers that can lead to suffocation.
- Babies should sleep on a flat, firm surface (not in car seats, swings, or couches).
- Always start babies on their back to sleep, even if they roll later on their own.
Because They Rely on You
You've done this before — now you can do it even better, with today's tools and knowledge. Their safety starts with you.
