Healthy Start Coalition, Inc. of Bay, Franklin and Gulf Counties

02/09/2026

Parenting is demanding, and the choices we make every day can shape a child’s safety, health, and development.

Ma*****na may be legal in many places, but legality does not equal safety—especially when children are involved. Staying informed is an important step in protecting your family.

*****naAwareness

Parenting is demanding, and every decision we make can shape a child’s safety, health, and development.This short video explores how ma*****na use can affect...

02/07/2026

Quitting smoking during pregnancy supports healthier outcomes for both mom and baby. Support and resources can make quitting easier.

Helpful tips:
• Take it one day at a time
• Plan for triggers and cravings
• Ask for support from people you trust
• Talk with your healthcare provider about quitting options

Healthy Start can help connect you to free resources that support a smoke-free pregnancy. Learn more at HealthyStartBFG.com.

02/06/2026

The postpartum period is a time of healing, adjustment, and learning. While caring for your baby, it’s important to care for yourself as well.

Postpartum reminders:
• Rest whenever possible, even short breaks help recovery
• Eat nourishing foods and stay hydrated
• Check in with your mental health—mood changes are common
• Accept help from family and friends
• Reach out if feelings of sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm don’t improve

Support is available for families in Bay, Franklin, and Gulf Counties. Learn more at HealthyStartBFG.com.

02/04/2026

Good dental health starts early and plays an important role in a child’s overall health and development.

Tips to support healthy smiles:
• Clean gums with a soft cloth before teeth appear
• Brush twice daily with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste once the first tooth comes in
• Schedule a first dental visit by age one
• Avoid putting babies to bed with bottles
• Offer water between meals and limit sugary drinks and snacks

Healthy teeth support eating, speaking, and confidence as children grow. Learn more about supporting your child’s oral health at HealthyStartBFG.com.

01/28/2026

Safe sleep practices help protect infants and reduce the risk of sleep-related deaths.

Remember the ABCs of Safe Sleep:
• Alone: Baby sleeps alone in their own crib or bassinet
• Back: Always place baby on their back to sleep
• Crib: Use a firm, flat mattress with only a fitted sheet

Safe sleep saves lives. Learn more at HealthyStartBFG.com.

01/27/2026

The postpartum period affects dads too. Supporting a partner, caring for a newborn, and adjusting to new routines can be exhausting.

A few reminders for dads:
• Rest when you can
• Check in with your mental health
• Talk about stress and emotions
• Ask for help when needed

Taking care of yourself helps you better support your family. Learn more at HealthyStartBFG.com.

01/25/2026

Tracking your baby’s movements every day during the third trimester is an important way to monitor your baby’s health. Most babies develop a regular pattern of movement, and knowing what is normal for your baby helps you notice changes early.

How to track fetal movements:
• Choose the same time each day when your baby is usually active
• Count how long it takes to feel 10 movements
• Pay attention to changes in your baby’s usual pattern
• Contact your healthcare provider right away if movements slow down or feel different

Daily movement tracking can help identify concerns early and support healthier outcomes. Learn more at HealthyStartBFG.com.

01/24/2026

Using the correct car seat and installing it properly is one of the most important ways to protect your child.

Car seat safety reminders:
• Use a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, according to height and weight limits
• Make sure the car seat is installed tightly and correctly
• Keep harness straps snug and positioned at or below the shoulders for rear-facing seats
• Never place a rear-facing car seat in front of an active airbag
• Check that your car seat has not expired or been recalled

Car seats save lives when they are used correctly every time. If you have questions or need help, Healthy Start can connect families to local car seat safety resources.

Learn more at HealthyStartBFG.com.

01/23/2026

We are so grateful for The Panama City Parrot Head Club for having our Healthy Start Team Dad Program as the benefactor for their January Meet Up! We are so thankful do the generous donations, a fun time was had by all!

01/22/2026

Great to hear all the wonderful things the Chamber is doing in our community!

01/22/2026

January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month.

Some birth defects happen very early in pregnancy. While not all are preventable, early care and healthy choices can help support a healthy start.

• Take folic acid
• Get regular prenatal care
• Avoid alcohol, to***co, and other substances
• Manage health conditions with a provider

Healthy Start offers education and support for families before and during pregnancy. Learn more at HealthyStartBFG.com.

01/21/2026

Research shows THC crosses the placenta and can reach a baby’s developing brain. There is no known safe amount of THC during pregnancy, including smoking, va**ng, or edibles.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, avoiding THC is the safest choice. Education and support can help families make informed decisions.

Learn more at dfaf.org and HealthyStartBFG.com.