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Ensuring Physical Health and Nutrition for Young Children

Child nutrition and physical health are critical for
lifelong well-being.

The first three years of a child’s life are the perfect time to build lifelong health habits and develop a strong relationship with a trusted pediatrician. However, too many American families live in food deserts–communities without access to a variety of healthy food options. Many more families cannot afford to feed their children in the way they wish.

Parents also struggle to navigate medical systems to better support their children’s health and well-being. 

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    Kids who do not regularly see a pediatric provider face greater risk of future health concerns.

    Why It Matters

    Good nutrition and access to quality health care are essential to healthy infant development.

    We help families navigate the healthcare system, connect with needed resources, and access fresh and nutritious food that meets their children’s needs. We also advocate to policymakers for equitable access to health care and healthy, affordable food through proven solutions such as the (Women, Infants, and Children) WIC and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 

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    By the Numbers

    Families need support to ensure the health and well-being of their young children

    35%

    Thirty-five percent of babies live in households that struggle to meet basic needs.

    $

    While our programs cost money—and need funding—at the outset, the preventative measures we put in place lower healthcare costs overall, making them a great long-term investment.

    13

    The 13 well-child visits a child has in their first three years of life are a prime opportunity to deliver health services and supports to parents and caregivers. 

    Sources: ZERO TO THREE. State of Babies Yearbook: 2022. HealthySteps (2022) The evidence base.

    Our Impact

    Our goal is to reach at least 1 million children and families at their pediatrician's offices by 2032.

    see where we are

    The children who have been involved in our pediatric primary care program, HealthySteps, along with our other efforts, are more likely to be up-to-date on vaccinations by age 2, more likely to receive developmental screenings to identify concerns, and less likely to be recipients of harsh parental discipline.

    I love being a support, a guide, a contortionist—whatever it is that families need me to be.

    Rachel Herbst, HealthySteps Specialist

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    Evidence-based, team-based care to support the health and well-being of babies and toddlers in your community

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    Related Resources

    View All Resources
    Virtual Event

    Special Briefing: What Federal Actions and Proposed Budget Cuts Mean for Babies and Families

    Details
    Open Letter

    From Alleviating the ‘Mental Load’ to Addressing Intergenerational Trauma: How HealthySteps Supports Maternal Health

    See how HealthySteps supports maternal health as part of transforming the promise of pediatric care.
    Details
    Resource

    No Baby Goes Hungry: Ensuring Infant and Toddler Food Security

    Proper nutrition during early childhood lays the foundation for lifelong health, but cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could put many babies at risk.
    Details

    Help us advocate for action so that all of our children can grow up
    healthy and strong.

    The global health crisis caused by COVID-19 has made disparities in children's health more urgent than ever.

    babies can't wait