Parenting in Peterborough
Last Updated/Revised: May 23, 2025
As rewarding as it is, parenting can be tough and overwhelming. On top of that, there are lots of different opinions and tips about raising a child, especially in a digital world.
We are here to help. We’ve created a place with reliable, evidence-based information to support you, no matter what stage of parenting you are in. There are lots of programs and services available in our community to support you. Check out our What’s Available for Families webpage for details.
There are many ways to parent! The most important thing is that a child has a safe, stable and nurturing relationship with at least one parent or caregiver. This consistent bond plays a crucial role in a child’s development and well-being. It’s also essential that the child has a safe, stable and nurturing environment.
You’re not alone on your parenting journey; we are here to help you at every stage along the way!
Your Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy. A guide to answer questions for those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
OMama. Step-by-step guide to pregnancy, information on labour & birth, postpartum and newborn care.
Online Prenatal Classes. Classes cover pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and newborn care. Free for residents of the City and County of Peterborough and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations.
Due Date Calculator. Use this calculator to estimate your baby’s due date.
Prenatal Screening and Routine Tests. Explains the types of prenatal screening tests available during pregnancy in Ontario. It describes when and why you might choose a test and suggests talking to your healthcare provider to decide what’s best for you.
Prenatal and Infant Nutrition. Resources to help answer any nutrition questions you may have during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Perinatal Mental Health. Local services available to support those experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (including postpartum depression/anxiety).
Risks of Cannabis on Fertility, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Parenting. Information about cannabis and its effect on fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and parenting.
Cannabis, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. Frequently asked questions about cannabis on fertility, breastfeeding, and pregnancy.
Oral Health and Pregnancy. Information about how your oral health may change during pregnancy and how to care for yourself.
Creating Healthy Environments for Kids. Low-cost tips for reducing children’s exposures to toxic chemicals in the home.
Travelling While Pregnant. Information to help you prepare for travelling while pregnant.
Labour and Delivery at PRHC. If you are planning to deliver your baby at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (the hospital), to help plan your visit.
Baby’s First Year webpage. For support over the first year of your baby’s life.
Breastfeeding webpage. It can take time to learn, and you may have questions. Visit this page for information and to learn more
About Breastfeeding. Detailed information about breastfeeding and resources to help you.
Prenatal and Infant Nutrition. Resources to help answer any nutrition questions you may have during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Infant and Child Development Program (ICDP). Provides support and parent coaching to maximize developmental outcomes for infants and young children (birth to program entry) either with or at risk for developmental delay. We partner with families to provide support, information, and early intervention services, in the home or community setting.
Learn & Grow parenting emails. Sign up to receive regular information and support until your baby is 18-months old.
Child Development. To learn about your child’s development from birth onward.
SmartStart Hub. Connect to services and supports that your child/youth may need, such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, assessments and more.
Safety 0-6 Months. Learn how to keep your baby safe from injury.
Safety 6-12 Months. Learn how to keep your baby safe from injury.
Enhanced 18-month Well-Baby Visit. Learn about this visit to discuss your child's social, emotional and physical development and milestones, connect with services and supports as needed, and to get their 18-month immunization.
Building Resilience With Your Child. Check out our new one pager for ideas on how to build resilience with your child and why it is so important.
SmartStart Hub. Connect to services and supports that your child/youth may need, such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, assessments and more.
Kid Talk. For information and tips on speech and language development
Early Childhood Tooth Decay. Learn about what this is, how to treat and prevent it.
Sleep Information on healthy sleep guidelines for children from birth to teenage years.
Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (PDEP). For information on discipline.
Active For Life. Looking for ideas to keep your child moving? Check out this resource!
Play & Learn. For ideas on integrating play to promote movement, learning, getting along with others, and language.
Disconnect to Reconnect. To learn more about the connection between technology, physical activity and relationships.
About Kids Health (SickKids). Evidence-based information on infant and child health, including specific illnesses and guidelines.
Caring For Kids (Canadian Pediatric Society). Evidence-based information on infant and child health, including specific illnesses and guidelines.
Supports for Mental Health. To learn more about supports available for your and/or your child’s mental health.
Keeping Active Kids. Hydrated Tips to keep your active child hydrated.
Safety. How to keep your child safe from injury at home, at play or on the road.
Let’s Go to Kindergarten. Information and tips to help prepare you and your child for kindergarten.
Families & Parents webpage. For more information on supporting children in school.
About Kids Health (SickKids). Evidence-based information on infant and child health, including specific illnesses and guidelines.
Caring For Kids (Canadian Pediatric Society). Evidence-based information on infant and child health, including specific illnesses and guidelines.
Respiratory Illness Information. For information on respiratory illnesses in schools
Supports for Mental Health. To learn more about supports available for your and/or your child’s mental health.
Healthy Sleep in Children. Has wondering about sleep at this stage kept you up at night?
Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (PDEP). For information on discipline.
Disconnect to Reconnect. To learn more about the connection between technology, physical activity and relationships.
Safety 3-5. How to keep your child safe from injury at home, at play or on the road.
Safety 5-9. How to keep your child safe from injury at home, at play or on the road.
The Teen Years. Navigating the pre-teen and teenage years can be a challenging and rewarding time. This website offers information to support you and your family.
Talking to Your Teen. For communication tips when speaking to your teen.
Understanding the Teen Brain. If you want to learn more about the teen brain.
About Kids Health (SickKids). Evidence-based information on infant and child health, including specific illnesses and guidelines.
Caring For Kids (Canadian Pediatric Society). Evidence-based information on infant and child health, including specific illnesses and guidelines.
Supports for Mental Health. To learn more about supports available for your and/or your child’s mental health.
Teen’s Sleep Information. Have you been wondering about your pre-teen or teenager’s sleep? Check here for tips.
At Home Alone. If you’re thinking about leaving your pre-teen or teenager at home alone for the first time. This resource offers information to support your family in this transition.
Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (PDEP). For information on discipline.
Disconnect to Reconnect. To learn more about the connection between technology, physical activity and relationships.