The Kit for New Parents is a comprehensive package of important resource information and tips to help parents raise children who are healthy, learning and ready to reach their greatest potential.  

Available in English and Spanish, the Kit for New Parents contains six videos narrated by prominent child development experts and celebrities such as Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, Dr. Antonia Novello, Le Var Burton, Jamie Lee Curtis, Gloria Estefan, Andy Garcia, Edward James Olmos, Phylicia Rashad, Rob Reiner, Cristina Saralegui and Maria Shriver. Topics include the importance of the early years, child care, safety, health and nutrition, discipline and early literacy and provide practical ideas to help parents prepare their children to reach their greatest potential in school and life.

Primeros 5 California anunció hoy el lanzamiento de una nueva versión actualizada en español del Paquete de Recursos para Nuevos Padres, un recurso gratis y completo que incluye desde consejos prácticos sobre cuidado prenatal hasta información sobre los primeros cinco años de vida.   para más información

What's New Inside
• The reading readiness book "Let's Get Ready to Read," once part of the kit is now the gift parents receive when they return a survey postcard. The reply postcard should yield valuable insight into how parents are using this powerful tool for learning about child development and their role in it.
• The local resource information added to boxes is now packaged in a separate envelope. The same information is included: a safety message about children in vehicles, a guide for families on promoting social and emotional development, a parenting resources information card, and a "Love Me, Immunize Me!" Checklist bookmark.

First 5 California and First 5 Riverside began distributing an updated Kit for New Parents April 5, 2007. The new kit provides a free, comprehensive parenting resource that includes everything from practical advice on prenatal care to information on a child’s first years. With more than 24,500 babies born in Riverside County each year, the free kit, valued at $75, will help local parents prepare for their new child.

Read the English News Release about the Kit
Read the News Release about the Spanish Language Kit en español

First 5 Riverside aims to distribute the Kit for New Parents either prior to the birth or at the birth of every child born in Riverside County.

The Kit for New Parents is made possible through a partnership with First 5 California, also known as the California Children and Families Commission (CCFC).  The Center for Community Wellness at the University of California, Berkeley conducted a pilot test of the Kit for New Parents, which proved so successful that the CCFC voted to expand distribution statewide.  During the testing, 99 percent of mothers who received the Kit suggested that it be given to all parents.  Nearly half of mothers reported changing their behavior or the way they thought about parenting because of the Kit. More information about the Kits is available from First 5 California at www.ccfc.ca.gov/kit  

 A single issue of the Kit for New Parents is available to all new parents in California through First 5 California’s toll-free information lines, (800) KIDS-025 (English) or (800) 5-0-NINOS (Spanish). For all other orders, please contact Christy Bethel, Health and Community Programs Program Specialist, at (951) 248-0014 or cbethel@rccfc.org.