## Babies need a lot - and so do their families. Here are some resources for you and yours to get all that you need to make your home and your baby safe, healthy, and happy. Some Maryland counties/cities have more to offer, some have less. You can always **call 2-1-1 to find more resources** if you don't see them listed here. ## For Mom - Prenatal Free Pregnancy & Birth Education Chase Brexton's hospital partners offer pregnancy and birth education resources to help you have a healthy pregnancy and get ready for your new baby. Patients delivering at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center can take part in a variety of classes and support programs that include: - Childbirth preparation classes - Online courses like Understanding Birth, Understanding Breastfeeding, Understanding Infant and Child Safety, and Understanding Your Newborn - New mom support groups - Breastfeeding classes Learn more by visiting their education pages [here](https://events.hcgh.hopkinsmedicine.org/child-parent/). Patients birthing at UMMC have access to The Stork's Nest program. It's designed to empower you to be healthy and give you the tools you need when you have your baby! The program includes: - Free prenatal classes to educate women about having a healthy pregnancy and birth experience, along with teaching the basics of infant care and breastfeeding - Support from experienced health educators and trained nurses - Assistance for getting free baby items - Information and referrals to community resources Learn more [here](https://www.umms.org/ummc/health-services/womens-health/obstetrics-gynecology/pregnancy-childbirth/storks-nest-program) or contact the program coordinator to sign up for free classes and support: University of Maryland Medical Center 22 South Greene St., Baltimore, MD 21201 Videos for Dealing with Early Labor Pain - [Relaxation Techniques & Tips](https://youtube.com/watch?v=FKJEDptw2y4&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fchasebrexton.org%2F) - [Meditation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8hqza_Ab7Q) - [Positions for Comfort](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpzBPqKgvGk) *\*Note:* *These resources are not created by Chase Brexton Health Care. They do not replace therapy or medical advice from an actual certified provider or any Chase Brexton Health Care provider. Choose what to and what not to listen to, read, and engage in based on your own judgments.* What to Pack Once you are in labor, you will need to get to the hospital. Pack your bag around your 36th week so you're ready when your baby is! Here's a list of things some mom's find useful to pack. [Download and print out a copy!](https://redesign-chase-brexton.pantheonsite.io/sites/default/files/2026-01/2020-ChaseBrexton-OB-HospitalBagList.pdf) ## For Baby Car Safety Seat ![Mom putting her newborn baby into a car seat](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2026-01/INLINE-OB-CarSeat.png.webp?itok=8y4SnLUx) Maryland Kids in Safety Seats (KISS) rents safety seats at a low cost to families, offers literature and materials to educate the public on the state’s child passenger safety law, provides training and technical assistance in child passenger safety. Call 1-800-370-7328 to learn more. Have a car seat but not sure about how to use it? Watch the KISS [virtual training here](http://tinyurl.com/KISS-webinar). For more information, visit the [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration](https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats). Child Care ![Smiling children at a table with colorful toys](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2026-01/INLINE-OB-ChildCare.png.webp?itok=2gY32CGr) The Maryland Family Network's LOCATE: Child Care program helps families to find the right child care for their needs. Visit their [website](https://www.marylandfamilynetwork.org/for-parents/locate-child-care) or call 1-877-261-0060 to begin the process. Cribs ![Newborn baby laying in a crib](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2026-01/INLINE-OB-Crib.png.webp?itok=VoujgYqi) Safe sleep is very important for protecting your baby. And to give your baby the safest sleep, you will need a crib, bassinet, or portable crib with a firm mattress or pad that is already covered or only covered with a fitted sheet. Remember: safe sleep means **no** blankets, pillows, teddy bears, or anything else is needed for your baby. Learn more about safe sleep [here](https://www.healthybabiesbaltimore.com/safe-sleep). So how do you get a crib when finances are tight? Here are some options. **Cribs for Kids works with many city and county governments to offer free and discounted cribs:** - Baltimore City: If you have a very low income and live in the city, you may be able to get a free crib. Call 410-649-0526 to apply. - Howard County: If you have a low income and live in the county, you may be able to get a free crib. You will need a referral from Chase Brexton to participate. Simply ask your provider or a member of our social work team to help you. Visit the [Howard County Department of Health](https://www.howardcountymd.gov/health/injury-prevention-programs)[ ](https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Health/Child-Health/Injury-Prevention/Cribs-for-Kids-Kids-in-Safety-Seats)to learn more. For those outside of Baltimore City and Howard County, the Cribs for Kids program offers a lower cost, portable, and convertible alternative that you can purchase for a discounted price. **Purchase your Cribs for Kids** [**'cribette' here**](https://www.ettecetera.com/products/cribette%E2%84%A2)**.** Food ![Woman shopping for apples in a grocery store](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2026-01/INLINE-OB-Food.png.webp?itok=NRME_5sm) [Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program](https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/wic/Pages/participants.aspx) is designed to ensure pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under age five have healthy supplemental foods. To learn more or to apply, call 1-800-242-4942. **Breastfeeding?** Check out [WIC’s Breastfeeding Support website](https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/wic/Pages/breastfeeding-services.aspx) for helpful video guides! Parenting Help ![Newborn baby crying](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2026-01/INLINE-OB-Parenting.png.webp?itok=_CQ0inUy) Parenting is not an easy job, but it's worth it. Get help from the Maryland Family Network. They provide assistance with parenting skills, job readiness, ABE/GED classes, and computer skills to parents with children up to 3. Learn more by visiting [Maryland Family Network](http://www.marylandfamilynetwork.org/). **24/7 HELP**: If you are feeling overwhelmed, The Family Tree will provide free and confidential support. Call them: 1-800-243-7337 ## For Your Home Carbon Monoxide Detectors The Office of the State Fire Marshal offers one free smoke detector and one free carbon dioxide alarm to qualified residences through the Get Alarmed Maryland program. To apply fill out this [online form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5CDDffSXm38BGXv__65KVtgnjIHxnRX4crFjijDt2wLIN3A/viewform). Smoke Detectors In Anne Arundel County, the Fire Department, through a partnership with the Anne Arundel Fire Safety Foundation, can provide assistance to any resident that cannot afford to purchase a fire alarm or needs help installing one. If you have questions about smoke alarms or need alarms and can't afford please contact [your closest fire station for assistance](https://www.aacounty.org/services-and-programs/smoke-alarm-outreach#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20questions%20about,closest%20fire%20station%20for%20assistance.&text=Smoke%20alarms%20can%20be%20provided,installed%20by%20Fire%20Department%20personnel.). Baltimore City residents should call the Baltimore Fire Department’s Smoke Detector Hotline at 410-396-7283 or call Baltimore City 311 to request free smoke alarms for your home. They will also install them for you. In Baltimore County, you can request a free smoke detector by filling out [this online form](https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/fire/safety-education). (Scroll about halfway down the page to get to the form.) In Howard County, to request a free smoke detector, fill out this [online form](https://services.howardcountymd.gov/hcportal?id=sc_cat_item_311&sys_id=12f78617dbca68904b1725c15b9619ed). In any county of Maryland, the Office of the State Fire Marshal offers one free smoke detector and one free carbon dioxide alarm to qualified residences through the Get Alarmed Maryland program. To apply fill out this [online form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5CDDffSXm38BGXv__65KVtgnjIHxnRX4crFjijDt2wLIN3A/viewform).