Kit for New Parents Available in Four Asian Languages

The new kits were unveiled at a press conference which attracted representatives from 18 Asian-language media outlets, including eight major television stations. A majority of the news outlets present covered the Chinese community. Also announced were language specific phone numbers to call and order the Kits which allow families to speak in their native language.

"This is a fantastic kit," said Dr. Ricki Choi, a pediatrician who spoke at the event. "It covers the range of important topics without being overwhelming to the new parent. Now that it is available in four Asian languages, this kit will be a valuable source for families who have few other places to go for information." Dr. Choi provides care at a community health clinic in Oakland. His patients may speak any one of ten different Asian languages.

The original Kit for New Parents was launched in 2001. Since then, more than 2.5 million Kits in English and Spanish have been distributed for free to families across the state. Parents can refer to the Kit for New Parents for parenting advice and tips on topics such as prenatal care, nutrition, discipline and finding quality child care.

Some highlights of the Kit include:

• "Parents Guide" - An easy-to-navigate reference guide for new parents with tips and up-to-date information on topics such as child development, health and safety, finding quality child care and getting children ready for school. The booklet also contains sections on local resources and services.

• "What to Do When Your Child Gets Sick" - An easy-to-read book that answers questions parents may ask about common childhood illnesses and injuries.

• "Puppy and Friends" - An interactive children's book filled with stimulating colors and textures that encourages brain development as babies touch and feel a puppy's fur, nose and toys.

• "Healthy Teeth Begin at Birth" - Children need healthy teeth for smiling, talking and eating. This pamphlet gives an overview of oral health and walks parents through a baby's first visit to the dentist.

• Other resources including a magnet with poison control information, obesity prevention guides, brochures on topics ranging from oral health to the "Smoke-free Cars with Minors" law, and information on programs such as Paid Family Leave and Healthy Families.

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health in 2007 found that mothers who used the English or Spanish Kit demonstrated improved parenting skills. According to the study, 94 percent of these mothers said the Kit was a helpful resource that provided important health and parenting information. As a result, they were more likely to read to their infants, enroll their children in consistent medical care, and take extra steps to childproof their homes.

To order the Kit in:

• Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) call (800) 597-9366
• Korean call (800) 597-9511 or
• Vietnamese call 800-597-9855

Also in:

• English call (800) KIDS025 or
• Spanish call (800) 50 NINOS