In an Australian first, parents and carers across the country now have access to a free, self-directed online program that is university-backed and dedicated to raising their baby. Available from today, Triple P Online for Baby is a suite of online tools and resources to help take the anxiety and stress out of being a new mum or dad and is supported by comprehensive university research.

Triple P International Country Director, Carol Markie-Dadds, said amid increasing awareness of perinatal and postnatal anxiety and depression for both mothers and fathers, Triple P Online for Baby is a welcome support in Australia for expectant parents and those with newborns and infants.

“Becoming a parent is a big change. Most parents-to-be and new parents feel a mix of emotions from joy and excitement to uncertainty, and sometimes sadness or worry,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.

“Parents can positively nurture their baby’s development right from the start with Triple P Online for Baby. The program’s online toolkit is full of tips and ideas – what you need to know, plus the topics that can be tricky to talk about, like uncomfortable emotions and partner conflict.”

The Triple P Online for Baby program makes it easier for parents to:

• create the best environment for their baby’s development
• learn a variety of strategies to cope with crying
• understand baby sleep patterns and healthy sleep habits
• promote their baby’s social and cognitive development
• take care of their own emotional and mental health
• improve their relationship with their partner / other family members
• review and maintain progress, and feel comfortable seeking further support as needed
• enjoy life as a new parent a lot more.

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The Honorable Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention said, “As the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, I’m proud to support programs like Triple P Online for Baby which is evidence-based and supports perinatal mental health for new and expectant parents and carers.”

“As we recognise Perinatal Mental Health Week, it’s important for parents and carers to know there is support available when and if they need help,” she said.

Triple P Online for Baby has undergone many years of research and clinical trials in various countries. The program, when delivered face-to-face, helped parents feel less anxious and depressed, and more confident. Mothers reported enhanced bonding with their baby; babies were less likely to cry; and babies showed improved developmental outcomes for cognitive, motor and language skills.

The Triple P Online for Baby program allows parents and carers to adapt useful strategies to suit their needs. With no financial cost, travel, or childcare to worry about, parents can do the online modules at their own pace and see their parenting confidence improve as they progress through the course.

“Positive parenting helps create a healthy, loving family environment that promotes learning and communication. This builds the foundation for positive relationships and mental health throughout a child’s life,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.

Triple P Online for Baby is free in Australia, thanks to funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the Parenting Education and Support Program.  The funding supports free online courses from the Triple P’s Positive Parenting Program for all Australian parents and carers who have children under 12 years old.

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