@BH_StartForLife

Trusted NHS help and advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.

 England
nhs.uk/better-health/start-for-life
Joined March 2012
  • Tweets1.7K
  • Following435
  • Followers4.5K
821Media
From September, more working parents will have access to childcare. If you are an eligible working parent with a child who will be at least 9 months old by September, you can apply for 15 hours childcare from May 12th. childcarechoices.gov.uk/upco… #childcarechoices
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Building a strong bond with your baby makes them feel loved and secure, laying the foundations for their future mental health and happiness. For tips and advice visit nhs.uk/.../baby/baby-basics/…
A smiling baby looking at the camera. Text reads; your baby's brain is making one million new connections every second. Your relationship with your baby helps shape their rapidly developing brain.

ALT A smiling baby looking at the camera. Text reads; your baby's brain is making one million new connections every second. Your relationship with your baby helps shape their rapidly developing brain.

Smiling baby being lifted up and a baby being hugged with his fingers in his mouth. Get reads; looking, listening and warmly responding to babies makes a big difference to their future wellbeing. Here are some tips for responding to your baby' needs. 1. Mirror your baby's reaction and emotions such as smiling and cooing when they are bright eyed and ready to play. 2. Comfort your baby when they are crying. Both cries and smiles need love and reassurance. Try soothing them with gentle rocking, speaking softly or singing.

ALT Smiling baby being lifted up and a baby being hugged with his fingers in his mouth. Get reads; looking, listening and warmly responding to babies makes a big difference to their future wellbeing. Here are some tips for responding to your baby' needs. 1. Mirror your baby's reaction and emotions such as smiling and cooing when they are bright eyed and ready to play. 2. Comfort your baby when they are crying. Both cries and smiles need love and reassurance. Try soothing them with gentle rocking, speaking softly or singing.

A baby looking at the camera and a sleeping baby being cradled on a parent's shoulder. Get reads; 4. Enjoy face-to-face playtime. This can be as simple as saying what they do and naming what they see in everyday moments. 4. Let them take a break. Show them it's ok to try something different or just to rest when they need to (and that goes for you too).

ALT A baby looking at the camera and a sleeping baby being cradled on a parent's shoulder. Get reads; 4. Enjoy face-to-face playtime. This can be as simple as saying what they do and naming what they see in everyday moments. 4. Let them take a break. Show them it's ok to try something different or just to rest when they need to (and that goes for you too).

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Did you know, from April 2024, existing childcare support will be expanded in phases? By September 2025, most working families with children under the age of 5 will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare support. Find out more ➡️ childcarechoices.gov.uk/upco…
A young child holds a toy aeroplane. Text in image reads; From April, government childcare support is expanding. Don't miss out, register for updates at childcarechoices.gov.uk

ALT A young child holds a toy aeroplane. Text in image reads; From April, government childcare support is expanding. Don't miss out, register for updates at childcarechoices.gov.uk

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We all want to help our kids progress, but it’s not always easy to know how. Spending time together helps their development, helping them learn to communicate, build confidence and make friends. Discover more at Start for Life. ➡️ nhs.uk/start-for-life/early-…
A woman and her infant child face each other while clapping and smiling. Text reads: Load them up. 90% of brain growth happens before the age of 5

ALT A woman and her infant child face each other while clapping and smiling. Text reads: Load them up. 90% of brain growth happens before the age of 5

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Happy #Halloween! 🎃 Here's another quick and easy ‘halloweaning’ recipe for your little ones. Try our spooky green mash - a delicious blend of peas and courgette: nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/r…
Image of mushy green peas mash. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

ALT Image of mushy green peas mash. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

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It's #Halloween! 🎃 Looking for quick and easy ‘halloweaning’ recipes for your little ones? Try our spooky twist on ‘slimy’ bananas and smashed avocado (suitable from age 6 months or older): nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/r…
Image of smashed avocado and banana. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

ALT Image of smashed avocado and banana. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

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Do you know which vitamins your baby needs? You may also be eligible for free vitamins with Healthy Start - find out more: nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/b…
Image of a parent giving their baby vitamin drops. Text on image reads: Baby Vitamins. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

ALT Image of a parent giving their baby vitamin drops. Text on image reads: Baby Vitamins. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

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There are some important guidelines to follow if you would like to swaddle your baby or use a sling. Please familiarise yourself with this safety guidance so that the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is reduced. Find out more @LullabyTrust: lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sl…

Baby slings and carriers - The Lullaby Trust

If you choose to use a baby sling or carrer, follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

lullabytrust.org.uk
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If you're pregnant, or planning to be, now is the time to stop smoking. By giving up, you're protecting your baby and reducing the risks to their development and future health. It's also one of the best things you can do for your health! nhs.uk/start-for-life/pregna… #Stoptober

Smoking and alcohol in pregnancy - Best Start in Life - NHS

By giving up smoking and drinking, you are protecting your baby and reducing the risks to their development and future health. Find out why.

nhs.uk
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Every chat you have with your child helps them develop their social skills, so they can make friends more easily. Why not turn this into a fun activity this half term? Here are some simple things you can try to get your child talking: nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/l…
Image of a mother speaking to her toddler. Text on image reads: Chat, play and read together. It sets them up nicely for school. HM Government logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner. Better Health logo is in the bottom left corner.

ALT Image of a mother speaking to her toddler. Text on image reads: Chat, play and read together. It sets them up nicely for school. HM Government logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner. Better Health logo is in the bottom left corner.

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This veggie biryani is a super easy one-pot meal with tasty vegetables, chickpeas, rice and packed with flavour. Get the recipe: nhs.uk/start4life/weaning/re…
Image of veggie biriyani. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

ALT Image of veggie biriyani. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

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Did you know there are a few different breastfeeding positions you can try? Find out more about the most popular breastfeeding positions on our website: nhs.uk/start4life/baby/breas…
Image of a mother breastfeeding her baby, sitting next to the baby's grandmother. Text on image reads: How do I know my. baby's latching on right? Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

ALT Image of a mother breastfeeding her baby, sitting next to the baby's grandmother. Text on image reads: How do I know my. baby's latching on right? Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

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Our personalised emails have been created to support you throughout pregnancy and parenthood. Once you've signed up, you'll receive regular emails tailored to your stage of pregnancy or your child's age. Sign up today: nhs.uk/start4life/signups/ne…
Image of a mother holding her baby. Text on image reads: Get tips and advice on your baby's development, parenting and more sent straight to your inbox! Sign up for emails. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

ALT Image of a mother holding her baby. Text on image reads: Get tips and advice on your baby's development, parenting and more sent straight to your inbox! Sign up for emails. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

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Babies and young children love it when you chat, play and read with them, even if you think they're too young to understand! Here are some tips and activities to help your baby develop their speech skills: nhs.uk/start4life/baby/learn…
Image of a mother reading a book with her toddler. Text on image reads: Chat, play and read together. It sets them up nicely for school. HM Government logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner. Better Health logo is in the bottom left corner.

ALT Image of a mother reading a book with her toddler. Text on image reads: Chat, play and read together. It sets them up nicely for school. HM Government logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner. Better Health logo is in the bottom left corner.

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Pregnancy and baby loss is a devastating and uniquely personal experience. You are not alone - your story matters and @BLA_Campaign can help you find support that is right for you. Find out more: babyloss-awareness.org/suppo… #BabyLossAwarenessWeek
Line illustration image of a candle inside a love heart. Text on image reads: Baby Loss Awareness Week. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

ALT Line illustration image of a candle inside a love heart. Text on image reads: Baby Loss Awareness Week. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

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It can be hard to talk about any negative feelings after having a baby because you may feel under pressure to be happy. But knowing more may help you feel more prepared. Tommy's has advice on planning ahead for after giving birth: tommys.org/pregnancy-informa… #WorldMentalHealthDay
Image of a newborn baby. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

ALT Image of a newborn baby. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

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Celebrate #NationalCurryWeek by introducing your little one to delicious new textures and flavours. This beefy curry will go down a treat with the rest of the family too! Get the recipe: nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/r…
Image of beefy veg curry in a bowl. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

ALT Image of beefy veg curry in a bowl. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

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Got questions about breastfeeding? We're here to help! Find answers to common questions about breastfeeding such as the effects of breast implants, alcohol, medication, drugs and more: nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/f…
Image of a woman breastfeeding her baby. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

ALT Image of a woman breastfeeding her baby. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

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It's #NationalBabySwimmingWeek. Swimming is an excellent way for kids to get moving and have fun, and is also a skill that could save a life. Swim England has lots of information to help children build their confidence in the water: swimming.org/learntoswim
Image of a baby swimming with their father. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

ALT Image of a baby swimming with their father. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

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Have you heard about Start for Life emails? By signing up, you'll get personalised emails full of trusted NHS advice, from preparing for labour, feeding your baby, choosing childcare and getting the benefits you’re entitled to, and much more! Sign up: nhs.uk/start4life/signups/ne…
Image of a pregnant woman cradling her stomach. Text on image reads: Get personalised emails on preparing for labour, feeding your baby, choosing childcare and getting the benefits you're entitled to. And lots more! Sign up for emails. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

ALT Image of a pregnant woman cradling her stomach. Text on image reads: Get personalised emails on preparing for labour, feeding your baby, choosing childcare and getting the benefits you're entitled to. And lots more! Sign up for emails. Better Health logo is in the top left corner. NHS logo is in the top right corner.

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