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Pregnancy
The first nine months
Helping you prepare for your new arrival
Call the midwife
At 8-12 weeks pregnant your baby is starting to grow very quickly. Your baby’s face is now starting to form
Talking to your bump
From around 21 weeks of pregnancy, your baby can hear things outside the womb, hearing your voice and that of other family members will help their brain develop
Your emotional health
When you reach 26 weeks, the hormones linked to emotions start to cross the placenta
Eating well
From around 28 weeks pregnant, you’ll need to eat more, but only around 200kcal extra
Hello from your health visitor
From 28 weeks of pregnancy, you might feel more tired and uncomfortable. Your baby is now about the size of a pineapple
Baby
Welcome to the world
Caring for your little one
Connecting with your baby
New babies have a strong need to be close to their parents, this helps them feel safe. Looking at your face when you talk, sing and smile helps their brain grow
Stress free sleep
Your new baby’s stomach is still very small, meaning it's natural that they will wake regularly through the day and night for feeds
Here's looking at you
Your baby will follow objects and people with their eyes and start watching their hands
Let's play
Giving your baby tummy time and time on the floor, strengthening their back, neck and shoulders, and gives a different view of the world
Once upon a nursery rhyme
Sharing books , songs and stories with your baby from a young age will help develop speech and language skills
Teething troubles
Your baby might start teething around now. The first teeth are usually the incisors on the lower gums
First dental visit
Your baby might have their first tooth sprouting now. If so, it’s time to register with the dentist
Baby's first foods
At 6 months, most babies can sit well, holding their head up, pick things up and put them in their mouths – now they’re ready for some solid food
Look who's talking
Your baby will start to babble tunefully and understand simple words like ‘up’ and ‘bye bye’, especially when used with an action
Let's play some more
Your baby will now be moving around more, and might be crawling
Ages and stages questionnaire
Your baby might be making babbling sounds in response to your voice, and enjoy games like peekaboo
Toddler
So many changes
Walking, talking and the terrific twos
Bye-bye bottle, hello cup
Swap to a free flow beaker before your baby turns one. This will help their oral health and their speech and language development
Home safety
Your child will be exploring their environment and probably putting things in their mouth, so it’s important that the environment is safe
Separation and independence
As your child grows, they start to understand they are their own person and independent. They can also be affected by being away from you too though
Learning through play
Your toddler will start to walk by themselves, climbing and pulling themselves up on furniture and play equipment
Behaviour
As your child's independence grows, you might find it challenging to manage their behaviour and will need to put boundaries in place
Potty training
Your child might show signs of being ready for toilet training, such as telling you when they have had a wee or a poo
Learning through more play
Your toddler will be able to hold a crayon and make up, down and around shapes
Preschool
Growing up fast
Getting your little ones ready for school physically and emotionally
Getting dressed
Your child might start to be more independent. Give them lots of opportunities to practice and develop their skills
Let's move more
Your child needs to me moving around, running and playing to stay healthy
Helping your child stay dry
Avoid fiddly fastenings to help your child be independent in using the toilet
Getting handy
As your child nears school age, they will start to develop increased strength in their hands and fingers, so encourage using a pencil and painting
Ready for school
Your child will need to be able to follow instructions and use a knife and fork when they start school