Better Health Start for Life – If They Could Tell You

Support and tips to help parents to build a close relationship with their baby.

A baby’s brain is making one million new connections every second, making the first 2 years so important for a baby’s healthy development. Building a strong connection with your baby during this time makes them feel loved and secure, laying the foundations for their future mental health and happiness.

Babies don’t come with a manual, but they do work hard to try to be understood. Their expressions, reactions, noises, and cries are the ways they communicate their needs and feelings and can be an indication of their mental wellbeing. Learning how to interpret these cues can help parents find the best way to meet their needs.

Here are some tips for parents to help interpret cues and build strong connections with your baby:

• Mirror your baby’s reactions and emotions – You can mirror your baby’s reactions and emotions – such as smiling back if they have bright eyes – as this shows them that it’s OK to express those emotions.
• Comfort your baby when they are crying – If your baby is crying, try soothing them with gentle rocking, speaking softly, or singing to them.
• Enjoy playing face-to-face with your baby in everyday moments – This can be as simple as saying what they do and name what they see, as you’re going about your routine.
• Let your baby take breaks when they need them – Show them that it’s ok if they need to try something different, or to just to rest.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched a new Better Health Start for Life – If They Could Tell You campaign, which aims to support parents to build a strong bond with their baby.

For tips and advice on building your relationship with your baby visit the NHS Start for Life website  or visit your local Family Hub.