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Bedfordshire and Luton Children's Health Hub

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Bedfordshire and Luton Children's Health Hub

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Find information and support on our evidence based platform full of information about how to access our services and support your child's health.

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Home - Bedfordshire Luton Children’s Health

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NHS Bedfordshire and Luton Health Hub, NHS help, advice and information for local families.

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A safer world for all our children

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Free educational resources

Looking for free educational resources to help keep children safe? Download and share our free safety fact sheets, use our eye-catching materials to create a colourful display or run a safety workshop for parents with our session plans.

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Child Accident Prevention Trust | A safer world for all our children

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Safety advice Many accidents are a part of growing up. Children need to explore and experiment. But some children suffer the pain of serious accidents that can alter the course of their lives forever. Most of these serious accidents are completely preventable by making simple solutions or changes to routines.

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Having a baby is a big life event.  It's natural to experience a range of emotions during pregnancy and after giving birth.  If however any difficult feelings start to have a big effect on your day-to day life, the way you think, feel or function, you might be experiencing a perinatal mental health problem. Please reach out and seek support.

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The Breastfeeding Support & Social Groups are run by trained staff from Health and Flying Start. Parents giving breastmilk either directly from the breast, via a bottle or in combination with formula, or who are thinking of doing so, are warmly welcomed for support and friendship.

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The Baby Friendly Team supports infant feeding and bonding, offering guidance based on UNICEF Baby Friendly Standards.

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How to keep your baby safe when the weather gets cold

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We know that the colder months can be difficult for families. You may be worried about the costs of living and have to make difficult choices for you and your family. Or you may be worried about paying your heating bills. You may be concerned about trying to keep your home warm, keeping draughts out and keeping your baby warm.

The recommended room temperature is 16-20 degrees, this may be difficult to maintain in the colder months. It can be tempting to wrap your baby up to keep them warm, however we know that overheating a baby increases the chances of SIDS (also known as cot death). Research shows babies are better to be cooler than too hot.
We recommend using a room thermometer for accuracy. You can buy a Lullaby Trust thermometer in the shop.
Things to consider for your baby and their sleep space during the colder months

Bedding for cots and Moses baskets

Sleep your baby in the feet-to-foot position with their feet at the bottom of the cot. Firmly tuck in sheets and blankets (no higher than the shoulders) to avoid the risk of your baby's head becoming covered by loose bedding.

If you use sheets and/or blankets we recommend using lightweight and not thick, fleecy or padded blankets or duvets. If you think your baby is cold, add an extra lightweight blanket or layer of clothing

If you are using a baby sleeping bag, don't add extra blankets on top, add an extra layer of clothing or choose a higher tog sleeping bag if you feel the sleeping bag is not enough. You can choose different togs for different seasons to help keep your baby at the right temperature. Baby sleeping bags should be well fitted, so the baby can't wriggle down inside. Most sleeping bags are fitted according to a baby's weight, rather than age. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines for the baby sleeping bag that you choose.

Babies' heads are an important way for them to lose heat if they need to so remove hats when inside.

Bedding and bedsharing

The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. However, we know that many parents find themselves bedsharing, whether they mean to or not, therefore it's important to follow this advice.

When bedsharing, keep all adult bedding or any other items that could obstruct your baby's breathing or cause them to overheat away from the baby. Don't be tempted to put your baby under adult bedding to keep them warm. A high proportion of infants who die as a result of SIDS are found with their head covered by loose bedding. A baby sleeping bag is advisable when bedsharing.

Remember that the warmth generated by an adult in the same bed as a baby may create a warmer environment, so adjust bedding and/or clothing for your baby accordingly.
Follow all our other safer sleep advice to reduce the risk of SIDS. Put babies on their BACK for every sleep. In a CLEAR FLAT SLEEP SPACE. Keep them SMOKE FREE day and night.
Babies should never be left alone in an adult bed. If there is not an adult in bed with them then put your baby in their own separate sleep space. To reduce the risk of accidents, do not bring other children into bed with you if you choose to bedshare with your baby.

Make sure your baby won't fall out of bed or get trapped between the mattress and the wall. Adult bedding should be kept well away from your baby along with any belts or cords from clothing, so keep adult bedding at your waist height and add an extra layer of clothing if you are cold.
It is important for you to know that there are some circumstances in which bedsharing with your baby can be very dangerous. You should never bedshare with your baby if any of the following apply:

Either you or your partner smokes (even if you do not smoke in the bedroom)

Either you or your partner has drunk alcohol or taken drugs (including medications that may make you drowsy)

Your baby was born premature (before 37 weeks)

Your baby was born at a low weight (2.5kg or 5½ lbs or less)

It's best to have another adult on hand to help with baby if you are not well, have drunk alcohol or taken drugs that make you less aware than normal.

Things to avoid:

Never sleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby. This can increase the risk of SIDS by 50 times

Don't use hot water bottles in any baby sleep space (cot, crib, Moses basket or adult bed) as they can make your baby too hot

We would not advise using products like swings and baby bouncers as sleep spaces as they are not firm and flat

Babies shouldn't lie on or have anything soft around them, particularly their heads, as this can cause them to overheat and
increases the risk of SIDS. Soft, squishy materials can get pressed against a baby's mouth and nose and interfere with breathing

We do not recommend:

Cot Bumpers
They can pose the risk of an accident to babies and toddlers. There have been a number of cases in the UK and abroad where infants have become entangled in the ties and material, or fallen from pulling themselves up on the bumpers. Don't be tempted to use them to make your baby's sleeping environment cosier.

Weighted Blankets
Weighted swaddles, weighted blankets and weighted sleeping bags are not recommended for babies under 1 year due to risk of overheating and head covering.

Babies sleeping in hats, hoods or outdoor clothing
Babies lose heat though their heads so remove hats or hoods when indoors or in a car so they don't get too hot. Babies shouldn't sleep indoors in any outdoors clothing.

Placing your baby's cot next to a radiator or having a heat source, like a portable heater, directly aimed at your baby
Babies are unable to regulate their temperature so could potentially end up getting too hot and are unable to move out of the way of a heat source.
Wherever your baby's sleep space is, keep it clear, keep it simple, keep it safe.
How can I check if my baby is too hot?

All babies are different so we recommend checking your baby's chest and/or back of their neck to make sure that their skin doesn't feel clammy or sweaty to the touch (their hands and feet will always feel cold to touch.) Warm is fine, but if it feels sweaty or clammy it means they are too hot so remove a layer of bedding or clothing.
Babies who are unwell need fewer, not more layers.
If your baby is unwell

Always seek medical advice if you are worried about your baby. We have a baby check app which feature 19 simple checks that you can do if your baby is showing signs of illness. Each check tests for a different symptom and when completed, a score is calculated that tells you how ill their baby is. The app then lets you know whether your baby needs to see a doctor or other health professional. Find out more about our Baby Check app.

Finding support

If you are worried about or struggling to pay your bills do seek help, the
following may be able to help:
* National debt helpline
* Stepchange

If you are worried about feeding your family contact the Trussell Trust to find out more about how they can support you. There may also be local initiatives or community groups who can help with clothing and equipment for babies or help with school uniform for older children so do check this out too.
Download our 'Safer Sleep In Winter' guide.

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Safer sleep in winter - The Lullaby Trust

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We know that the colder months can be difficult for families. You may be worried about the costs of living and have to make difficult choices for you and your family. Or you may be worried about paying your heating bills. You may be concerned about trying to keep your home warm, keeping draughts out [...]

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Our safer sleep advice gives simple steps for how you can sleep your baby to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) which is commonly known as cot death

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The safest cot is a clear cot

The safest cot for a baby is a clear cot. That means removing anything that isn't essential. Babies need just two items in their cot:

It's important to remove anything that isn't essential because items such as toys, blankets and bumpers could cover their face and obstruct their breathing.

When preparing your baby's sleep space, remember:

No pillows or duvets

No cot bumpers

No soft toys or comforters

No weighted or bulky bedding

No products designed to keep your baby in one sleeping position, such as wedges or straps

No pods or nests, rolled up towels or anything soft placed on top of the mattress.

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Safer sleep overview - The Lullaby Trust

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An easy guide to practicing safer sleep for your baby and reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, or cot death).

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Some parents choose to share a bed (also known as co-sleeping) with their babies. It is important for you to know how to do this safely and that there are some circumstances in which bed-sharing with your baby can be very dangerous

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Stay & Play sessions for emotional wellbeing support across Beds & Luton

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Stay & Play sessions for emotional wellbeing support across Beds & Luton

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Breastfeeding Support & Social Groups are run in Children's Centres across the county, by trained staff and peer supporters. Parents giving breastmilk either directly from the breast, via a bottle or in combination with formula, or who are thinking of doing so, are warmly welcomed for support and friendship.

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The Baby Friendly Team supports infant feeding and bonding, offering guidance based on UNICEF Baby Friendly Standards.

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What every pregnant woman and new parent needs to know.

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By UK law, your baby or child must use a car seat or booster seat to travel in vehicles. This is until your child is 12 years old or 135cm tall, whichever comes first. A child car seat is the safest way for children to travel in vehicles.

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Car seat regulations

Only EU-approved car seats can be used in the UK. The approval is through the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE).

To be EU-approved, the car seat must comply with ECE R129 or ECE R44 regulations.

R129 - This is a height-based seat, also known as i-Size seats. The type of seat your baby or child can use depends on their height.

R44 - This is a weight-based seat. The type of seat your baby or child can use depends on their weight.

All car seats will have an orange label on the bottom of the seat. This orange label will show:

type of approval (ECE R44 or ECE R129)

height or weight category for the car seat

the code of the country where it was tested and approved (E11 is Britain's code)

unique approval number

Babies must be carried in rearward-facing or rear-facing car seats for as long as possible. It is required by UK law that babies must be carried in rear facing car seats until they are at least 15 months old or weigh more than 9kg.

We recommend that your child uses a rear-facing car seat until they are 4 years old. This is because babies and young children have less developed skeletons.

In a rear-facing car seat, the car seat will absorb the 'force' of the crash. Babies and children are 90% to 95% protected from serious harm in a rear-facing car seat.

In a front-facing car seat, your baby or child's neck, spine and vital organs are at a higher risk of being seriously hurt. Babies and children are 60% to 70% protected from serious harm in a forward-facing car seat.

Research has shown that rear facing seats have better protection for children in car accidents.

Make sure to remove outdoor clothing, such as a winter coat or bulky layers, before strapping your baby into the car seat.

If you are concerned about your baby getting cold, cover them with a blanket. The best way to check your baby's temperature is to feel their tummy or the back of their neck.

Car seats are designed for travelling, not as a main sleeping place. Read more about sleeping safely in a car seat.

Tips for long journeys with babies

Avoid travelling for long distances in the car with preterm and very young babies. This is because your baby's head can fall forwards, restricting their breathing.

If you have to travel a long distance, take frequent breaks. Plan regular breaks in your journey to give your baby some time out of their car seat.

If you are travelling alone, use a mirror to keep an eye on your baby.

If your baby slumps forward, stop the car when you can safely, and take the baby out of the car seat.

When you finish your car journey, take your baby out of the car seat, even if they are asleep.

Choosing a car seat

Tips to help you choose a car seat:

Choose a car seat that is right for your child's height and weight.

Make sure it is UK approved with an orange E11 mark label.

Before buying a car seat, test it in your car. You can ask retail staff trained in child car seat safety.

Make sure the car seat fits all the cars your child will travel in. Visit the Child Car Seat Fitting and Compatibility page on Child Car Seats.

Avoid second-hand car seats. They could be faulty, damaged in an accident or have no instructions. Only accept second-hand car seats if you know the history, it has their instructions and it is not very old.

Read ROSPA's guide to choosing the right car seat.

Height-based seats are also known as 'i-size' seats. The type of i-size seat your baby or child can use will depend on their height. These seats comply with R129.

In the crash tests, i-size seats are tested for front, rear and side impacts. i-size seats provide better protection from side impact crashes.

i-size seats are available in 3 sizes:

Up to 85cm - Rear-facing baby carrier or baby seat using a harness.

Up to 105cm - Rear-facing baby seat until your child is at 76cm, then becomes forward facing.

100cm to 150cm - Forward-facing child seat.

Some car seat brands will use the weight-based groups to categorise their i-size seats. Others will use the height categories.

i-size child car seats fit in cars that have ISOFIX fitting points, but you will still need to check if the seat is approved for your car. Contact your car manufacturer or the child seat manufacturer.
Visit the Child Car Seat Fitting and Compatibility page on Child Car Seats.

Weight-based seats

These are when the seat your baby or child can use depends on their weight.

Weight based groups

Weight-based seats are split into 5 groups. You may be able to choose from more than 1 type of seat in the group for your child's weight.

Combination seats

Some car seats are adjustable and will cover more than one group. As your child grows, you can adjust the seat to meet their needs. Combination seats can also be called extended seats or multi-group seats.

Booster seats

Booster seats will raise your child's seating position so that the car's seat belt fits them properly. This will reduce their likelihood of being injured in a car crash.

Booster seats have indicators or slots to show where the seatbelt should go. These indicators or slots are usually found at the shoulder height and waist height, often under the armrests.

Weight-based seats (R44) will have red indicators or slots. Height-based seats (R129 or i-size) will have green indicators or slots.

How a seatbelt should be worn in a booster seat

Seatbelts should go across your child's pelvis, chest and shoulder.

Seatbelts should be worn as tight as possible.

Do not put the belt across your child's stomach. It should go over the pelvic region, between their tummy and top of their legs.

Do not put the belt on your child's neck. It should rest over their shoulder.

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A child car seat is the safest way for infants, babies and children to travel in vehicles. Learn more about car seat safety, regulations and the different types of car seats.

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Children must normally use a child car seat until they're 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first.

Children over 12 or more than 135cm tall must wear a seat belt.

You can choose a child car seat based on your child's height or weight.

Height-based seats

Height-based seats are known as 'i-Size' seats. They must be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old. Your child can use a forward-facing child car seat when they're over 15 months old.

You must check the seat to make sure it's suitable for the height of your child.

Only EU-approved height-based child car seats can be used in the UK. These have a label showing a capital 'E' in a circle and 'R129'.

Weight-based seats

The seat your child can use (and the way they must be restrained in it) depends on their weight.

Only EU-approved weight-based child car seats can be used in the UK. These have a label showing a capital 'E' in a circle and 'ECE R44'.

You may be able to choose from more than one type of seat in the group for your child's weight.

0kg to 10kg

0

Lie-flat or 'lateral' baby carrier, rear-facing baby carrier, or rear-facing baby seat using a harness

0kg to 13kg

0+

Rear-facing baby carrier or rear-facing baby seat using a harness

9kg to 18kg

1

Rear- or forward-facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield

15kg to 25kg

2

Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield

22kg to 36kg

3

Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield

Manufacturers can now only make booster cushions approved as group 3. This won't affect any existing booster cushions in group 2 and you'll still be able to use them.

Fitting a child car seat

You must only use a child car seat if your car's seat belt has a diagonal strap, unless the seat is either:

specifically designed for use with a lap seat belt

fitted using ISOFIX anchor points

You must also:

deactivate any front airbags before fitting a rear-facing baby seat in a front seat

not fit a child car seat in side-facing seats

Children with disabilities or medical conditions

The same rules apply for children with disabilities or medical conditions, but they can use a disabled person's seat belt or a child restraint designed for their needs.

A doctor can issue an exemption certificate if a child is unable to use a restraint or seat belt because of their condition.

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The rules for child car seats and booster seats - height, weight, age, type of vehicle, car, minibus, licensed taxi

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It's recommended to buy a baby car seat before your baby is born if possible. It's important to buy a seat that fits your car and is suitable for a newborn.
If you have your baby in hospital or a birth centre, you will need the car seat to drive your newborn home safely. It's a good idea to practise fitting the seat before your baby is born.

Tips for buying a baby car seat

When buying a car seat, it's best to try a few in your car before making a decision. Try to find a retailer who is willing to help you with this. Ask whether staff have been trained in fitting car seats.

Check whether your car has Isofix connectors built into it. These are designed to make fitting baby and child car seats simpler. Most modern family cars have them. They may be hidden in the cracks between the padding of your car seats.

Some car seat manufacturers have online guides showing which cars their seats will fit in. If your baby is likely to travel in another car regularly - for example, with other family members - check the car seat fits their car, too.

Always choose a baby or child car seat that's right for your child's current height and weight - see What size car seat? for more.

Do not buy a secondhand car seat. It could have been damaged in an accident, and may not have all its parts, including the instructions. It may also not be the safest and most user-friendly model, plus it may not fit your car properly.

Only accept a car seat from friends or family if you know its history, it's not too old and it comes with instructions.

Think about how you will be using the car seat. If you'll be lifting your baby in and out of the car a lot, for example, you may be better off getting a lightweight seat with a base that stays in the car.

All car seats in this country should be EU approved. Look for the "E" mark label on the seat.

What are i-Size car seats?

i-Size is an European safety standard for baby and child car seats. It's part of regulation ECE R129, which will eventually replace the old safety regulation R44/04. The idea is that all car seats will eventually meet the tighter i-Size safety standards.

Your car must have Isofix connectors for you to be able to use an i-Size car seat. At the moment there are only a few i-Size seats on the market in the UK and not all cars have Isofix connectors.

Visit the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) child car seats website for more on i-Size car seats.

What size car seat?

Car seats are divided into 3 main groups, depending on your baby or child's age and weight:

group 0+ - rear-facing car seats suitable for babies aged up to about 15 months or who weigh up to 13 kg (29lb); some can be clipped on to a pushchair frame and are known as travel systems

group 1 - forward-facing seats suitable for children who weigh 9-18kg (20-40lb) or who are aged from about 9 months to 4 years

group 2/3 - high-backed booster seats suitable for children who weigh 15-36kg (33lb-5st 9lb) or are aged from about 4 to 11 years

You can also buy combination seats that cross over these groups, such as group 0+/1 seats, which are suitable from birth until your child weighs about 18kg (40lb) or is aged about 4. These can be more economical, but may not offer the same level of protection.

Baby or child car seat fitting

It is dangerous and illegal to carry a baby in a rear-facing baby seat in a front passenger seat that has an active airbag. Forward-facing seats in the same position, while not illegal, are not ideal. It's always safer for children to travel in the back of the car.

Make sure the seat is fitted properly in the car, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Look out for safety days where experts demonstrate how to fit baby and child car seats safely. These often take place in supermarket or shopping mall car parks.

Using a baby or child car seat

Make sure you always put your baby into their car seat from the pavement side of the car.

Make sure your baby is securely strapped in according to the manufacturer's instructions. When you buy your car seat, ask the retail staff to demonstrate how to strap your baby into it.

Use a rear-facing car seat for as long as your baby fits into it, as these offer better protection in the event of a car accident.

Credit:

Janine Wiedel Photolibrary / Alamy Stock Photo

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More help and advice on car seats

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It's recommended to buy a baby car seat before your baby is born if possible. It's important to buy a seat that fits your car and is suitable for a newborn. If you have your baby in hospital or a birth centre, you will need the car seat to drive your newborn home safely.

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Carrying Children Safely

The safest way for children to travel in cars is in a child car seat that is suitable for their weight and size, and is correctly fitted in the car.

A properly fitted child car seat will help to prevent your child from being thrown about inside the vehicle, or ejected from it, if there is a crash. It will also absorb some of the impact force, and provide some protection from objects intruding into the passenger compartment.

A seat belt on its own will not properly fit your child, until they are at least 135 cm (4'6") tall, although it's better to wait until they are 150 cm (5ft) or taller before moving them to the seat belt on its own.

Child Car Seat Safety Recalls
Puggle I-size safe max 360 car seat
Puggle have recalled seats sold between 23/07/2022 and 10/07/2023 with the following affected serial numbers: 052022, 102022 & 022023.

Puggle have discovered a small internal component issue in batches of the car seats, which may result in the harness not locking properly when pulled. This could potentially compromise the safety of the user.

Please discontinue use of the car seat and contact Online 4 Baby to arrange a refund or an exchange for an alternative item: https://www.online4baby.com/product-recall-notice
Britax BABY-SAFE IZ
In July 2023, Britax Römer issued a voluntary recall of the BABY-SAFE 5Z infant carrier.

There is a potential safety issue with a gap that can form between the handle and seat-shell of the BABY-SAFE 5Z. The gap does not impact the performance of the car seat in the vehicle or in a crash, however there is a safety risk when carrying the infant carrier outside of a vehicle. In rare cases there can be an unexpected detachment of the handle causing sudden movements of the shell and/or surprise of the person carrying the BABY-SAFE 5Z. This may lead to the infant carrier falling down or colliding with other items and in unfortunate circumstances to an injury of the infant.

All BABY-SAFE 5Zs will be replaced free-of-charge with a newer version of the product, the BABY-SAFE 5Z2, which does not have this potential issue. Parents who purchased a BABY-SAFE 5Z infant carrier should:

Stop using the BABY-SAFE 5Z effective immediately, specifically outside of the vehicle by carrying the infant carrier using the handle.

Go to www.baby-safe-check.com to replace their car seat.

i-Size Revolve Seat
In December 2021, Halfords issued a recall of their i-Size Revolve seat due to safety concerns about the rotating locking mechanism.

If you have this seat, it is advised that you stop using it immediately.

Halfords has requested that you take your i-Size Revolve seat to your local store (visit Halfords.com to find your nearest), where the retailer will give you a full refund and offer a 15% discount on the purchase of a replacement seat.

If you have any difficulties getting to your local store, you can call their support team on 03301 359779 or email them here: customer.services@halfords.co.uk.
Cosatto
Cosatto has recently identified a potential safety concern relating to the buckle used in the production of a small batch of car seats manufactured between September 2019 and June 2020.

The following range of batches are affected:
From 37/2019
to 24/2020 (inclusive)
Cosatto is offering a replacement buckle to all customers who have purchased a product from any of the affected batches.

Halfords has issued a recall of their i-Size Revolve car seat due to a safety concern that has been found with the rotating locking mechanism.

Read more: https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/11/product-recall-halfords-i-size-revolve-car-seat/ - Which?

Halfords has issued a recall of their i-Size Revolve car seat due to a safety concern that has been found with the rotating locking mechanism.

Read more: https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/11/product-recall-halfords-i-size-revolve-car-seat/ - Which?

Photos courtesy of Britax and RECARO Child Safety Ltd

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child safe seating in carschild car seat

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Child car seat safety advice and information to keep your children safe when they travel.

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Advice and information on vehicle safety and vehicle technology

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Most car accidents happen close to home. Child car seats can keep your child safe. But not every seat fits every car. And if a seat is fiddly to use, you may be tempted not bother with it on short journeys. Here are our top tips for choosing the best car seat for your child.

There are two different types of car seat:

Group (0-III) is based on the weight and physical development of the child.

Age ranges are given too, but these are just for guidance.

i-Size is based on the child's height and seats provide protection from side impacts.

They fit all i-Size-ready cars and some ISOFIX cars.

As not all i-Size seats fit ISOFIX cars, we advise checking if the seat is approved for your car before you buy one.

It's safest for babies to travel rear-facing for as long as possible.

Rear-facing seats are either:

Group 0+ (Group 0 seats are no longer readily available)

i-Size.

Don't be tempted to move a baby to a forward-facing seat just because their feet are pressing against the rear seat of your car.

It's best to wait until they reach the weight limit or the crown of their head reaches the top of the baby seat.

Always travel with your baby in the back seat if you can.

If it's essential for them to be in the front seat, the passenger airbag must be switched off - if the airbag activates in a crash it will harm your baby.

Remember, child car seats aren't intended to be places for babies to sleep when you're not travelling, so move them to a moses basket or cot as soon as you can.

When your baby has outgrown their baby car seat they can be moved to a child seat that can be forward-facing or rear-facing.

Some seats are designed to be changed from rear-facing baby seats to forward-facing toddler/child seats when your child is 15 months.

Others, sometimes known as extended rear-facing seats, can be used rear-facing until your child is 105cm tall, about 4 years old.

Rear-facing seats can offer high levels of protection for your child's neck, especially in a head on collision, so the longer they travel in a rear-facing seat the safer they should be in a crash.

More advice on extended rear-facing seats can be found at www.childcarseats.org.uk/media/1022/extended-rearward-facing-child-car-seats.pdf

It's safest to keep your child in a car seat with an integral harness for as long as possible. Only move your child to a booster seat when their eye-line is above the back of the child seat or the weight limit is reached.

Most booster seats 'grow' with your child.

Booster seats suitable for children who weigh between 15kg and 36kg are:

A high-backed booster seat offers the best protection for your child, providing side protection and support.

Remember, adult seat belts don't sit on children's bodies in the right places and can injure them in a car accident.

Buying second-hand car seats is not recommended.

They may have been damaged in an accident, but you won't necessarily be able to tell by looking at them.

If you do use a second-hand car seat, try to make sure you know its history and read the manufacturer's instructions. Check nothing's damaged and no parts are missing.

Not every seat will fit properly in every car. Try the seat in your car before you buy it, or check the returns policy.

Make sure the seat can be fitted exactly to the manufacturer's instructions.

The seat should be secure. If it wobbles, it is either wrongly fitted or not suitable for your car.

If your car has ISOFIX attachments, consider buying an ISOFIX seat.

Try to find a seat that's quick and easy to fit into your car. If it's awkward, it may be tempting to not bother with it on short journeys.

It's vital you use your child car seat on every journey - most accidents happen within a short distance of home.

Make sure the seat you buy fits on the back seat as this is safer for your child.

The law applies to cars, vans and other goods vehicles.

You must always use a child restraint appropriate for the child's age, height and weight, whether the child is travelling in the front or rear of the vehicle.

If an appropriate restraint is not available, it's illegal for a child to travel in the vehicle.

The only exception is in a taxi if the correct child restraint isn't available.

An adult seat belt must be worn if fitted.

Find out about cycle safety and teaching road safety.

Download the Department for Transport's booklet on seat belts and child restraints.

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Child safety in the car - a guide to child car seats Most car accidents happen close to home. Child car seats can keep your child safe. But not every seat fits every car. And if a seat is fiddly to use, you may be tempted not bother with it on short journeys.

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Self Weigh sessions available across Luton and Bedfordshire

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Self Weigh sessions available across Luton and Bedfordshire

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Self weigh clinics are for babies from 6 weeks old to 2 years old. Clinic locations are spread across Bedfordshire and Luton.

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Self-weigh for babies (6 weeks to 2 years old)

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Self weigh clinics are for babies from 6 weeks old to 2 years old. Clinics locations are spread across Bedfordshire and Luton.

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The period from conception to the age of 2 is an important time for child development and experiences during this time can influence the rest of a child’s life. Relationships between dads and their children matter from day 1.

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Flying Start offer support and education for parents and carers of babies and children from pregnancy to age 5.

They have a variety of baby groups, as well as groups for Dads, self-weigh sessions and parenting classes.

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EXTRA: Solihull Online (e-courses for parents of children 0 to 18, including those with SEND) Visit: www.inourplace.co.uk using Access Code: HATTERS

Pregnancy Groups/ Services

English language classes for pregnancy (ESOL): 6 week course for those with English as an additional language to learn how to express themselves in English to speak to midwifes/ health professionals, gaining the confidence to express their own wishes, talk about feelings, ask questions and offer suggestions

Pregnancy Club 6 week course on zoom: 6 week antenatal programme to help support pregnant women and their partners with all aspects of having a baby

Luton Bumps on Zoom: A fortnightly informal get-together for Luton Mums. Questions and Answers with our Flying Start Midwife and Staff

Keeping Baby Safe Zoom Workshop: What every pregnant or new parent needs to know in order to keep baby safe – offered as a 2 hour online zoom group session with Safe at Home

Baby Groups/Services (In Person)

Baby Sensory Group: (for pa rents of non-walkers as mat-based activity) This weekly hour-long face to face group encourages quality time for parents and baby- exploring various objects and using various senses

Parent Baby Self- Weighing: (for parents of under 2 years) 15 minute bookable appointments to self-weigh your baby on our scales. Please note this is not a health visitor clinic , a member of staff will be on hand to show you how to use the scales and how you can record your baby’s weight, however if you have any health concerns about your baby please contact our duty Health Visitor on 0300 555 0606 or text parentline 07505331866 and they will be able to help.

Click here to book a Thursday slot or a Friday slot

Baby Rhyme and Sign: (for parents of 6 to 18 months) Nursery rhymes and action songs are great fun and also help stimulate language development. Flying Start’s Sing and sign group combines the benefits of both music and signing.

Toddler/Preschool Groups/Services

Music and Rhyme time with Jolly Beans (for parents of under 5s)

Stay and Play for over 1s: Our stay and play sessions are opportunities for parents/carers to come along and meet other people with young children. A variety of age appropriate activities are available, such as messy play, soft play, stories and rhymes and lots more!

Zoom sessions for parents on Starting Solids, Sleep, Toileting, Fussy Eating, Understanding Behaviour: These workshops will be in a relaxed style- giving a great opportunity for parents to talk with others, share experiences, and support each other whilst getting some parenting support and advice.

HENRY Healthy Lifestyles on Zoom: This 8/9 week programme supports parents in ensuring a healthy start for their child. Henry helps to overcome those mealtime challenges so parents can have a happy and healthy family life

Parenting Puzzle on Zoom: This 4/5 week programme supports parents of babies and young children with a focus on the importance of attachment, empathy, positive discipline, play and communication

Dad’s Saturday Group: Monthly group f or fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, uncles or brothers who would like to share some quality time with their child or relative under 8. Click here to book

The Early Years Alliance are also running sessions nationally (click on the name for more information/to book):

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Please do not come to our centres if you or your child have any covid-19 symptoms! Flying Start Luton Timetable Booking is required for all groups to guarantee a place (otherwise you could be turned away). All sessions are FREE unless otherwise stated. You will be

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Self Weigh sessions available across Luton and Bedfordshire

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Self Weigh sessions available across Luton and Bedfordshire

# data[].attributes.body
Self weigh clinics are for babies from 6 weeks old to 2 years old. Clinic locations are spread across Bedfordshire and Luton.

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Self-weigh for babies (6 weeks to 2 years old)

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Self weigh clinics are for babies from 6 weeks old to 2 years old. Clinics locations are spread across Bedfordshire and Luton.

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Coffee morning for families with newborn multiples

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Coffee morning for families with newborn multiples

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Are you expecting twins or have newborns and are looking to meet other parents going through the same experiences?

Come and join Debbie and Nicki the Gemini Midwives from L&D Hospital at their regular monthly coffee morning.

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How do I fit rear facing child car seats with a seat belt?

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Pushchairs in the park- every Wednesday from 10am to 11am at Wardown Park. After a walk together there is also a free Bookstart Rhyme Time session with Luton Libraries!

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Total Wellbeing supports people living in Luton who want to improve their physical and emotional health.

You can call them on 0300 555 4152 or email info@totalwellbeingluton.org.uk.

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It's never too late to quit. Stopping at any age will increase your life expectancy, provided that you stop before you develop cancer or another serious disease. Within the first 24 hours of stopping, your blood pressure and lungs will be showing improvement.

After three months your circulation and breathing should have improved noticeably.

After five years, your risk of having a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.

After 10 years, your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker.

Read our Smoking Cessation FAQs.

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It's never too late to quit. Stopping at any age will increase your life expectancy, provided that you stop before you develop cancer or another serious disease. Within the first 24 hours of stopping, your blood pressure and lungs will be showing improvement. After three months your circulation and breathing should have improved noticeably.

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Skin-to-skin contact - Baby Friendly Initiative

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Skin-to-skin contact is important for babies and mothers to develop close, loving parent-infant relationships and to initiate breastfeeding.

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NHS National Services for Mental Health Support

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NHS National Services for Mental Health Support

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If you need to speak to someone urgently you can call NHS 111 and choose option 2. Other sources of urgent support can be found via this link.

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you are not able to speak to your local NHS urgent mental health helpline

you need help urgently for your mental health, but it's not an emergency

you're not sure what to do

111 will tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone.

You may be able to speak to a nurse, or mental health nurse, over the phone.

A GP can advise you about helpful treatments and also help you access mental health services. You may be able to refer yourself to some services.

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Where to get urgent help for mental health

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You may need urgent help for mental health for many different reasons. Some people call it a crisis, an emergency or a breakdown. It's important to know that support is available, whatever you're going through.

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Luton ‘Safe at Home’ is a child accident prevention service.
All Parents living in Luton with children under five can have a free home safety risk assessment where a qualified home safety advisor will contact you to arrange an appointment to visit you at home.  The visit takes between 1-2 hours provides friendly advice & tips on reducing the risk of accidents in the home that will help you to keep your child and family safe, including a fire safety check with advice from Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service.

If you are over 34 weeks pregnant or already have a child/ren under the age of 5 years you can apply online via their website.

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Tubes of Life Tubes of Life is a programme delivered on behalf of Public Health and Safe at Home and is unique to Luton.

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Choosing the best car seat for your baby.

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Choosing the safest car seat for your baby can be confusing. But your baby’s safety and reducing the risk of SIDS is…

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Becoming a parent often puts a strain on relationships, regardless of what they were like before. This page has more information about how relationships change, and also links to sources of support for people experiencing challenges in their relationships.

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Becoming a parent often puts a strain on relationships, regardless of what they were like before.
Part of the problem is that you're tired and have so much less time to spend with friends, family or your partner than you did before the baby arrived.

It's a lot harder to go out together and enjoy the things you used to do. If you have a partner, they may feel left out, and you may resent what you see as a lack of support.

But the stage when babies and children take up all your physical and emotional energy doesn't last forever.

If you're having your first baby, you may feel lonely and cut off from your old life.

A partner can't give you everything you used to get from work and friends. You need other people in your life for support, friendship and a shoulder to cry on.

Take time to listen to your partner

If you have a partner, make time for each other when you can. Do little things to make each other feel cared for and included.

However close you were before the baby was born, your partner can't read your mind. Both your lives are changing, and you have to talk about it. You and your partner need to tell each other what you want and what's bothering you if you're resentful, angry or upset.

Be honest about what you need: do you need a hug or to feel understood?

It's important to talk about how you want to bring up your children. You may find you don't agree on basic matters like discipline and attitudes.

Share the housework and childcare so you can have more time together.

It's important to talk about how you want to bring up your children. You may find you don't agree on basic matters like discipline and attitudes.

Find a way of dealing with these issues without disagreeing in front of your child.

If you think a relationship is in danger of breaking down, help is available.

Help from a trained counsellor or therapist

If you'd like to talk to someone who's not a friend or family, there are lots of ways you can contact a relationship counsellor, some of them for free.

Relationships with family and friends

Bringing a baby into your life changes your relationships with family and friends, whether you're part of a couple or single.

Everyone's situation is different. For example, some mothers feel that their own mothers are taking over, whereas others resent the fact their mothers don't help them more.

It's best to be clear about the kind of help you want, rather than going along with what's offered and feeling resentful.

Your relatives are also getting used to a completely new relationship with you. They won't know what to do for the best unless you tell them.

You may find your old friends stop coming to see you, or they seem to expect you to drop everything and go out for the evening.

This can make keeping up with friends difficult, but explain to them how your life has changed. They may not understand the changes you're going through.

Keep in touch and keep some space for them in your life, as the support of friends can be really valuable.

Domestic abuse and how to get help

Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse, includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members.

Domestic abuse against women often starts in pregnancy. Existing abuse may get worse during pregnancy or after the birth.

Nobody has to put up with domestic abuse. It puts your health and that of your baby at risk.

There are lots of ways you can get help:

Witnessing domestic abuse can have a serious effect on children. Social workers can help you protect your child. If you wish, they can help you take steps to stop the abuse or find refuge.
Read more advice about recognising the signs of domestic violence and abuse and where to get help

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Advice for new parents on coping with changing relationships, both as a couple and with friends and family, plus what to do if you're a victim of domestic abuse.

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In Car Safety Centre | Child Car Seats | Booster Seats | ERF Seats

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Visit In Car Safety Centre for expert advice on child car seats, including rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seats. Our range meets all safety regulations, ensuring your child’s protection. Trust our specialists to help you choose the perfect car seat for your child’s age, weight, and height needs.

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Having a baby is a wonderfully exciting time but it can also

present some challenges to your relationship with your partner

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Child Car Seats: Ending the Confusion. Baby Products Industry Association

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This is where the " 4th Trimester" concept comes from; holding and carrying babies recreates in some part the intra-uterine environment of warmth and safety and containment and allows them to develop new skills from this platform of security. Our human instincts are strong (a baby's cry tugs at our heartstrings and we feel the urge to gather them up, hold them close and rock gently while murmuring in a soothing way) and we are discovering much of the neurochemical science behind this normal, natural behaviour. Oxytocin release builds loving connection via multiple pathways. Soft touch has helpful effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-axis and cortisol production, reducing pain and modulating the stress response. Gentle and responsive parenting builds and reinforces the neural circuitry as it develops in the child, creating a healthy positive inner thought state that affects long term mental health. Furthermore, building this resilience helps to combat the adversity that so many children experience. Early " skin to skin " contact is enormously useful for beginning this process of connection.

Children need loving nurture in the early neonatal period and long beyond this for normal, healthy development. Carrying babies close to an adult's body, as human beings have evolved to do, is vital for normal physiological and psychological development. Research into the importance of skin to skin contact, soft touch and responsive parenting, as well as a better understanding of disability reinforces this.

I talk about the positive effects of holding, carrying and babywearing, rather than the "benefits" of these practices. The word "benefit" implies an extra thing, an advantage, something that can be added onto what is baseline... but the holding and carrying (however it is done, in arms or a sling) that builds connection is part of normal human development. It is the baseline! It isn't something that some parents can choose to do to give their child an extra advantage in life. It is what all babies need, like nourishment, warmth, safety. The absence of these loving connections that involve gentle physical touch is harmful to children.

We can agree that carrying children matters. However it is not just babies and children who need the close contact; parents and caregivers also benefit hugely from holding their offspring and interacting with them closely. The same biochemical pathways that help babies and young children to thrive are present in adults too, and families flourish when the needs of all its members are met. Adults need loving contact too; and a child who calms when comforted in arms or a sling provides positive reinforcement that parenting is manageable after all. Many parents find that babywearing can help with low mood and improve their confidence, as well as giving them freedom to get on with their lives in the societal constraints in which they live.

Carrying in arms and in a sling really does make a significant difference to the overall wellbeing and physical and mental health of all members of society, both now and for the future. A society where children's needs and rights are taken seriously, where knowledge of how to build securely attached children and adults is put into practice, and where the most vulnerable among us are treated with love and kindness, is one in which we would all wish to live. This is why carrying matters; it can change the world around us.

To find out more, please click the links below.

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Carrying children matters - it is essential for normal development: Dr Rosie Knowles

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This is where the " 4th Trimester" concept comes from; holding and carrying babies recreates in some part the intra-uterine environment of warmth and safety and containment and allows them to develop new skills from this platform of security.

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What is a sling, wrap or carrier?

A sling, wrap or carrier provides comfort and support for your baby and allows you to carry your child hands free. It's not a new phenomenon and has been practised for centuries in different cultures. We'll use the terms sling, wrap and carrier interchangeably in the rest of this article.

There are lots of types of slings so it's worth finding out about the different styles, and even trying a few before you buy one. Read our article Which baby carrier, wrap or sling is best for me? to find out more.

Are there are any benefits to using a sling?

Many parents say it's practical, whatever your lifestyle. Try tidying up or getting lunch ready for your toddler with a newborn in a baby carrier or baby sling. You'll probably see what they mean.

Slings help with transportation but they can also help parents and babies to bond and stay active while navigating the changes of new parenthood (Whittle, 2019; Williams and Turner, 2020). Parents of multiple babies may find it easier if one baby is held in a sling, and slings can provide an accessible way for parents with limited mobility to transport their baby. Carrying a baby in a sling can also be an opportunity for co-parents to share closeness and nurture their babies (Whittle, 2021).

Research has found that parents who carry their babies tend to be more responsive to their babies as they are in close contact. This promotes bonding and interactions that improve their baby's speech, social and emotional development (Anisfeld et al, 1990; Williams and Turner, 2019; Norholt, 2020). Some studies suggest that for mothers, it can have positive mental health benefits, lowering stress and promoting breastfeeding (Norholt, 2020).

What are the risks of using slings?

Although rare, unfortunately some babies have been injured and even died in baby slings and carriers. A sling's fabric or fabric from a parent's clothing can press against a baby's airways and cause suffocation very quickly. Because babies do not have strong neck control and cannot lift their head, if incorrectly positioned their airway can also become restricted (Batra et al, 2015; Rowe et al, 2022).

If your baby was born premature, with a low birth weight or has a medical condition, please discuss the safe use of a carrier or sling with a health professional.

How can I keep my baby safe in their sling, wrap or carrier?

When it comes to using slings, it's very important to make sure you're following a few simple guidelines. You'll need to check the manufacturer's instructions, following their advice for whether the size, weight and age of your baby is right for the sling. If the instructions are missing, for example because you bought the sling secondhand, contact the manufacturer directly for a copy or download a copy from the manufacturer's website.

Before you use the sling or carrier, check for signs of wear and tear. Don't use it if you have any concerns. The safest baby carrier to use will keep the baby in an upright position, well supported and comfortably close to the your body, where you can always see their face. The child's weight should be distributed evenly across the wearer's shoulders, hips and back (ROSPA, 2022).

When your baby is in the wrap, check them often, making sure their nose and mouth are clear and they can breathe easily. Keep their chin off their chest and make sure nothing is covering their face. This is especially important when carrying young babies under four months old. The UK Sling Consortium's TICKS checklist gives the following guidance:

(UK Sling Consortium, 2015)

Baby positions for slings and carriers

A recommended position is known as the spread squat, jockey position or M-position. The spread squat is where the baby is facing their adult and has their thighs spread around the wearer's torso. The baby also has their hips bent so their knees are slightly higher than their buttocks, or at buttock level with the thighs supported.

This practice is beneficial for at least the first 6 months for correct hip development, and also encourages social development as they are facing their caregiver. It is particularly important if a baby is being held in a sling for long periods of time (International Hip Dysplasia Institute, 2022). Read more about hip dysplasia (hips growing abnormally) in our article about it.

Can I breastfeed in a sling?

Using a sling while breastfeeding is associated with a longer duration of breastfeeding, due to convenience and the increased responsiveness that comes with keeping a baby close throughout the day (Pisacane et al, 2012; Little, 2019). It's important to know how to do it safely though. Do make sure you check the manufacturer's instructions as some suggest you don't breastfeed in their slings. Here are our tips:

1. Check your baby can breathe easily and their mouth and nose are clear

2. Support your baby at all times.

3. Return your baby to a proper carrying position immediately after feeding.
This page was last reviewed in February 2024.
Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

You might find attending one of our NCT New Baby courses helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

For more information on the slings available, find your nearest NCT sling library. Our sling libraries have a wide variety of slings and carriers to try and hire so you can find which one works best for you.

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Baby slings and carriers: a guide | Baby & toddler articles & support | NCT

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Baby carriers and slings can be useful for holding a baby hands free but it is important to use them safely. Here we explain more.

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Carrying Matters - carrying is connection

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The simple act of connecting with a small person has powerful and long-lasting effects. Rosie Knowles explores why carrying matters, and how to do it well! Find out more about babywearing safety, sling education and a guide to slings

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In this video, we look at the importance of developing close and loving relationships with babies in their early days and weeks.

Responding to babies' needs for comfort and food is hugely beneficial for brain development and makes for more confident toddlers. Parents should be supported in breastfeeding responsively and keeping their babies close to help them become happy, healthy and secure children and adults.

For more information:

Find more relationship building resources

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The Importance of relationship building video - Baby Friendly Initiative

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This video looks at the importance of developing close, loving relationships with babies in their early days and weeks.

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"He sleeps really well but only when he's laying on my chest, he hates his moses basket" "She cries every time we lay her on her play mat" "He hates going in his pram, he cries the second we put him in it".
If I had a pound every time I heard these from a new parent I'd be a very rich lady by now! What amazes me though is that society in general doesn't get it, they don't get why so many babies need to be held by us to settle and what perplexes me even more is that we do spend so long trying to put them down! We spend more than time though, the 'putting babies down' industry is worth millions, rocking cribs, battery swings, vibrating chairs, heartbeat teddies and the list goes on..................having been a first time parent who bought all four of the items listed above I am embarrased to admit now it honestly didn't enter into my head that perhaps the answer was to *not* put my baby down and I certainly didn't consider why these things might help. It took me a long time to understand and empathise with my baby, to see the world through his eyes so to speak.
"Empathy: the intellectual identification with thoughts, or attitudes of another." or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, "Birth suddenly disrupts this organization. During the month following birth, baby tries to regain his sense of organization and fit into life outside the womb. Birth and adaptation to postnatal life bring out the temperament of the baby, so for the first time he must do something to have his needs met. He is forced to act, to "behave." If hungry, cold, or startled, he cries. He must make an effort to get the things he needs from his caregiving environment. If his needs are simple and he can get what he wants easily, he's labeled an "easy baby"; if he does not adapt readily, he is labeled "difficult."" - Dr. William Sears.
To empathise with our newborns feelings we need to put ourselves in their place, to imagine experiencing their world - but which world? The world they have spent most of their life in, their 'womb world' or the world they are in now - our world. To fully understand we must appreciate the enormous transition they have made - a concept known to many as 'The Fourth Trimester' -some make the womb to world transition easily, others less so and it is this latter group in particular "the clingy babies" we can learn so much from through this concept.

So lets quickly compare the two different 'worlds' your baby has lived in:

Pretty different huh? On top of this the big thing to understand is that in utero the baby's world was constant, each day was the same, the stimulation didn't change, but now they are born each day is different - ever changing, ever stimulating!

The concept of the fourth trimester helps us to understand the transition a newborn must make over their first few weeks earthside and once we understand we find so many ways we can help - but to me the most important facet of the fourth trimester is parental understanding and empathy, once that exists everything else will flow naturally.
Movement
Here are some common newborn calming techniques that tend to work quite well, but remember each and every baby is different, if you don't already know, you will soon learn what your baby likes best and that's what matters, that it is unique to *your* baby. Prescriptive 'do this/don't do this' baby calming lists don't help anybody - because they forget they are dealing with individuals - both parents and babies! Some things on this list will be inappropriate for you and your baby, some simply won't work, some you won't like - and that's OK! because really it isn't about these tips it's about you and your baby getting to know each other!
Skin to Skin Contact
The womb is a constantly moving space, Braxton Hicks would squeeze your baby at the end of pregnancy and each time you moves your baby was wobbled around inside. Imagine how walking upstairs feels for a baby in utero! Babies tend to love movement but so often we put them down somewhere completely still. You could try dancing, swaying from side to side, going for an exaggerated quick walk or bumpy car ride.
Bed-Sharing
Such a brilliant baby calmer! Being in contact with your warm, naturally (un)scented, skin is heaven for a baby, it helps to stabilise their body temperature, heart rate and stress hormones and stimulates the release of oxytocin - the love and bonding hormone - in you both. Topless cuddles, shared baths, baby massage and bedsharing are all great skin to skin experiences for your baby and you.

Sharing a bed with your baby is an amazing way of getting more sleep for everyone, babies are generally much calmer and sleep more easily if they sleep with you in your bed, yet it is such a taboo topic and although 60% of parents will share a bed with their baby at some point it's a subject that makes society very uncomfortable, but...it is an *amazing* baby calmer! It's really important that you think about how bedsharing will work and follow some important safety guidelines HERE.
Swaddling
For more on bedsharing and other ways to improve your newborn's sleep, watch my free webinar here:

Imagine how snug your baby was at the very end of your pregnancy inside of you - now imagine how strange it must feel to them after they have been born and have so much space around them! The absolutely best thing you can do is to envelop your baby in your arms, but for times when you don't want to or indeed can't then swaddling is an option. Swaddling is becoming increasingly popular, however there are important safety guidelines to be followed if you choose to swaddle your baby, if you are breastfeeding please make sure feeding is established before swaddling and take care not to miss your baby's hunger cues if you are feeding on demand:
** The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends swaddling for babies 0-14wks. Babywearing

Never swaddle over your baby's head or near his face

Never swaddle your baby if he is ill or has a fever

Make sure your baby does not overheat and only swaddle with a breathable/thin fabric

Only swaddle your baby until he can roll over**

Always place your baby to sleep on his back

Do not swaddle tightly across your baby's chest

Do not swaddle tightly around your baby's hips and legs, his legs should be free to "froggy up" into a typical newborn position.

Lastly start to swaddle as soon as possible, do not swaddle a 3 month old baby if he has not been swaddled before.

Wearing your baby in a sling is one of the ultimate ways to keep them calm and happy. It increases the time a baby spends in a state of "quiet alertness" - a time of contentment when they learn the most. When a baby is in utero they spend 100% of their time in physical contact with us - yet the moment they are born this is estimated to drop to only 40%! Babywearing also means 2 free hands!

Choose your sling carefully. A good sling will be easy to use and will support both yours and your baby's spine whilst not placing any pressure on your baby's growing hips - newborns should always be carried facing inwards with a "frog leg" pose, not a crotch dangle pose so commonly used by commercial baby carriers. Also seek to carry in an 'in arms' position - i.e: how your baby would be held if you were holding them!

Babywearing is a great way for dads to bond with babies!
Position
It is quite common for a baby to cry once placed in a sling, this does not mean that they hate the sling - it just means that you need to move, so get dancing! As with swaddling,babywearing is becoming increasingly popular, however there are important safety guidelines to be followed, the TICKS acronym below neatly sums them all up:

The "tiger in the tree" position below, taken from baby yoga, is often magical, stopping a crying baby in an instant!
Feed
Noise
Babies love sound, but for many not the sound you might think. For many babies a hoover is much more calming to a baby than a lullaby. A special white noise recording, such as , can be played on loop whilst your baby sleeps to help keep them calm.
Deep Bathing
If your baby is hungry nothing will calm him, so watch for his hunger cues. Feeding is always better if it is baby led, not led by a routine - whether you are breast or bottle feeding. Remember as well that your baby may not always be hungry for a full feed, they may want a quick drink, a quick snack or just some comfort sucking. Babies also find sucking the ultimate relaxation and comfort tool. Sucking helps a baby's skull bones to return to their normal position after birth as well as providing them with comfort and security. If you are not breastfeeding you might find your baby will relax when given a dummy/pacifier.
Outside
The womb is a wet, warm place. The world as we know it is dry and cold! Sometimes a nice deep, warm bath can stop a baby's tears in seconds - even better if mummy or daddy goes in the big bath with baby too as skin to skin contact is a wonderful baby calmer.
What have you found calms your newborn? The NEWLY UPDATED Gentle Sleep Book - out now! If you would like to understand and learn how to improve your baby's sleep WITHOUT cry-based conventional sleep training, this is the book for you! p.s: Come and chat with me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Or watch my videos on YouTube You can also sign up for my free parenting newsletter HERE.
If all else fails many babies stop crying the minute they hit the open air - I'm not sure if this is because we are usually moving (e.g.: walking over cobbles with the buggy/ bouncing in a sling and the drone and movement of a car) or because of the change in air - but it works!

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The Fourth Trimester - AKA Why Your Newborn Baby is Only Happy in Your Arms

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"My baby is only happy in my arms, the minute I put her down she cries" "He sleeps really well but only when he's laying on my chest, he hates his moses basket" "She cries every time we lay her on ...

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Your baby's nappy can tell you a lot

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Newborn baby poo in nappies: what to expect | Baby & toddler articles & support | NCT

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Your baby’s nappy can tell you a lot - find out more here.

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The Bedfordshire and Luton Perinatal Mental Health Team provides specialist care for people with mental health problems who are pregnant or in the first post-partum year, or who are considering pregnancy.
You can speak to your GP, midwife, Health Visitor or other healthcare professional to ask for a referral, or self-refer by calling 01234 263642.

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Resources

Made for Mums

It's very common for new mums to feel overwhelmed, low and even a bit weepy in the first couple of weeks after birth. So common, in fact, that there's actually a name for it, the baby blues. And it's not surprising: You're knackered, you're sore, you're bleeding (whether you had a caesarean or not) and, instead of being able to sleep it all off, you're faced with the 24-hour responsibility of caring for a whole new - and right now very needy - person. While the weepiness and blues should be quite short-lived, it may take a while longer before you can ditch the overwhelmed bit.
Find out more

Parents in Mind

Local volunteers to support women experiencing emotional health difficulties in pregnancy.

Postnatal mental health - Talking about mental health

Sara, Holly and Kate talk about their experience of mental health problems after pregnancy and becoming mothers.

ACAS

Checking your pregnancy and maternity rights

Pregnancy Sickness Support

Our national support network is for sufferers of NVP and HG and their carers, which is growing and developing constantly and making a huge difference to women all around the country. Our leaflets and website also provide a valuable resource for those suffering. We are also working hard to raise awareness about Nausea and Vomiting in pregnancy and Hyperemesis Gravidarum with the public, the media and Health Care Professionals (HCP's) and are involved in ongoing research into the cause and treatment of NVP and HG and the psychological impact for sufferers and their families.

Guardian Society

Useful articles about perinatal health from the Guardian newspaper 2020-21

MadeForMums

At MadeForMums, we've got the best, and most honest, advice - from experts and from parents who've been there - on pregnancy, birth, babies, toddlers, and school-age children.

Parents in MIND, 1st 1000 Days New Parent Support

Our mission is to support parents through the first 1,000 days, to have the best possible experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.

We do this through three interconnected aims:

Sharing knowledge - informing parents' decisions

Creating networks - forging vital friendships

Harnessing voices - changing public policy and attitudes for good.

Mind

Website with helpful and friendly information that explains postnatal depression and other perinatal mental health problems, including possible causes, treatments and support options. Also has information for friends and family, including support and advice for partners.

Action on Postpartum Psychosis

Peer led organisation with lots of helpful info on perinatal mental health illnesses

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Bedfordshire and Luton | East London NHS Foundation Trust

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It's very common for new mums to feel overwhelmed, low and even a bit weepy in the first couple of weeks after birth. So common, in fact, that there's actually a name for it, the baby blues.

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Building a strong relationship with your baby

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Building a strong relationship with your baby

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In this video, we look at the importance of developing close and loving relationships with babies in their early days and weeks.

Responding to babies' needs for comfort and food is hugely beneficial for brain development and makes for more confident toddlers. Parents should be supported in breastfeeding responsively and keeping their babies close to help them become happy, healthy and secure children and adults.

For more information:

Find more relationship building resources

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The Importance of relationship building video - Baby Friendly Initiative

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This video looks at the importance of developing close, loving relationships with babies in their early days and weeks.

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Newborn babies need feeding very frequently in the early weeks, not only because their tummies are little and fill and empty quickly but also because this frequent feeding is really good to build mum’s milk supply.  You can feed responsively by spotting your baby’s early feeding cues:

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Congratulations! Your new baby is here! But what do you do with them?

Lots of people will have an opinion; family, friends, the Internet!

Figuring out what your baby needs can be overwhelming, but this video will help.

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This video on breastfeeding has tips for good attachment to help you get your baby feeding well. The video includes an animated diagram, a mum’s point of view and step-by-step instructions. It helps new mums see what good attachment looks and feels like and understand how babies feed.

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Positioning and attaching baby to your breast 

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Positioning and attaching baby to your breast 

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This video demonstrated the ideal position to hold baby so they attach to the breast - to ensure a really good milk transfer

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In this video, a breastfeeding counsellor helps a mother with her positioning and attachment whilst breastfeeding.

Key to achieving the Baby Friendly standards is a workforce able to support mothers to breastfeed effectively. This video provides some guidance on this.

You can see more of the 'From Bump to Breastfeeding' DVD on the Best Beginnings website.

Video not working? Contact us

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Positioning and attachment video - Baby Friendly Initiativ

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In this video, a breastfeeding counsellor helps a mother with her positioning and attachment whilst breastfeeding. Watch to learn more.

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Good positioning and attachment of the baby at the breast is critical to effective breastfeeding. This enables:

Maternal comfort while feeding

Development and maintenance of breastmilk supply

Effective milk transfer and optimal infant growth

If breast problems, feeding difficulties or growth faltering occur, the breastfeeding 'first principle' is to review positioning and attachment as part of the diagnostic process. Refer the mother and baby for a breastfeeding assessment by an appropriately skilled practitioner, with observation of a full feed. See our page on ' Breastfeeding Support' for more information. Familiarisation with the contact details for local infant feeding support colleagues is recommended.

Situations in which anatomical or functional problems are present (eg. tongue-tie, neuromuscular problems) may impair the ability to achieve effective attachment and milk transfer.

As breastfeeding is a learned behaviour for each individual mother-baby dyad, attention to correct positioning and attachment is essential in the early days and weeks. This can help to quickly achieve maternal comfort while feeding, facilitate the development of optimal milk supply and thus increase the potential for longer-term breastfeeding. The assistance of an experienced breastfeeding supporter who assesses positioning and attachment and can advise on alterations for improvement is often critical to breastfeeding continuation. The same principle applies if breastfeeding problems or difficulties with feeding or weight develop later down the line- a feeding assessment is an important part of investigating possible causes and any necessary adjustments can be made.

The following principles assist good positioning and attachment of the baby:

Find a comfortable position in which to feed

Hold the baby close, facing the breast with its shoulders and body in a straight line and its neck supported but the head free to extend

Hold the baby with its nose opposite the nipple. The nipple can be brushed on the baby's lips to encourage mouth-opening

Wait for the baby to extend its neck and open its mouth wide

When the mouth opens wide bring the baby to the breast with the chin touching the breast first, followed by the bottom lip and tongue near the outer edge of the areola

The top lip should latch over the nipple as far as possible

Less of the areola should be visible underneath the chin than above the nipple

It is important to note that babies breastfeed not nipple-feed. If the baby sucks on the nipple only this will cause pain, cracking and bleeding. If attachment at the breast is good the nipple comes into contact with the baby's soft palate inside the mouth, and feeding should be comfortable for the mother.
How to Breastfeed- Getting a Good Attachment
The video below is a demonstration of good attachment at the breast ('the latch'), including a visualisation of the anatomy inside the infant's mouth:

Sourced from the Raising Children website, Australia's trusted parenting website. For more parenting information, visit raisingchildren.net.au.
Indicators of Good Attachment at the Breast
NICE Guideline CG37: Postnatal Care up to 8 Weeks after Birth defines the indicators of good breastfeeding attachment, positioning and successful feeding as follows:
Indicators of good attachment and positioning:

Mouth wide open

Less areola visible underneath the chin than above the nipple

Chin touching the breast, lower lip rolled down, and nose free

No pain

Indicators of successful feeding in babies:

Audible and visible swallowing

Sustained rhythmic suck

Relaxed arms and hands

Moist mouth

Regular soaked/heavy nappies

Indicators of successful breastfeeding in women:

Breast softening

No compression of the nipple at the end of the feed

Woman feels relaxed and sleepy

Additionally newborn stool pattern and changes can help to indicate if milk transfer is effective. NCT: What's in a nappy?- How to know if your baby is feeding well Explains how the contents of the nappy can indicate if a baby is feeding effectively.
Further Information Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative: Breastfeeding Assessment Tool for Health Visitors - How you and your health visitor can recognise that your baby is feeding well The Breastfeeding Network: Positioning and Attachment
La Leche League GB: Positioning and Attachment Includes information on breastfeeding positions, including Biological Nurturing™ positions ('laid-back' breastfeeding).
The NHS Website: Breastfeeding Positioning and Attachment The Breastfeeding Network: Signs of Effective Attachment Best Beginnings: Video of good attachment at the breast The Breastfeeding Network: How do I Know my Baby is Getting Enough Milk?
Published April 2017

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By Dr Louise Santhanam, General Practitioner Good positioning and attachment of the baby at the breast is critical to effective breastfeeding. This enables: Maternal comfort while feeding Development and maintenance of breastmilk supply Effective milk transfer and optimal infant growth If breast problems, feeding difficulties or growth faltering occur, the breastfeeding 'first principle' is to review...

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Breast milk is perfect and uniquely made for your growing baby's needs. Giving your milk to your baby makes a big difference to both your baby's health and yours.

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The following link takes you to a Breastfeeding Assessment Tool.  Some mothers find this a useful questionnaire to complete themselves to review how feeding is going.  If anything comes up from this that you are concerned about, please do contact your midwife, health visitor for a more detailed conversation around feeding

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Breastfeeding can take practice – read our guides on breastfeeding to find out what works best for you

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If you've decided to bottle feed, you may be worried about what formula to buy, what equipment you'll need and how to get the hang of feeding your baby when everything is so new.

We're here to provide lots of helpful information and advice on bottle feeding. If you have any worries or concerns, the best thing to do is speak to your midwife or health visitor.

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From making formula feeds to how to bottle feed your baby, we have lots of useful advice and tips.

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Although babies have a strong instinct to breastfeed straight after birth, some babies may not seem interested in breastfeeding at first or may not seem able to attach to the breast. Some babies may still not be attaching to the breast (latching on) by the second or third day of life or even much longer. Why does this happen and how can a baby be helped to breastfeed? How often will a baby need to be fed if they can't breastfeed? Should a mother start expressing her milk? When and how often? This article answers frequently asked questions when a newborn baby won't breastfeed and is a companion article to How to Get Baby Back to Breast.

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Why can't my baby breastfeed?

There are several reasons why a newborn may not be able or ready to breastfeed straight after birth. Despite this, babies have a strong instinct to latch for many weeks or months and most challenges can be overcome in time. Even if a mother has left the maternity hospital formula feeding her baby, and her baby is a few days old; there is still plenty of time to get breastfeeding established. Possible reasons for not latching include:

Birth drugs. Painkillers or other birth medications given to the mother during labour may make a baby very sleepy and/or less able to breastfeed. Over time the effects of any drugs will leave a baby's system.

A difficult birth. An instrumental birth (forceps or ventouse) or a birth injury may leave a baby feeling uncomfortable or in pain. They will need more time and support to get breastfeeding established.

Positioning. The way a baby is held to the breast can often make a big difference to how easily they can use their feeding reflexes to latch on. See Breastfeeding Positions for Newborns, Breastfeeding Videos and Latching Tips for ideas to help with positioning and attachment.

Separation after birth. Separation between mother and baby after birth can interfere with a baby's feeding instincts. However babies have a strong instinct to breastfeed once they are reunited with the breast, held in skin-to-skin contact and in helpful breastfeeding positions.

Prematurity or immaturity. Some babies who are born early may not be ready to latch on or breastfeed yet. But with the right support, even tiny babies can often get the hang of breastfeeding see Breastfeeding a Premature Baby and Kangaroo Care for Your Premature Baby.

Mucus and congestion. Some babies may have mucus congesting their airways after the birth and not seem interested in breastfeeding at first. This will resolve over time.

Feeding aversion. If a breastfeeding helper or parent has repeatedly pushed a baby's head into the breast to try and force them to breastfeed, the baby may come to associate breastfeeding with a scary or even painful experience. Refusing the breast due to a bad memory or painful association is sometimes called a feeding aversion.It's important to handle a baby gently at the breast and to remember that if they could breastfeed they would do so. For ideas to overcome a feeding aversion see below and see How to Get Baby Back to Breast.

Differences of anatomy. Sometimes a mother and baby may have anatomical challenges. For example some babies may struggle with a mother's flat or inverted nipples, large breasts or large nipples or have their own unique anatomy such as a cleft lip or palate, a small chin, high muscle tone or a tongue-tie that makes breastfeeding more challenging. Breastfeeding support from a specialist can be invaluable to help with anatomical challenges as they will know a range of latching techniques and ideas to try for each situation.

Allergies. In her book Breastfeeding Works! Even With Allergies author Robyn Noble notes that some babies born with food intolerances and allergies can seem incompetent at the breast.

What should I do when my baby won't breastfeed?

Until your baby can latch and breastfeed, it is very important to regularly express breast milk for your baby to stimulate your milk supply and to keep your baby (or babies) well fed. If breast milk isn't removed from the breast regularly a milk supply will begin to dry up. Some authors refer to this as the three keeps: keep milk flowing, keep baby fed, keep baby close.

Until your baby can breastfeed:

Express your breast milk regularly

Keep your baby well fed

Try lots of skin-to-skin contact

Find a breastfeeding specialist

Express breast milk regularly

The first days after birth are when the breasts gauge future milk production. The more often milk is removed at this time, the more likely there will continue to be plenty of milk for all your baby's needs as they continue to grow. Express breast milk regularly if a baby is unable to latch.

How can I express breast milk?

Colostrum can be thick and sticky and not much of it at first so it is usually easier to hand express this into a spoon or collect drops in a syringe at first, rather than use a breast pump. See Hand Expressing Breast Milk for help to do this.

When should I start hand expressing?

If your baby isn't breastfeeding, the sooner you can start hand expressing the better. Hand expressing in the first hour after birth is ideal and is discussed in Stanford University's video Successful Breastfeeding Begins at Birth.

How often should I express my breast milk?

Hand express and collect drops of colostrum as often as you can, at least every two hours during the day and every four hours at night. Or at least eight to twelve times in 24 hours. How long to pump at each session is discussed in the following excerpt:

Nancy Mohrbacher [breastfeeding author and IBCLC lactation consultant] suggests expressing for 10-15 minute sessions in the first few days after birth. Later, after a mother's milk has come in, pump both breasts for up to a maximum of 30 minutes, or for two minutes after the last few drops of milk are expressed. The goal is to establish a full milk supply (750-1035 ml per day) by 10-14 days after the birth. Once the goal is met, pumping length may return to 10-15 minutes for some mothers.

What about using a breast pump?

Once your milk volume increases sufficiently ("comes-in") some mothers find a breast pump is more efficient. Breast milk generally increases in volume around the second or third day after birth -but it may be later than this (see below). Pumping both breasts every two to three hours in the day and every four hours at night, using massage and breast compression will help remove as much milk as possible. See What is Breast Compression? and How to Increase Milk Supply When Pumping.

Which pump shall I use?

Some hospitals or pump manufacturers hire out "hospital grade" pumps which are very efficient breast pumps that are ideal to get your milk supply off to a good start. For more information about types of pump see How to Increase Milk Supply When Pumping and Do I Need a Breast Pump?

Keep your baby well fed

A baby can't be forced to breastfeed just because they are hungry. In fact if they are not getting the frequent small feeds they need, they will be more likely to keep falling asleep and not have enough energy to breastfeed well. Although newborn babies only need small volumes, they do need small amounts of milk frequently or they could become dehydrated.

How often should I feed my baby?

Whether or not they are breastfeeding yet, a newborn baby needs frequent feeds to keep them well fed and hydrated. Feed your baby at least every two to three hours in the day and every four hours in the night (the same as the pumping schedule above) and see How Often Should a Newborn Feed? for more information.

How much milk will my newborn baby need?

The amount of breast milk each baby needs to stay hydrated and satisfied is quite variable for each baby and their age and bodyweight. A baby needs enough milk to ensure they are pooing and weeing and-after an initial weight loss typical of newborn babies-to start gaining 30-40g (1oz) per day in the first three months of life. The following excerpt gives an example of volumes of breast milk (or formula if needed) that may be required every two to three hours:

First 24 hours: 2-10ml breast milk per feed

24-48 hours: 5-15ml breast milk per feed (ABM, 2017)

48-72 hours: 15-30ml (o.5-1oz) breast milk per feed (ABM, 2017)

72-96 hours: 30-60ml (1-2oz) breast milk per feed (ABM, 2017)

2-3 weeks: 60-90ml+ (2-3oz+) breast milk per feed

1-6 months: 90-150ml (3-5oz) breast milk per feed or a total of 750-1035ml per day (25-35oz) (Mohrbacher, 2010)

What if my baby is very sleepy?

Try not to let your baby sleep too long as a newborn needs regular feeds. See Breastfeeding a Sleepy Baby for ideas to help wake a sleepy newborn.

How should I feed my baby?

Your baby can be fed all your expressed breast milk by spoon, syringe, feeding cup, feeding tube alongside a finger or bottle and teat. It can be helpful to avoid using a bottle at first unless large volumes are needed so that baby doesn't start to prefer the teat (nipple preference or nipple confusion) and be less keen to breastfeed. However if you want to use a bottle see our Tips to Bottle Feed a Breastfed Baby and Best Bottle for a Breastfed Baby. For information about cup feeding or finger feeding see Cup Feeding a Newborn and What is Finger Feeding?

Is my baby getting enough milk?

There are lots of ways to tell if your baby is getting enough milk including baby's weight gain, the colour and number of dirty nappies and whether they are swallowing milk and seem contented. See Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk? for much more information.

What if I don't have enough milk?

If you're still struggling to express any milk after the first few days your milk supply may be delayed or occasionally a medical condition can cause low milk supply. Contact your breastfeeding specialist and see No Breast Milk After Delivery and Reasons for Low Milk Supply. Sometimes a baby may need some donor milk or commercial infant milk until your milk supply increases, your health professional will normally advise you when this is needed. See Supplementing With Formula and How to Make More Breast Milk.

Skin-to-skin contact

Skin-to-skin contact-with no clothes between you and baby-helps breastfeeding in lots of ways. See Why Skin-to-Skin? for a full discussion and for several videos of babies attaching to the breast all on their own. Skin-to-skin contact helps:

Feeding reflexes. Skin-to-skin contact promotes your baby's feeding reflexes to encourage instinctive breastfeeding. Covering a baby's hands removes their sense of touch so remove any anti scratch mittens-see Scratch Mittens and Breastfeeding.

Milk supply. Skin-to-skin contact promotes the release of the hormones needed for milk production.

Comfort and calm a baby. Holding your baby comforts and calms him. Avoid passing your baby around friends and relatives so you can concentrate on getting breastfeeding established.

Regulate body systems. Skin-to-skin contact helps to regulate a baby's temperature, blood sugar levels, heart rate and breathing.

Feeding cues. When baby is in close contact and held skin-to-skin, it is easier to see the signs that a baby is getting ready to feed (early feeding cues). This is a good time to try to breastfeed. Early feeding cues include a baby starting to fuss and fidget, searching for the breast with a wide open mouth and sucking on fists or fingers.

This short film from the Global Health Media Project shows how skin-to-skin contact helps babies use their feeding reflexes to latch to the breast straight after birth.

Find a breastfeeding specialist

A breastfeeding specialist such as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can be invaluable to help you and your baby start breastfeeding. The article Why Hire an IBCLC? on this website describes the different forms of support available. A breastfeeding specialist can help with:

Positioning and attachment. A breastfeeding specialist will be able to suggest helpful positions and techniques to help your baby latch. They will have lots of experience of latching babies. Sometimes some experienced hands to guide you and your baby are all that are needed.

Anatomical differences. A breastfeeding specialist will often know little tricks and tips to get around many challenges or know when to suggest a referral to a health professional for further assessment.

Maximising milk supply. A breastfeeding specialist can help you devise the best plan to protect and maintain your milk supply.

Tips to help a baby breastfeed

Skin-to-skin contact

Skin-to-skin contact can help breastfeeding get started (see above) and help you find comfortable Breastfeeding Positions for Newborns.

Not too hungry

A baby will have more energy to breastfeed if they are not too hungry when they have a breastfeeding practice session. Keep your baby well fed.

Avoid bottle teats

It is a good idea to avoid bottle teats if possible to prevent a baby becoming imprinted on a firm silicone teat as their preferred feeding method. Babies can be fed small volumes by a spoon, syringe or feeding cup. If a baby needs larger volumes of milk after the first few days however, a bottle may be more practical than the alternatives. Tips to Bottle Feed a Breastfed Baby and Best Bottle for a Breastfed Baby can help to minimise nipple confusion or nipple preference.

Avoid pacifiers or dummies

A dummy can cause missed feeding cues and may interfere with getting breastfeeding established. See Pacifier, Dummy or Soother-Yes or No? for more reading about dummies.

Stay calm, be patient

It is natural to become very frustrated and upset if your baby can't breastfeed and you don't know how to help him. But a baby is very in tune with his mother and if he senses you are anxious whenever the breast appears, he will also feel more anxious. A baby will be more likely to focus on learning to breastfeed when they are calm, not too hungry and when they can sense you are calm too.

Look for early feeding cues

It is helpful to practise breastfeeding as soon as a baby shows really early feeding cues such as starting to move in light sleep, moving their head from side-to-side to search with an open mouth, or sucking their fingers or fists. Crying is a late feeding cue and a baby is less able to organise themselves to breastfeed if they are crying and upset.

Engorgement

Engorgement can make latching more difficult see Engorged Breasts for tips to help with this including massage and something called reverse pressure softening which is a technique to temporarily push fluid away from behind the nipple to make latching easier.

Shaping the breast

Sometimes a baby can find it hard to grasp a mouthful of breast tissue along with the nipple. Supporting and shaping the breast-flattening it slightly-to fit your baby's mouth can be helpful, see Latching Tips.

Nipple shield

In some situations a nipple shield may help a baby to latch and breastfeed e.g. if a mother has very flat nipples or a baby is premature. A nipple shield is a thin, flexible silicone cover with holes that is placed over your nipple during a breastfeed. Read more in Nipple Shields Good or Bad? and discuss using one with your breastfeeding helper.0

Troubleshooting

Baby cries at the breast

If your baby cries as soon as they are held to the breast, they may be feeling frustrated with trying to breastfeed. They may associate breastfeeding attempts with being forced onto the breast, being hungry without reward or perhaps they sense that their mother is anxious about what is about to happen making them feel anxious too. If your baby has made this type of negative association (feeding aversion) try some of the following ideas to help them overcome this:

Rescue your baby from their trauma rather than reinforcing their discomfort by repeatedly trying to breastfeed again and again against their wishes. Hold a distressed baby upright against your shoulder or between your breasts, walk around with them, talk or sing to them and calm them down before trying again.

Stay calm. Try to stay calm, positive and patient at each breastfeeding practice session. Relax your shoulders and smile, talk to, sing or praise your baby.

Not too hungry. Make sure to feed your baby a little expressed milk so they are not too hungry before they try to breastfeed.

Happy place. Try to make the breast a happy relaxed place without pressure to latch in between feeding attempts or even take a short break from trying to breastfeed altogether-Time off to "Reboot" the Baby and Get Over Breast Distress discusses this.

Try different positions. If breastfeeding isn't working something may need to change. Try holding your baby in a different position that they don't associate with previous breastfeeding attempts. If you usually use a cradle or cross cradle hold, try standing up to feed, lying down, reclining or rugby hold. See Breastfeeding Positions for Newborns for images of these positions.

Seek support. Find a breastfeeding specialist to help you and see How to Get Baby Back to Breast for more ideas.

Baby prefers a bottle

If your baby has already become imprinted on a bottle teat as their preferred way of feeding see How to Get Baby Back to Breast, Tips to Bottle Feed a Breastfed Baby and Best Bottle for a Breastfed Baby.

Baby latches then pulls away/loses the latch

Occasionally a baby may latch on but then quickly let go of the breast again either before the milk flows or just after the milk begins to flow. Possibilities include:

Nipple/breast shapes and sizes. Some babies may find challenges with certain shapes or sizes of nipple or breast which other babies would not find a problem. A very soft flat nipple can be harder for a baby to find and a baby may find it hard to keep hold of a heavy breast in their mouth. See Breastfeeding With Inverted Nipples and Flat Nipples and Breastfeeding With Large Breasts for breastfeeding tips and check in with your breastfeeding helper.

Milk too slow. Some babies may need a little encouragement to stay at the breast to wait for the let-down (milk release). Hand expressing to ensure your milk is already flowing to instantly reward your baby's latching attempts with milk can be helpful, and breast compressions and massage can keep the flow going until your baby realises how to control the flow.

Milk too fast. Sometimes a baby can find it difficult to coordinate sucking with swallowing and breathing when milk begins to flow. And sometimes milk may be seen spurting and gushing like a hose causing a baby to cough and splutter. Most babies can cope better with the flow of milk if they are in a deep latch with plenty of breast tissue as well as the nipple in their mouth. See What is a Fast Let-Down? if you feel there is a challenge associated with flow.

Pain or discomfort. A baby who is in pain from a difficult birth or discomfort from food intolerances may find it difficult to stay at the breast.

Problems once baby starts to breastfeed

Breastfeeding hurts

It will be a relief once your baby begins to latch on and stay at the breast but what if breastfeeding hurts? It will be tempting to put up with the pain because you're just happy that baby is latched on. But doing so can quickly make your nipples sore and a baby will also find it more difficult to get the milk he needs. There are several reasons why feeding could be painful. It is usually because the baby doesn't have enough breast tissue as well as the nipple in their mouth. See Causes of Sore Nipples, and Why Does Breastfeeding Hurt? and check in with your breastfeeding specialist as soon as possible.

Baby not getting enough milk

There are several ways to tell if your baby is getting enough milk and sometimes more may be needed than a mother can pump. Or there may be plenty of milk but once your baby starts to latch on they may not be very efficient at breastfeeding at first and may still need supplementary feeds for a while to ensure they are getting enough milk. The following links have more information:

Summary

There are various reasons why a baby can't breastfeed when they are first born. Until your baby can get the hang of breastfeeding it's important to (1) express your breast milk and (2) keep your baby well fed. Expressing breast milk frequently will protect and stimulate your milk supply and provide a milk supplement for your baby. And keeping your baby well fed ensures they are contented and have the energy to learn to breastfeed. Keeping your baby close to you in skin-to-skin contact where possible will help promote your baby's feeding reflexes until your baby is ready to feed, or until you can find a breastfeeding specialist to help you. Most of the challenges that prevent a baby breastfeeding can be overcome with time, patience and skilled help.

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Although babies have a strong instinct to breastfeed straight after birth, some babies may not seem interested in breastfeeding at first or may not seem able to attach to the breast. Some babies may still not be attaching to the breast (latching on) by the second or third day of life or even much longer.

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Information on Chestfeeding for trans or non-binary parents

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Information on Chestfeeding for trans or non-binary parents

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Chestfeeding if you're trans or non-binary

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If you are trans or non-binary and are thinking about chestfeeding your baby, find out your options and further information here.

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The following link from the Breastfeeding Network will give you all the information you need on storage of breastmilk

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This page gives you some tips on how to hand express and store your breastmilk. It also answers some frequently asked questions on this topic.

You might be thinking of returning to work, or study, or planning a night out. It can also help relieve pressure from a blocked duct or mastitis. Expressing small amounts of colostrum before your baby is born can help give your baby extra milk in the first few days.

Please also refer to our downloadable leaflet on Expressing and Storing Breastmilk.

If you will be exclusively expressing (feeding only expressed breastmilk), whether for just a few days or longer, you might like to read our blog post on this.

Note: If your baby has been ill or was born prematurely please discuss this information with your health professional to check that the storage times apply. This is especially important if you are bringing your colostrum or milk into hospital for your baby.

Your breastmilk

Can be expressed by hand, by hand pump or by electric pump. Once you know how, hand expressing is easy and needs little equipment.

Contains anti-infective ingredients that limit the growth of unwanted bacteria.

Should still be handled and stored carefully to stop unwanted bacteria from getting into your milk and growing.

Stays at the highest quality when stored in a fridge, particularly when running at 4°C or below. Note: some fridges run higher at 5-10°C - if you don't know the temperature of your fridge assume it is running at this higher temperature.

Can be frozen, which affects some (but by no means all) of the nutrients and anti-infective ingredients of breastmilk.

Expressing breastmilk

When you first start to express it is common to get only a few drops of milk. As with breastfeeding, the more you practice, the easier it gets. Expressing at a different time of day may work better for you.

When might I need to express?

Before your baby is born - you may be advised that your baby might need extra milk when they are born. You can express and store your first milk (colostrum) from 36 to 37 weeks gestation. You can read more about this here.

In the first few days - if your baby is sleepy, or to help them attach and feed.

For both these stages your midwife will give you small oral syringes to collect your milk. These are usually 1ml to begin with.

Use the ideas in this leaflet to discover what works for you. Colostrum usually starts in tiny droplets and is often sticky - having help to collect these drops in the syringe can be useful.

Aim to express twice a day from 36-37 weeks for no more than 10 minutes, freezing the same day.

Once your baby is born, express as needed aiming to stimulate your breasts at least 8 times a day including once overnight through direct breastfeeding or expressing as this will increase your milk supply to meet your baby's needs and can help you feel more comfortable.

Hand Expressing

Once your milk is flowing, you will need a wide mouthed container like a sterile plastic pot or container that is well-cleaned and scalded with boiling water - a jug is ideal - so get this ready before you start.

Remember to wash your hands first.

Find somewhere comfortable to relax, then to help your milk to flow (let down) you might:

Relax with a warm drink, music or TV.

Have your baby close, or look at a photograph, clothing or toy to remind you of your baby.

Warm your breasts in a bath, shower or using warm flannels and practice expressing.

Try some ways to gently massage your whole breast, working from the outside toward your nipple.

Take care not to drag your skin:

Stroke with your fingertips

Roll using your knuckles.

Try using circular movements.

Make a 'C' shape by placing your thumb above and your fingers below your breast 2-3 centimetres back from your nipple

Gently press your thumb and fingers together, release your fingers and repeat in a rhythmic movement.

Sometimes pressing inwards back towards your chest wall as you squeeze helps. You may need to experiment with how far back from your nipple to squeeze - everyone is slightly different.

When the milk flow slows, re-position your fingers and thumb (as if moving them around a clock face), then express another area of your breast.

Try to express all areas of your breast and alternate between breasts.

See this video on hand expressing from UNICEF for more ideas.

Good hygiene is very important:

Always wash your hands before expressing and handling breastmilk and ask others giving expressed milk to do the same.

Always use a sterile container with a lid, not the collection jug, to store your breastmilk. You can buy disposable containers. Take care with plastic bags that can puncture easily.

Try to use a different storage container each time you collect milk. If necessary, newly collected milk may be cooled and added to previously stored milk on the same day only.

Label the storage containers or syringes with your name, breastmilk, time and date and put inside a clean sealed bag or box before storing. Name and date the bag too.

Store your breastmilk in the fridge or freezer as soon as possible.

Store away from meat products, eggs or any uncooked foods. Store at the back of the fridge and not in the door.

Storing expressed breastmilk

How long can I keep my breastmilk at room temperature if a fridge is not available?

If your breastmilk is freshly expressed it will keep for 6 hours without refrigeration, either at home or away from home. See 'travelling with breastmilk' section below for more details.
If your baby has been ill or was born prematurely please discuss this with your health professional to check that the same storage times apply.
How long can I store breastmilk in the fridge?

You can store your breastmilk for up to 3 days where you don't know the temperature, or it runs between 5-10°C.

Breastmilk can be stored for 5 days in a fridge running at 4°C or lower.*
*One study has shown fresh breastmilk can be used for up to 8 days when the fridge temperature is kept stable at 4°C or below.

If the fridge temperature goes above 4°C during this time, use your milk within 6 hours or throw away.

If you can't use a fridge at 4°C, try using a cool bag or box with deep frozen ice packs (changed every 24 hours). Protect your milk from direct contact with the ice packs or it may freeze - try wrapping the ice packs in kitchen towel. The bag can also be used to carry milk.

The lower the storage temperature, the longer expressed breastmilk can be stored. The storage temperatures given here include a degree of caution so that your milk remains safe for your baby.

If you wish to store your breastmilk for longer than 5 days, freeze as soon as you can after expressing.
If taking colostrum or milk into hospital follow their storage and transport times. REMEMBER: The more often the fridge door is opened, the more likely the temperature will rise. Try to check the temperature of every fridge (or cool bag) used for storing your milk each time you use it. If the fridge has no built in thermometer, use a fridge thermometer which can be bought cheaply from kitchenware stores.
How long can I store breastmilk in the freezer?

Breastmilk can be stored in a freezer at -18°C for up to six months.

You can store breastmilk in the ice compartment of a fridge for two weeks.

Safe Storage of breastmilk in the home

This table aims to provide a guide to how long you can store breastmilk for a full term baby with no additional health concerns.

Why are there variations in recommendations for storing expressed breastmilk?

More information about this can be found at the bottom of this page.

Please note that previous versions of our leaflet are still available in our shop and the information is still correct, noting the above.

Feeding baby expressed breastmilk

What happens if my baby doesn't take all of one bottle? Can I put it back in the fridge or on the side use it again?

Once the baby has drunk from a bottle of expressed milk it should be used up within an hour or thrown away. To avoid wasting your expressed breastmilk it is best to offer the baby only a little (e.g. 30ml) at a time until you know your baby's pattern. You can do this by keeping most of it in one container, in the fridge, and using it to top up the baby's bottle a little at a time.

Defrosting frozen breastmilk

How do I defrost my milk?

Ideally, defrost frozen breastmilk in the fridge. This milk should be used once fully defrosted which usually takes about 12 hours. If your breastmilk is still frozen after this time or you need to use it quickly, try defrosting under cool, then warm, running water. Dry the outside of the container with kitchen paper before use and use immediately. If you frequently find your milk is frozen after 12 hours in the fridge, try to freeze in smaller quantities.

How long can I keep defrosted breastmilk?

Defrosted breastmilk should be used straight away once it has fully defrosted. Throw away any unused milk.

Why can't I defrost breastmilk in a microwave?

Breastmilk should not be defrosted in the microwave because it heats unevenly, destroying antibodies and nutrients. There is also a risk of scalds and the milk would need to be left at room temperature before use.

Travelling with expressed breastmilk

How do I bring my milk home, which I have expressed at work or elsewhere?

Try to use a cool bag for transportation and put the milk in the fridge once you are home.

Fresh breastmilk can be transported within 24 hours provided storage temperatures are maintained using an insulated box or bag and deep frozen ice-packs, and total storage and transportation times do not exceed the recommended storage times.

Previously refrigerated breastmilk can be kept cool (10°C or below) for up to 24 hours when in a well-insulated bag with deep-frozen ice-packs. Take care not to freeze your milk by wrapping the ice-packs in kitchen paper first. Ensure this milk is used within the recommended refrigeration storage times as mentioned above.

Re-heating expressed breastmilk

How do I re-heat expressed breastmilk?

Expressed breastmilk can be used straight from the fridge. It does not need to be warmed. If you would like it warmed place the container (such as a bottle or sealed cup) in warm water to take the chill off. Take care not to over warm.

If the milk smells sour DO NOT USE.

When stored, the cream and milk may separate out. This is normal. Shake gently to mix before use.

Some babies are reluctant to take milk from a bottle, particularly at first. Try offering milk from a cup or spoon. They may be less reluctant when someone else gives it. If expressed milk is refused try not to worry - your baby will make up any missed feeds by breastfeeding more often or for longer on your return. See also info on this page about introducing a bottle.

Finding a breast pump

The two UK breast pump hire companies are:
Ardo breast pumps Medela breast pumps
Your midwife, health visitor or a local breastfeeding supporter may also be able to give you details of pump hire services near you.

Useful links
Human Milk Foundation
UKAMB (UK Milk Banks - find out about donating or receiving milk)
Milk Bank Scotland
Antenatal Expressing - more detailed information about this

References

(links checked May 2023)

Cook, P. Food Standards Agency. MCN10. 2006 Handling and storage of expressed breastmilk pp1-12 https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ph11/documents/mcn-consultation-expert-report-handling-and-storage-of-expressed-breast-milk2

Eglash, A, Simon, L, and The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, ABM Clinical Protocol #8: Human Milk Storage Information for Home Use for Full-Term Infants, BREASTFEEDING MEDICINE Volume 12, Number 7, 2017 (c) Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. pp390-395 https://abm.memberclicks.net/assets/DOCUMENTS/PROTOCOLS/8-human-milk-storage-protocol-english.pdf See correction to freezer temp here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6065517/

Forster, Della A et al. (2017) Advising women with diabetes in pregnancy to express breastmilk in late pregnancy (Diabetes and Antenatal Milk Expressing [DAME]): a multicentre, unblinded, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet, Volume 389, Issue 10085, 2204 - 2213 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)31373-9/ppt

Hands A. (2003) Safe storage of expressed breastmilk in the home. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, vol 13, no 3.

Royle, J. Weaver, G. (2016) Guidelines for the Preparation and Handling of Expressed and Donor Breast Milk and Special Feeds for Infants and Children in Neonatal and Paediatric Health Care Settings. 2nd Ed. Section 6, p18-32
BDA Guidelines for the Preparation and Handling of Expressed and Donor Breast Milk and Specialist Feeds for Infants and Children in Neonatal and Paediatric Health Care Settings
IMPORTANT: If you have any further questions on expressing or breastfeeding, do contact your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding supporter for help and support. You can also call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212, open 9.30am-9.30pm every day of the year.

Page reviewed and updated November 2019

Variations in Recommendations for Storing Expressed Breast Milk

Written by Anabel Hands

In 2003, aware of the confusion for mothers resulting from the significant variations in recommendations for storing expressed breast milk, the BfN decided to collate all available information from primary research papers, and national and local guidance documents. These findings were published in the MIDIRS Midwifery Digest 1. The study found that storage temperature clearly determines storage time. Recommended storage times given in our Expressing and Storing Breast Milk leaflet were based on the primary research papers discussed in the study. You can find the link to this leaflet below for more information 2.

Our publication was sent to other breastfeeding organisations, including the Department of Health (DH), to facilitate agreement on storage recommendations using the results of primary research. The DH asked the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) to review breast milk storage guidelines, and official storage recommendations were changed from 24 hours in the fridge to up to 5 days at 4°C or lower, two weeks in the ice compartment of a fridge and up to six months in a freezer (March 2008) 3.NICE also recognised that refrigeration preserves the unique properties of breast milk more effectively than freezing. The National Health Service (NHS) adopted these guidelines, which appear in their leaflet Off to the best start (updated November 2009) which you can find a link to below 4.

Although a little different to BfN guidelines, the NICE and NHS recommendations took into account that fridge temperatures can vary and that a 5-day storage time covered most situations, including the need for milk expressed at the end of one working week to be used at the beginning of the following week. Some busy hospital neonatal units restrict the time milk is refrigerated as an added precaution; this is because their fridges are opened very frequently, which may affect the storage temperatures 5.

Other breastfeeding organisations, such as La Leche League, updated their published recommendations to distinguish between acceptable storage (8 days in the fridge) from ideal storage (72 hours in the fridge), and also recognised that refrigerated expressed breast milk was preferable to frozen breast milk (March 2012) see link below for more information. These recommendations are in line with the BfN leaflet 6.

It is important for mothers and breastfeeding supporters to note that leaflets and recommendations inconsistent with the published research are still in circulation, particularly on the Internet, and that countries outside of the UK may recommend different guidelines.

Please note that previous versions of our leaflet are still available in our shop and the information is still correct, noting the above.

References

1. HANDS A. Safe storage of expressed breast milk in the home. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, vol 13, no 3, Sep 2003, pp 378 & 385.

2. BfN (Breastfeeding Network) leaflet. Expressing and storing breast milk. September 2004.

3. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Public health guidance 11: Maternal and child nutrition. March 2008.

4. Department of Health. Off to the best start. Crown Copyright 2007 278957 5p 200k Nov 09 (BEL) 299223.

5. MCN consultation: Expert report & Handling and storage of expressed breast milk. 05 April 2007.

6. La Leche League International. "The Breastfeeding Answer Book" Updated March 2012.

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Expressing and storing breastmilk - The Breastfeeding Network

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This page gives you some tips on how to hand express and store your breastmilk. It also answers some frequently asked questions on this topic. You might be thinking of returning to work, or study, or planning a night out. It can also help relieve pressure from a blocked duct or mastitis.

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How to Increase Milk Supply When Pumping

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How often should a mother pump to build up her milk supply and how long for? When is the best

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Vitamin D drops are recommended for all breastfeeding infants as well as those who are combination feeding and taking less than 500ml infant formula per day

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This information can also be viewed as a PDF by clicking here.
The information provided is taken from various reference sources. It is provided as a guideline. No responsibility can be taken by the author or the Breastfeeding Network for the way in which the information is used. Clinical decisions remain the responsibility of medical and breastfeeding practitioners. The data presented here is intended to provide some immediate information but cannot replace input from professionals.
In 2012 the Chief Medical Officer in the UK made recommendations about supplementing all pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and children with Vitamin D. There seems to remain a lot of confusion as to who should take these supplements, why this is necessary and how to obtain them. The recommendations were updated in July 2016 in line with the SACN recommendations on vitamin D and health.

Breastfed babies from birth to one year of age should be given a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10mcg of vitamin D as a precaution (SACN 2016)

Breastfeeding Mothers should also take a daily Vitamin D supplement of 10 µg per day

Vitamin D deficiency in the UK is a consequence of our weather and the latitude at which we live.

Breastmilk is perfect for babies

Vitamin D drops should be given to babies on a teaspoon as droppers are hard to sterilise

Healthy Start Vitamins remain an excellent, economic source of vitamin D and are provided free of charge in many areas. The daily dose of 5 drops contains 10µg www.healthystart.nhs.uk/for-health-professionals/vitamins/

Babies born to mothers with low vitamin D status are at risk of developing rickets. Taking into account that MOST of us are deficient between October and April at best and MANY of us will have low levels throughout the year, the recommendation that ALL pregnant women should take a supplement of 10 µg Vitamin D per day throughout pregnancy is sensible and cost effective (Prevention of rickets and vitamin D deficiency in Birmingham: the case for universal supplementation).

Babies born to mothers who have not taken a vitamin D supplement in pregnancy are likely to be born with low vitamin D status. Levels of vitamin D in that mother are also likely to be low and even if she begins to take a supplement herself at that time, cannot redress the baby's deficiency by breastfeeding. So the recommendation is that the baby should receive its own oral vitamin D drops containing 7-8.5µg per day from 4 weeks of birth until the age of 5 years. Waiting until the baby is 6 months may be too late to prevent development of symptoms. Mothers may also develop symptoms of deficiency themselves.

Although it was thought that levels of vitamin D stores laid down in pregnancy by a mother who has taken vitamin D supplements in pregnancy would be sufficient for a few months,
new recommendations (July 2016) are that breastfed babies from birth to one year of age should be given a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10mcg of vitamin D, to make sure they get enough ( www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vitamins-minerals/Pages/Vitamin-D.aspx). In addition breastfeeding mothers should take a daily Vitamin D supplement of 10 µg per day - in fact as more and more conditions are linked with lack of vitamin D most of us would benefit from taking it regularly.

In children; rickets, delayed tooth eruption, increased risk of infection, decreased bone mass, hypocalcaemic seizures, delay in walking.

In adults; osteomalacia, muscle weakness, bone pain plus possible association in many other conditions.

Mothers who are diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency may be prescribed very high dose supplements. Papers looking at these doses are scarce. Hollis and Wagner (2004) concluded that "Maternal vitamin D intakes of 4000 IU/d appear to be safe and to provide sufficient vitamin D to ensure adequate nutritional vitamin D status for both mothers and nursing infants. Hollis et al 2015 that "Maternal vitamin D supplementation with 6400 IU/day safely supplies breast milk with adequate vitamin D to satisfy her nursing infant's requirement and offers an alternate strategy to direct infant supplementation.

For information on high dose vitamin D prescribed for breastfeeding women see https://breastfeeding-and-medication.co.uk/fact-sheet/high-dose-vitamin-d-supplements-and-breastfeeding

Oily fish including trout, salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, anchovies, pilchards, and fresh tuna

Cod liver oil and other fish oils

Egg yolk; 0.5 micrograms (20 IU) per yolk)

Mushrooms

Supplemented breakfast cereals typically contain between 2 and 8 micrograms (80-320 IU) per 100 g

Margarine

The average dietary vitamin D intake of young women in the UK approximates 3 micrograms per day and fewer than 1% consume more than the 10 micrograms (Williams 2007). The National Diet and Nutrition Survey of British adults suggest that if such a threshold were investigated in the UK population data, some 80-90% would be deficient (Henderson 2003).

The main source is Ultraviolet B sunlight exposure; more than 90% of mankind's vitamin D supply is derived from exposure UVB in sunlight. Deficiency of vitamin D in the UK is predominantly caused by poor weather, increasing use of high factor sunscreen (more than factor 8), and latitude: those born north of approximately Birmingham (40°N) are unlikely to be able to reach sufficient exposure.

Sunlight exposure needed is 2 hours per day (if only the face exposed), 20-30 minutes a day if the face, arms and neck are exposed without sunscreen. Sun protection factor in excess of 8 prevents absorption of the UVB sufficient to make vitamin D. Need increases for those with darker skins. In all cases it is important to avoid sunburn, particularly in babies.

Those who are eligible for Healthy Start vouchers receive free vitamin tablets and drops containing the correct dose of vitamin D for mothers and children.

Those not eligible for Healthy Start may purchase vitamin supplements form pharmacies and Health Food Stores - please check that they contain 10µg for adults and at least 7-8.5µg for children (usually 10 µg).

Vitamin D deficiency in the UK is a consequence of our weather and the latitude at which we live. The addition of vitamin D to formula milk does not make it better than breastmilk - it does not contain all the immunological properties that make breastmilk specific to cater for each baby's needs.

Some mother and infant groups have been shown to be at increased risk, including:

Babies of mothers with darker skin types

Pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Babies born in the winter months and not exposed to the sun

Babies and mothers who wear concealing clothing, preventing skin exposure to sunlight

Babies and mothers who spend a lot of time indoors or use sun creams, reducing exposure to sunlight

Babies of obese mothers (BMI >30)

Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes.

Ahmed SF et al. Recent trends and clinical features of childhood vitamin D deficiency presenting to a children's hospital in Glasgow. Arch Dis Child 2011;96:694-6 http://adc.bmj.com/content/96/7/694.full.pdf+html

American Academy of Paediatrics Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D deficiency in infants, children and adolescents 2008 http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/122/5/1142.full.pdf+html

CMO Vitamin D supplements for at risk groups. dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_132508.pdf

Department of Health. Vitamin D an essential nutrient for all, but who is at risk of vitamin D deficiency? http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/documents/digitalasset/dh_111302.pdf

Henderson L, Irving K, Gregory J, et al. The National Diet and Nutrition Survey: adults aged 19 to 64 years. Vol 3. Vitamin and mineral intake and urinary analytes . London: Stationery Office, 2003: 1-160.

Hollis BW, Wagner CL. Vitamin D requirements during lactation: high-dose maternal supplementation as therapy to prevent hypovitaminosis D for both the mother and the nursing infant. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004;80(Suppl 6):1752S-1758S

Hollis BW, Wagner CL, Howard CR, Ebeling M, Shary JR, Smith PG,Taylor SN, Morella K, Lawrence RA,Hulsey TC, Maternal Versus Infant Vitamin D Supplementation During Lactation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Pediatrics 2015;136 (4):

Jones W. Breastfeeding and Medication Routledge 2018

Michie C. Managing vitamin D deficiency in children. London Journal of primary care July 2010 londonjournalofprimarycare.org.uk/articles/3186685.pdf

NHS Choices. nhs.uk/news/2012/01January/Pages/vitamin-d-medical-advice-and-supplements.aspx

Prevention of rickets and vitamin D deficiency in Birmingham: the case for universal supplementation. infantfeedingwm.org.uk/documents/Website_VitD.pdf

SACN Update on Vitamin D 2007. sacn.gov.uk/pdfs/sacn_position_vitamin_d_2007_05_07.pdf

SACN Vitamin D and Health 2016 www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/537616/SACN_Vitamin_D_and_Health_report.pdf

©Dr Wendy Jones MBE, MRPharmS and the Breastfeeding Network June 2020

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Vitamin D and Breastfeeding - The Breastfeeding Network

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This information can also be viewed as a PDF by clicking here. The information provided is taken from various reference sources. It is provided as a guideline. No responsibility can be taken by the author or the Breastfeeding Network for the way in which the information is used.

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First Steps Nutrition Trust feels passionately about the need for better information and support for good nutrition – and good food – from pre-conception to five years

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First Steps Nutrition Trust is an independent public health nutrition charity. We endeavour to fill practical and policy-relevant information gaps and provide resources for health workers supporting eating well from pre-conception to five years.

Our Mission

To influence policies which enable the safe, appropriate and optimal feeding of infants and young children in the UK, and to protect them from commercial interest.

To ensure that the importance of good nutrition from pre-conception to age five remains on everyone's agenda.

To provide conflict of interest-free information on infant milks marketed in the UK, and to promote better regulation and marketing of breastmilk substitutes.

To provide resources for health workers to support them in their work with pregnant women and young families.

Our Resources:

Are put together by nutrition experts and are regularly updated.

Can be used in Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative accredited settings.

Are available as free pdf downloads for use by anyone promoting better public health on a not-for profit basis.

Everyone who works at First Steps Nutrition Trust feels passionately about the need for better information and support for good nutrition - and good food - from pre-conception to five years.

First Steps Nutrition Trust is supported by generous individual donations and conflict of interest free grants. First Steps Nutrition Trust does not work with organisations or individuals that work with, or take funding from, the breastmilk substitute industry and we reserve the right not to sell them our subsidised resources.

First Steps works with and supports a number of organisations including Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative, the Baby Feeding Law Group, the Obesity Health Alliance, the Children's Food Campaign and the APPG on Infant Feeding and Inequalities.

First Steps Nutrition Trust host and regularly update their partner site infantmilkinfo.org which contains comprehensive information about infant milks (for 0-12 month olds) available on the UK market.

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First Steps Nutrition Trust is a charity which provides clear, evidence-based and independent information and support for good nutrition from pre-conception to five years of age.

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How to express breastmilk (Global Health Media)

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How to express breastmilk (Global Health Media)

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Expressing breastmilk can relieve breast fullness, soften the breasts, and make it easier for the milk to flow. It is also important to maintain a mother's milk supply during separation and make milk available for someone else to feed the baby. This video shows how to hand express breastmilk.

Join the Conversation

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How to Express Breastmilk - Video - Global Health Media Project

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Expressing breastmilk can relieve breast fullness, soften the breasts, and make it easier for the milk to flow. It is also important to maintain a mother's

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The NBH is open 9.30am to 9.30pm every day of the year. It is staffed by trained volunteers and offers friendly, non-judgemental, independent, evidence based breastfeeding support and information to anyone in the UK who needs it.

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National Breastfeeding Helpline - Helpline

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This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website.

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The line represents the baby's sucking pattern, the pink area represents the amount of milk, and the purple spots represent fat content across the feed.

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Good attachment will help a baby get more milk and make breastfeeding more comfortable. This video shows why good attachment is so important to breastfeeding success and what a mother can do to deeply attach her baby to her breast.

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Attaching Your Baby at the Breast - Video - Global Health Media Project

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Good attachment will help a baby get more milk and make breastfeeding more comfortable. This video shows why good attachment is so important to breastfeeding

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Here at Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets UK we will answer all of these questions and more. We will try to put your mind at rest whilst being honest about journey on which you are about to embark. Breastfeeding more than one baby is challenging, but it is definitely possible and a lot of mums go on to have a really enjoyable experience.

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This video guides mothers on how to hand express and talks about the times when hand expression might be useful.

See the Breastfeeding Network website for FAQs and a leaflet all about expressing and storing breastmilk.

Problems viewing this video? Contact us.

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Hand expression video - Baby Friendly Initiative

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This video guides you through how to hand express, and talks about the times when hand expression might be useful for you.

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Particularly look out for "Really Good Drinking", "Nibbling" and "4 day old after tongue tie release with compressions" which shows breast compressions very clearly

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Breastfeeding Videos – International BreastFeeding Centre

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A set of videos which shows how breastfeeding works, how to know if a baby is getting milk, what is a good latch, using a lactation aid, using breast compressions, tongue tie, tongue tie release, vasospasm.

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How friends and family can support a breastfeeding mum

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How friends and family can support a breastfeeding mum

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School of Health & Social Care, Swansea University

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How you can Help Support a Breastfeeding Mum...

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The Breastfeeding Network Drugs in Breastmilk service

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The Breastfeeding Network Drugs in Breastmilk service

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This service is a fantastic resource which anyone can contact with queries about whether medications are safe for breastfeeding. They also have lots of factsheets on their website (https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-factsheets/) about common medications.

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0:00 / 5:25•Watch full video

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College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University

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Bedford Borough Children's Centre Padlet

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Bedford Borough Children's Centre Padlet

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Babies cry, you can cope When babies cry it can be stressful and overwhelming. Help is out there and all you need to do is ask. Latest news Testimonials

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Relate are the UK's largest provider of relationship support, and last year they helped over two million people of all ages, backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities to strengthen their relationships. Find out more about what they do and how they can help you here.

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Baby Books aren't always as helpful as they may seem

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Baby Books aren't always as helpful as they may seem

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School of Health & Social Care, Swansea University

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Why you might want to put the baby books down...

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The free Baby Check app features 19 simple checks that parents can do if their baby is showing signs of illness. Each check tests for a different symptom and when completed, a score is calculated that tells parents or carers how ill their baby is. The app then lets parents know whether their baby needs to see a doctor or health professional.

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We use cookies to give you the best possible online experience. If you continue, we will assume you are happy for your web browser to receive all cookies from our website. Accept

Baby Check App

Baby Check features 19 simple checks that parents can do if their baby is showing signs of illness. Each check tests for a different symptom and when completed, a score is calculated that tells parents or carers how ill their baby is. The app then lets parents know whether their baby needs to see a doctor or health professional.

Download for FREE from Google Play or the App Store.

Buy posters, business cards and other materials to help promote Baby Check to your clients and patients

Shop

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The Baby Check App helps parents decide if their baby needs to see a doctor or health professional

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Baby Buddy is a free app which provides trusted, evidence-based information and self-care tools, based on the latest research and is NHS-approved.

Baby Buddy aims to empower parents and care-givers to build their knowledge and confidence for the crucial first five years of their child’s life, when foundations are laid.

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The Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service offers a range of free and confidential talking therapies and specialist support to help you feel better.

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We can deliver therapy digitally so you can get the help you need now. We are evolving and adapting with the help of our service users to deliver an efficient service. If you are unable to email you can call 01234 880400. You can still self-referral by clicking "Get Started". We are currently prioritising all NHS and Care Workers.

We can deliver therapy digitally so you can get the help you need now. We are evolving and adapting with the help of our service users to deliver an efficient service. If you are unable to email you can call 01234 880400. You can still self-referral by clicking "Get Started". We are currently prioritising all NHS and Care Workers.

Webinar

Coping with Long Term Conditions in Times of Uncertainty

We recognise that individuals with Long Term Conditions have been impacted severely from COVID-19.

Join our free NHS mental health webinar where you will learn new tools & techniques to help you manage your mental wellbeing during stressful times.

Before the session you will be asked to complete our "Quick Stress Check" online via email.

For more information go to our Events page.

Webinar

Pregnancy & Motherhood in Uncertain Times

This session will be a one off free webinar delivered by one of our Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWP).

You will learn new tools and techniques to help you manage your mental wellbeing during stressful times.

Before the session you will be asked to complete our "Quick Stress Check" online via email.

For more information go to our Events page.

Webinar

Men's Mental Health Webinar

This webinar session will be delivered digitally by one of our Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWP) and your attendance will be completely anonymous.

All you need is either a mobile telephone, laptop or desktop computer with speakers.

You will learn new tools and techniques to help you manage your mental wellbeing during stressful times.

Before the session you will be asked to complete our "Quick Stress Check" online via email.

Go to our Events page for more details

Announcement

Long Term Condition Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

The Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service provides support for individuals who have been diagnosed, whether recently or longstanding, with a Long Term condition (LTC). Individuals with an LTC commonly experience mental health distress such as Depression and Anxiety. We have therapists who have completed specialist training to support individuals with an LTC. Please see below for an understanding of some of the conditions we offer support for:

- Diabetes
- COPD/ Respiratory Conditions
- Cancer
- Persistent Physical Pain
- IBS

Support is offered through 1-1 digital therapy, online computerised therapy and LTC focused groups.

For more information go to our How We Help page.

Webinar

Managing Mental Health in Times of Uncertainty

This webinar is suitable for anybody struggling with low mood or anxiety specifically around current circumstances.
The content will include the facts about Coronavirus, understanding worry, low mood and anxiety and a selection of brief practical strategies you can learn to tackle these difficulties.

The webinar can be viewed using a computer/laptop, tablet or mobile device. The webinar will be a presentation with a selection of slides - attendees only need to watch and listen.

Through talking therapies we will help you get to the root of your problems and to manage and overcome your difficulties.

Once I'd made up my mind to get help, the rest was really straight forward and the help I received was life changing.

To get in touch by phone, please call us on 01234 880400 Monday to Friday.

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We can deliver therapy digitally so you can get the help you need now. We are evolving and adapting with the help of our service users to deliver an efficient service. If you are unable to email you can call 01234 880400. You can still self-referral by clicking "Get Started".

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Total Wellbeing supports people living in Luton who want to improve their physical and emotional health.

You can call them on 0300 555 4152 or email info@totalwellbeingluton.org.uk.

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It's never too late to quit. Stopping at any age will increase your life expectancy, provided that you stop before you develop cancer or another serious disease. Within the first 24 hours of stopping, your blood pressure and lungs will be showing improvement.

After three months your circulation and breathing should have improved noticeably.

After five years, your risk of having a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.

After 10 years, your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker.

Read our Smoking Cessation FAQs.

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It's never too late to quit. Stopping at any age will increase your life expectancy, provided that you stop before you develop cancer or another serious disease. Within the first 24 hours of stopping, your blood pressure and lungs will be showing improvement. After three months your circulation and breathing should have improved noticeably.

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Understanding your mental health and well-being 

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Understanding your mental health and well-being 

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Having a baby is a huge life event and a time of change. It is normal to feel

many different emotions during the transition to parenthood,

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PANDAS is a community offering peer-to-peer support for you, your family and your network via telephone, text, social media, email and support groups. Their FREE Helpline (0808 1961 776) is available from 11am-10pm every day, with a dedicated volunteer team who can offer support and advice, and can help to direct you to other organisations, if necessary.

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Postnatal depression (PND) is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby. It can affect any parent, regardless of whether they've suffered from a mental health condition before. Postnatal depression is linked directly to giving birth and is a common problem, affecting 1 in 10 women within a year of giving birth.

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Mind are a mental health charity who provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Their Infoline (0300 123 3393) provides an information and signposting service 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays).

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We’re Mind, the mental health charity | Mind

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We're Mind, the mental health charity. We're here to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.

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Samaritans are there for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. You can call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, and if you call the number will not come up on your phone bill. They also offer support via email, post or in person at one of their branches.

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Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Read more.

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Please also see individual centres Facebook pages for up to date information

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A food voucher scheme will continue to be available to families in need over the half term holiday period.

The scheme works by providing vouchers directly to families via the network of Children's Centres that are based in communities across our area.

The vouchers are £15 per child and cover the whole week.

The vouchers enable food to be supplied by a number of the major supermarket chains that operate in our communities and any families who are eligible to free school meals will be able to access this support.

Please contact your children's centre directly to make arrangements. To ensure that everyone is safe and socially distanced, please do not turn up to a centre without a prior booking. You can find contact details through the link below.

Anyone requesting a voucher will be required to provide:

their name and address

the child's name and date of birth

Looking ahead, we are exploring how we can best continue the arrangements for the Christmas period taking account of the particular circumstances created by the pandemic.
View children's centres on our Family Information Directory >>
Children's centres

Our children's centres are developed in line with the needs of the local community so no one centre is the same. Children's centres work with partners to offer a range of services to meet your child's needs all in one place.

There is a core set of services they aim to provide:

child and family health services including antenatal, postnatal, breast feeding and baby weighing sessions (drop-in)

advice on parenting and parenting programmes

information and advice to parents on childcare, early years provision and 2-year-old funded places

early education and school readiness, early communication support e.g. speech and language drop-ins

outreach and family support services including home visits

a variety of drop-in sessions

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A food voucher scheme will continue to be available to families in need over the half term holiday period. The scheme works by providing vouchers directly to families via the network of Children's Centres that are based in communities across our area. The vouchers are £15 per child and cover the whole week.

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Includes a set of antenatal class videos

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CCS padlet with information for families with babies aged 6wks and up

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CCS padlet with information for families with babies aged 6wks and up

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Resources about infant feeding in other languages

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Resources about infant feeding in other languages

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Available in

Arabic

Bengali

Hindi

Lithuanian

Mandarin

Polish

Romanian

Slovak

Turkish

Ukrainian

Urdu

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Using straightforward language and simple illustrations to aid understanding, these infosheets on breastfeeding and bottle feeding are available in multiple languages and can be used to support parents with the basics of feeding and responding to their baby.

The infosheets are free to download and print, and are currently available in:
Please note: Following feedback, these translations were updated in 2019 to ensure the language used was as straightforward as possible.
The English versions of these resources are available below for reference:

Breastfeeding guidance: English (for reference)

Bottle feeding guidance: English (for reference)

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Foreign language resources - Baby Friendly Initiative

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These infosheets are available in multiple languages and can be used to support parents with feeding and responding to their baby.

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We now know that building a strong relationship between parents and their new baby will give them the best possible start in life and will help them to grow up happy and confident

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How a child's brain develops through early experiences

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Keeping your family safe when around dogs. 

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Keeping your family safe when around dogs. 

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Your dog doesn’t think, understand and communicate in the same way we do. Children should never be left unsupervised with any dog, whether at home or out on a walk – regardless of the breed or how well they know them.

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Creating a dog- and child-friendly home

Keep dog toys out of your dog's reach so they learn they can only play at the invitation of an adult. Make sure your children tidy their toys away so your dog knows not to play with them.

Teach your children to respect your dog's physical and emotional welfare. They shouldn't tease your dog, pull their fur or tail, or take their food away from them.

Always make sure your dog has a safe area where they can have some quiet time alone away from the children.

Dogs and toddlers

Your dog still needs peace and quiet sometimes; allow him a place to escape to. If friends' children come to visit make sure the dog can escape to his safe den if he needs to.

Toddlers won't be able to read a dog's body language and toddlers are quite unpredictable for the dog. Beware of a sudden grab, impulsive hug or a twisted ear. Toddlers can easily lose their balance and fall on a sleeping dog! Don't expect your dog to put up with pulled ears just because he is tolerant.

Dogs are fight or flight animals. They will usually try to get away if unhappy, but if this is not an option then fight is what's left to them. Try not to let things get this far, signs of an unhappy dog include; yawning, lip licking, ears back, trying to get away, growling, snapping and showing teeth.

Teach your children from day one that the dog is not a toy. Children should never approach a sleeping, eating, unwell or tired dog. The dog and the child need to respect each other's space.

Teach your dog manners so that when your toddler starts to crawl/walk, the dog doesn't try and barge through doorways or upstairs first.

Help them stay safe around dogs

Many children love seeing dogs when they're out and about - but sometimes dogs can mistake their friendliness for aggression. Teach them these simple rules to help keep your children safe:

Always ask the owner before approaching, stroking or playing with a dog

Never rush up to a dog, be calm and make slow movements so you don't frighten him

Hold out your hand and let him come to you. If he doesn't want to come, leave him alone

Don't stare directly into a dog's eyes

If a dog growls at you or seems aggressive, stay calm and slowly walk away

If a dog is eating, drinking, sleeping or tied up, you should leave him alone

If you'd like more help keeping your children safe around your dog, we run family dog workshops near you.

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Keep dog toys out of your dog's reach so they learn they can only play at the invitation of an adult. Make sure your children tidy their toys away so your dog knows not to play with them. Teach your children to respect your dog's physical and emotional welfare.

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Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is dedicated to supporting all parents, protecting breastfeeding, and encouraging all families to develop close and loving relationships with their newborn baby.

Please navigate through our pages below to find out more.

The Luton & Dunstable Hospital is currently working towards gaining full Baby Friendly Initiative Accreditation.
Please note that during the COVID-19 pandemic some services may have been amended or suspended. Your midwife, health visitor or infant feeding supporter will advise you accordingly.

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Feeding your newborn baby - Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust

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Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is dedicated to supporting all parents, protecting breastfeeding, and encouraging all families to develop close and loving relationships with their newborn baby. Please navigate through […]

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Acacia Young Parents' Project is designed to support young parents under 25 who are struggling with their mental health, and who have a child under 2.

The Acacia website also has information and support for all parents (including in a range of different languages), and parents can self-refer to access services. www.acacia.org.uk/BLMK

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Mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bi-sexual, trans and queer people

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The No Panic Helpline - 03007729844 everyday 10am-10pm 365 days of the year.
No Panic offers advice, support, recovery programs and help for people living with phobias, OCD and any other anxiety-based disorders

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No Panic specialises in self-help recovery and our services include

Providing people with the skills they need to manage their condition and work towards recovery, enabling them to lead more fulfilled lives.

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No Panic specialises in self-help recovery and our services include Providing people with the skills they need to manage their condition and work towards recovery, enabling them to lead more fulfilled lives.

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A charity that supports women who suffer birth trauma after giving birth.

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The Birth Trauma Association (BTA) supports all women who have had a traumatic birth experience. It is estimated that, in the UK alone, this may result in 10,000 women a year developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

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Some single parents identify as LGBTQ+, including, but not exclusive to,  lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, non-binary, or asexual parents.

This page looks at issues that may be of particular relevance to LGBTQ+ single parents or where extra information may be helpful, such as parental responsibility and workplace rights. You may find this helpful in addition to other single parent information.

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Skip to content Some single parents identify as LGBTQ+, including, but not exclusive to, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, non-binary, or asexual parents. This page looks at issues that may be of particular relevance to LGBTQ+ single parents or where extra information may be helpful, such as parental responsibility and workplace rights.

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Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families.

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Parenting and Family Support - Family Lives (Parentline Plus) | Family Lives

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Parenting and family support from Family Lives (formerly Parentline Plus) through our website, helpline 0808 800 2222, email service at askus@familylives.org.uk, live chat and local services.

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Happy Baby Group - Luton Central Library

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Happy Baby Group - Luton Central Library