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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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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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What every pregnant woman and new parent needs to know.

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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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Babies safety needs change as the grow and develop, this information helps keep your baby safe and prevent accidental falls and injuries.

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iPhone: Download the DadPad - The Essential Guide for new Dads

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iPhone: Download the DadPad - The Essential Guide for new Dads

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As a new dad you will feel excited, but you may also feel left out, unsure or overwhelmed. The DadPad can help by giving you the knowledge and practical skills that you need.  The resource will support you and your partner to give your baby the best possible start in life

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‎New dads will feel excited, but may also feel left out, unsure and overwhelmed. The Dadpad® gives dads-to-be the knowledge and practical skills necessary to support themselves and their partner, so that babies get the best possible start in life. To complement the original DadPad® set of Cards, the…

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Android: Download the DadPad - The Essential Guide for new Dads

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Android: Download the DadPad - The Essential Guide for new Dads

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As a new dad you will feel excited, but you may also feel left out, unsure or overwhelmed. The DadPad can help by giving you the knowledge and practical skills that you need.  The resource will support you and your partner to give your baby the best possible start in life

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Perinatal mental health symptoms checker

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Perinatal mental health symptoms checker

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Signs you might need support for your mental health during or after pregnancy.

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We have been working really hard on a series of Infant Feeding Videos. These are now live on the CCS Beds and Luton website, and the Bedford Family Hubs website. They have been made in collaboration with the Family Hubs team.

You can see them all in one place on the Family Hubs website here:

https://familyhubs.bedford.gov.uk/family-support/parenting/breastfeeding, and find them embedded in relevant spots on the CCS website.

The videos cover:

The benefits of breastmilk

Breastfeeding - the early days

Breastfeeding positions

Breastfeeding Support & Social Groups

Family and friends supporting breastfeeding

Tips for breastfeeding in public

Breastfeeding an older baby or toddler

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Breastfeeding - Bedford Borough Family Hubs

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Our Breastfeeding Support and Social Groups are drop in breastfeeding support groups in various locations around Bedford. These offer a welcoming environment for women to meet other breastfeeding mums and form a support network, as well as get help with breastfeeding issues. We welcome mums to attend with older siblings and encourage pregnant women to join us and talk about breastfeeding, meet the team and become familiar with the group. This may help new mums to feel more confident to attend once the baby has arrived.

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A vegan diet is based on plants (such as vegetables, grains, nuts and fruits) and foods made from plants.
Vegans do not eat foods that come from animals, including dairy products and eggs.

Healthy eating as a vegan

You can get the nutrients you need from eating a varied and balanced vegan diet including fortified foods and supplements.

For a healthy vegan diet:

eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day

base meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates (choose wholegrain where possible)

have some fortified dairy alternatives, such as soya drinks and yoghurts (choose lower-fat and lower-sugar options)

eat some beans, pulses and other proteins

eat nuts and seeds rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as walnuts) every day

choose unsaturated oils and spreads, and eat in small amounts

have fortified foods or supplements containing nutrients that are more difficult to get through a vegan diet, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, iodine, selenium, calcium and iron

drink plenty of fluids (the government recommends 6 to 8 cups or glasses a day)

If you choose to include foods and drinks that are high in fat, salt or sugar, have them less often and in small amounts.

See The Eatwell Guide for more information about a healthy diet.

The Eatwell Guide applies to vegetarians, vegans, people of all ethnic origins and those who are a healthy weight for their height, as well as those who are overweight.

The only group The Eatwell Guide is not suitable for is children under the age of 2, as they have different needs.

Getting the right nutrients from a vegan diet

With good planning and an understanding of what makes up a healthy, balanced vegan diet, you can get all the nutrients your body needs.

If you do not plan your diet properly, you could miss out on essential nutrients, such as calcium, iron, vitamin B12, iodine and selenium.

Vegans who are pregnant or breastfeeding

During pregnancy and when breastfeeding, if you follow a vegan diet you'll need to make sure you get enough vitamins and minerals for your child to develop healthily.

Find out more about a vegetarian and vegan diet while pregnant.

If you're bringing up your baby or child on a vegan diet, you need to ensure they get a wide variety of foods to provide the energy and vitamins they need for growth.

Vegan sources of calcium and vitamin D

Calcium is needed to maintain healthy bones and teeth.

Non-vegans get most of their calcium from dairy foods (milk, cheese and yoghurt), but vegans can get it from other foods.

Good sources of calcium for vegans include:

green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and okra, but not spinach (spinach does contain high levels of calcium but the body cannot digest it all)

fortified unsweetened soya, pea and oat drinks

calcium-set tofu

sesame seeds and tahini

pulses

brown and white bread (in the UK, calcium is added to white and brown flour by law)

dried fruit, such as raisins, prunes, figs and dried apricots

A 30g portion of dried fruit counts as 1 of your 5 A Day, but should be eaten at mealtimes, not as a snack between meals, to reduce the impact of sugar on teeth.

The body needs vitamin D to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients help keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.

Good sources of vitamin D for vegans include:

exposure to sunlight, particularly from late March/early April to the end of September - remember to cover up or protect your skin before it starts to turn red or burn

fortified fat spreads, breakfast cereals and unsweetened soya drinks (with vitamin D added)

vitamin D supplements - everyone should consider taking a daily supplement during autumn and winter, because it's difficult to get enough from food alone

Read the label to ensure the vitamin D used in a product is not of animal origin.

Vegan sources of iron

Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells.

A vegan diet can be high in iron, although iron from plant-based food is absorbed by the body less well than iron from meat.

Good sources of iron for vegans are:

pulses

wholemeal bread and flour

breakfast cereals fortified with iron

dark green, leafy vegetables, such as watercress, broccoli and spring greens

nuts

dried fruits, such as apricots, prunes and figs

Vegan sources of vitamin B12

The body needs vitamin B12 to maintain healthy blood and a healthy nervous system.

Many people get vitamin B12 from animal sources, such as meat, fish and dairy products. Sources for vegans are limited and a vitamin B12 supplement may be needed.

Sources of vitamin B12 for vegans include:

breakfast cereals fortified with B12

unsweetened soya drinks fortified with vitamin B12

yeast extract, such as Marmite, and nutritional yeast flakes which are fortified with vitamin B12

Vegan sources of omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily those found in oily fish, can help maintain a healthy heart and reduce the risk of heart disease when eaten as part of a healthy diet.

Evidence suggests that plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids may not have the same benefits in reducing the risk of heart disease as those in oily fish. But you can help to ensure a balanced diet by eating rich plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Sources of omega-3 fatty acids suitable for vegans include:

ground linseed (flaxseed) oil

vegetable (rapeseed) oil

chia seeds

shelled hemp seeds

walnuts

You can also look after your heart by eating at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day, eating plenty of fibre, cutting down on food that's high in saturated fat, and watching how much salt you eat.

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Find out how to be healthy on a vegan diet, including vegan sources of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iron.

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Breastfeeding is the normal and natural way to feed and nurture a baby. If you have diabetes you may be concerned about whether you can breastfeed. The answer is yes.

All mothers experience metabolic and hormonal changes after giving birth. A mother with diabetes who breastfeeds has an advantage as breastfeeding reduces the impact of these changes. When you breastfeed, your body continues to support you and your baby, making your diabetes easier to manage in the days after birth. Later on, gradual weaning helps you to maintain control of your diabetes.

Gestational diabetes
Benefits of breastfeeding
What about medications?
Be prepared
Blood glucose control
Larger baby
Babies can have a hypo after birth
Antenatal expression of colostrum
Get breastfeeding off to a good start
Looking after yourself
Adjusting your diet

Gestational diabetes

It can be a shock if you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes during your pregnancy. This is usually a temporary condition in which your body fails to produce enough insulin to meet your extra needs while you are pregnant. It is usually diagnosed from the fourth month of pregnancy. Just like mothers who are on long-term treatment for diabetes, good control of blood glucose levels will minimise any problems for you and your baby. You may not need any extra medical care during labour and delivery. Diabetes treatment is usually unnecessary once you have given birth.

Benefits of breastfeeding
For you (as a diabetic mother)

Breastfeeding increases your insulin sensitivity and has long term positive effects on your glucose metabolism.
* For Type-1 diabetes, breastfeeding will reduce the amount of insulin you need.
* For Type-2 diabetes, breastfeeding will reduce the severity of your diabetes.
* For Gestational diabetes, breastfeeding significantly reduces your risk of developing diabetes later in life.

Breastfeeding suppresses your periods and monthly hormonal changes.

See our page Amazing milk for more information.

For your baby
Studies show that your baby will be healthier throughout their life if they are breastfed. Infant formula increases a baby's chance of developing diabetes.

What about medications

Insulin treatment is compatible with breastfeeding. Insulin molecules are too large to pass into your milk. Check with your doctor for up-to-date information on any other medications you take. If there is any concern over safety, an LLL Leader can obtain information on named medications for you.

Be prepared

Having diabetes can increase the risk of the following problems which may impact breasfeeding:
* Premature birth
* Caesarean birth
* Newborn hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
* Newborn jaundice.

See Further reading at the end of the page for a selection of resources to help avoid these problems and overcome difficulties. You may also like to find out about your local hospital's policies on the management of these and care of diabetic mothers during and after pregnancy.

Do ask if the hospital has an Infant Feeding Advisor who will be well informed about breastfeeding and a source of support in those early days.

Blood glucose control

This is the key to avoiding problems in pregnancy, labour and after birth. If you are planning a pregnancy, practise good diabetes management before you conceive too.
* Frequent antenatal and diabetes medical care will allow you to address any problems quickly.
* Discuss with the doctors, nurses and dieticians in your diabetes team how to control your changing needs for insulin, other medication and food while pregnant and after birth.
* You may be given a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) which will notify you if your blood glucose levels get too high or too low.
* Monitor your blood glucose levels closely, so you can adjust your insulin, other medication and food intake.

You may need to eat frequent smaller meals a day to avoid hypos (hypoglycaemia or low blood glucose levels) and peaks in blood glucose levels.

Larger baby

Even with excellent control, diabetic mothers tend to have larger than average babies. Good blood glucose control will help limit how large your baby grows, making birth easier and reducing the risk of complications.

Babies can have a hypo after birth

Your baby will be prone to hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels) during the first 12 hours after birth, particularly if you have poor blood glucose control in pregnancy. Even with good control, your baby will have been used to relatively high levels of glucose before he was born. The extra insulin he produces can lead to a drop in blood glucose after birth. Skin-to-skin contact, and early frequent breastfeeding will help avoid problems.

Check your hospital's policy for testing blood glucose levels and treating a baby's hypo. Your colostrum (first milk) is the best food for your baby if he has a hypo. If your baby has not breastfed yet, stored colostrum can be given.

Antenatal expression of colostrum

In the last few weeks of pregnancy you can express some colostrum (early milk). This can be given to your baby if he can't breastfeed after birth, or he needs supplements for any reason eg hypoglycaemia. Our information sheet Antenatal Expression of Colostrum explains how to do this before birth so you have some of your milk immediately available for your baby should he need any supplement.

Get breastfeeding off to a good start

The first few days
For many mothers with diabetes, milk production increases later than for mothers who don't have diabetes. You can help your milk production increase normally on the third or fourth day with good control of blood glucose. Fluctuations in insulin levels will affect milk production, and increase the risk of your baby needing supplements. Get skilled breastfeeding help sooner rather than later to reduce the need for supplements. Your baby will need to stay in hospital for at least 24 hours after birth, until he is feeding well and maintaining blood glucose levels.

Breastfeeding basics
* Hold your baby against your skin after birth so he can breastfeed as soon as possible, ideally within the first hour after birth.
* Keep your baby with you unless separation is medically necessary.
* Try to breastfeed every hour for the first several hours, until your baby's blood glucose levels stabilise. Ensure your baby feeds at least 8-12 times each 24 hour period.
* Spend as much time as you can holding your baby and encouraging him to feed frequently.

Separation and supplements
Take action if you and your baby are separated or if your baby needs supplements for any reason.
* Hand express small amounts of colostrum frequently to give to your baby. This will also help you establish milk production.
* Once you can express larger amounts, you can use a hospital-grade pump.
* Your baby can be given your milk with a syringe, cup or spoon.

Being separated from your new baby will be hard for you. As soon as you can, spend as much time as possible with him to help make up for lost time. Even visiting him in the neonatal intensive care (NICU) or special care baby unit (SCBU) will help, as you will be able to touch, stroke and talk to him and take over some of his care. You can ask to give him kangaroo mother care, in which a baby is snuggled skin-to-skin against mum's chest. Kangaroo care helps to stabilise a baby's heartbeat, temperature and breathing, and encourages breastfeeding. The hormones produced will help you express your milk, even if you can't breastfeed straight away.

Looking after yourself

After birth
At first your blood glucose levels can change rapidly and you are at increased risk of having a hypo. Take suitable snacks into hospital so you have something readily available -and watch out for early signs of hypos.

Later you'll have to manage your own health while caring for your baby. Keep suitable snacks and drinks within arms reach in all the places you are likely to breastfeed your baby to treat hypos at the first signs.

Seek skilled help straight away if you experience sore nipples or breasts, to reduce the risk of an infection. You are more at risk from a thrush infection of the nipple area if you have diabetes.

Rest when you can
Lack of sleep can make it harder to manage your diabetes and be a cause of stress, which means youor blood glucose levels will run higher. Try to rest when your baby sleeps and accept offers of practical help from others when you need to.

Adjusting your diet

Breastfeeding helps your body adjust gradually to the metabolic and hormonal changes all mothers experience after birth.

You may need to eat many more extra calories a day while breastfeeding, eating regularly to maintain blood sugar levels. This will allow you to use your fat stores without the risk of ketones in your blood and urine.
Further support
Your local LLL Leader and Group can be a source of information and support. You may also find it helpful to meet with other mothers at your local LLL group. You will be able to share practical tips on breastfeeding and mothering and find out what is normal for a breastfed baby.

Written by Karen Butler and mothers of LLLGB

Further Reading
Positioning & attachment
Positioning & Attachment (Kindle publication)
Antenatal Expression of Colostrum
Birth & Breastfeeding
Beginning Breastfeeding
Caesarean Birth & Breastfeeding
Comfortable Breastfeeding
Hand Expression of Breastmilk
Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?
Jaundice in Healthy Newborns
My Baby Won't Breastfeed
Sleepy Baby - why and what to do
Skin-to-skin

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, LLLI. London: Pinter & Martin, 2010.
Breastfeeding Answers Made Simple. Mohrbacher, N. Amarillo, TX: Hale Publishing 2010.

Benefits of skin-to-skin contact www.kangaroomothercare.com

References
Cox, SG. An ethical dilemma: should recommending antenatal expressing and storing of colostrum continue? Breastfeeding Review 2010; 18(3):5-7. http://pages.ca.inter.net/~jfisher/docs/ Ethical_BFR_-Sue_Cox.pdf Cox, S.

Expressing and storing colostrum antenatally for use in the newborn period. Breastfeeding Review Nov 2006. Oscroft, R.

Antenatal expression of colostrum. Pract Midwife 2001;4 (4): 32-5.

NICE Clinical Guideline 63: Diabetes in pregnancy management of diabetes and its complications from preconception to the postnatal period. National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health March 2008 (revised reprint July 2008): www.nice.org.uk/CG063

You can buy this information in printed form from our shop

Copyright LLLGB 2020

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Diabetes and Breastfeeding - La Leche League GB

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Breastfeeding is the normal and natural way to feed and nurture a baby. If you have diabetes you may be concerned about whether you can breastfeed. The answer is yes. All mothers experience metabolic and hormonal changes after giving birth. A mother with diabetes who breastfeeds has an advantage as breastfeeding reduces the impact of [...]

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

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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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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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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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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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This easy read leaflet contains information on:

Why is breastfeeding good?
How long can I breastfeed?
How do I breastfeed my baby?
How do I know if breastfeeding is going well?
Is my baby is getting enough breast milk?
When to get help
When should I breastfeed my baby?
Vitamin D

It is ideal for people who find reading English difficult.

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Watch from 2:10-3mins

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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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Lowestoft and Waveney Breastfeeding Support

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The #FreeToFeed campaign was launched in July 2019 to support mothers across Luton and Bedfordshire to raise their confidence and understanding among the public, businesses and venues.

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Video transcript

Speaker 1: Some mums can feel quite nervous about feeding their baby in public, but you're allowed to feed your baby anywhere you like. The more we see babies breastfeeding in public, the more normal it will be in our communities.

Here are a few tips if you're feeling uncomfortable about feeding in public
[text on screen] 1. Practice in different places at home
Speaker 2: You could practice feeding in different rooms in your home or in different chairs.
[text on screen] 2. Try not to put pressure on yourself.
Speaker 3: I've never felt anyone staring or questioning me. I've only ever had any positive experiences. I think as a mother, we overthink things and we put so much pressure on ourselves, but really there's nothing to worry about.
[text on screen] 3. Try in front of a mirror.
Speaker 2: Try feeding in front of a mirror at home because what you see if quite different to what someone opposite you sees.
[text on screen] 4. Go out with someone you're comfortable with.
Speaker 4: Go out with someone that you feel nice and comfortable with. You might get so busy chatting that you forget you're feeding your baby.
[text on screen] 5. Build confident at breastfeeding support groups.
Speaker 5: Build your confidence in a breastfeeding support group where there will be other mums feeding.
[text on screen] 6. Look out for #FREETOFEED
Speaker 5: Look out for venues across Bedfordshire and Luton that have signed up for the 'Free to Feed' campaign.
[text on screen] 7. Catch your baby's early feeding cues
Speaker 3: As soon as your child cues to be fed, find a safe and comfortable place to feed because when you feed early on, they'll be more settled and it'll be more comfortable.
[text on screen] 8. Wear accessible clothing or try one up, one down
Speaker 1: You can buy lots of breastfeeding accessible clothing or you can use the one up, one down method.

Look out for the 'Free to Feed' stickers for comfortable venues to feed your baby. But please remember, you are legally allowed to feed your baby anywhere and anytime. You are 'free to feed'.

For more information or support contact your local Family Hub or speak to your local Midwifery or Health Visiting Team.

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All families and their children should feel free to breastfeed in public, anytime, anywhere. The Free to Feed campaign aims to normalise and encourage breastfeeding in public.

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The #FreeToFeed campaign was launched in July 2019 to support mothers across Luton and Bedfordshire to raise their confidence and understanding among the public, businesses and venues.

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Video transcript

Speaker 1: Some mums can feel quite nervous about feeding their baby in public, but you're allowed to feed your baby anywhere you like. The more we see babies breastfeeding in public, the more normal it will be in our communities.

Here are a few tips if you're feeling uncomfortable about feeding in public
[text on screen] 1. Practice in different places at home
Speaker 2: You could practice feeding in different rooms in your home or in different chairs.
[text on screen] 2. Try not to put pressure on yourself.
Speaker 3: I've never felt anyone staring or questioning me. I've only ever had any positive experiences. I think as a mother, we overthink things and we put so much pressure on ourselves, but really there's nothing to worry about.
[text on screen] 3. Try in front of a mirror.
Speaker 2: Try feeding in front of a mirror at home because what you see if quite different to what someone opposite you sees.
[text on screen] 4. Go out with someone you're comfortable with.
Speaker 4: Go out with someone that you feel nice and comfortable with. You might get so busy chatting that you forget you're feeding your baby.
[text on screen] 5. Build confident at breastfeeding support groups.
Speaker 5: Build your confidence in a breastfeeding support group where there will be other mums feeding.
[text on screen] 6. Look out for #FREETOFEED
Speaker 5: Look out for venues across Bedfordshire and Luton that have signed up for the 'Free to Feed' campaign.
[text on screen] 7. Catch your baby's early feeding cues
Speaker 3: As soon as your child cues to be fed, find a safe and comfortable place to feed because when you feed early on, they'll be more settled and it'll be more comfortable.
[text on screen] 8. Wear accessible clothing or try one up, one down
Speaker 1: You can buy lots of breastfeeding accessible clothing or you can use the one up, one down method.

Look out for the 'Free to Feed' stickers for comfortable venues to feed your baby. But please remember, you are legally allowed to feed your baby anywhere and anytime. You are 'free to feed'.

For more information or support contact your local Family Hub or speak to your local Midwifery or Health Visiting Team.

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All families and their children should feel free to breastfeed in public, anytime, anywhere. The Free to Feed campaign aims to normalise and encourage breastfeeding in public.

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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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Early Days Booklet - Luton & Bedfordshire

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Early Days Booklet - Luton & Bedfordshire

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The Early Days booklet is full of information to support you with feeding and caring for your baby, as well as sources of support.

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Makes Milk podcast by Emma Pickett IBCLC

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Makes Milk podcast by Emma Pickett IBCLC

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A companion to your infant feeding journey, this podcast explores how to get breastfeeding off to a good start (and how to end it) in a way that meets everyone's needs. Emma Pickett has been a Board Certified Lactation Consultant since 2011. As an author (of 4 books), trainer, volunteer and breastfeeding counsellor, she has supported thousands of families to reach their infant feeding goals. Breastfeeding/ chest feeding may be natural, but it isn't always easy for everyone. Hearing about other parents' experiences and getting information from lactation-obsessed experts can help.

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A companion to your infant feeding journey, this podcast explores how to get breastfeeding off to a good start (and how to end it) in a way that meets everyone's needs.Emma Pickett has been a Board Certified Lactation Consultant since 2011. As an author (of 4 books), trainer, volunteer and breastfeeding counsellor, she has supported thousands of families to reach their infant feeding goals.Breastfeeding/ chest feeding may be natural, but it isn't always easy for everyone. Hearing about other parent's experiences and getting information from lactation-obsessed experts can help.

A companion to your infant feeding journey, this podcast explores how to get breastfeeding off to a good start (and how to end it) in a way that meets everyone's needs.Emma Pickett has been a Board Certified Lactation Consultant since 2011. As an author (of 4 books), trainer, volunteer and breastfeeding counsellor, she has supported thousands of families to reach their infant feeding goals.Breastfeeding/ chest feeding may be natural, but it isn't always easy for everyone. Hearing about other parent's experiences and getting information from lactation-obsessed experts can help.

Thankyou

Thanks for making this podcast. I am five months into my breastfeeding journey and have found it so helpful. It has kept me company during the night feeds and wakings and I've learned so much! Fantastic guests and insights shared!

Beautiful resource

I absolutely LOVE this podcast and Emma's instagram. We're five months into our breastfeeding journey with my first baby and I am so enjoying learning all about this huuuge topic with the help of Emma's lovely voice, clear explanations and super interesting guest speakers. Thank you, Emma.

Loved it!

I cried the whole way through the first episode which says it all really! It made me feel proud, validated, lucky and so many more emotions! Thank you.

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‎Makes Milk with Emma Pickett on Apple Podcasts

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A companion to your infant feeding journey, this podcast explores how to get breastfeeding off to a good start (and how to end it) in a way that meets everyone's needs.Emma Pickett has been a Board Certified Lactation Consultant since 2011. As an author (of 4 books), trainer, volunteer and breastfee...

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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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Link to Birth to Five resource booklet providing information for parents caring for children up to 5 years old.

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This book provides information on caring for children up to five years old and contact details for useful organisations. It is available to new parents resident in Northern Ireland through primary care services (antenatal clinics, GPs or health visitors).

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This book provides information on caring for children up to five years old and contact details for useful organisations. It is available to new parents resident in Northern Ireland through primary care services (antenatal clinics, GPs or health visitors).

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Vital information for all parents to know .

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You, your child or someone you look after:

feels very unwell or like there's something seriously wrong

has not had a pee all day (for adults and older children) or in the last 12 hours (for babies and young children)

keeps vomiting and cannot keep any food or milk down (for babies and young children)

has swelling or pain around a cut or wound

has a very high or low temperature, feels hot or cold to the touch, or is shivering

Do not worry if you're not sure if it's sepsis - it's still best to call 111.

They can tell you what to do, arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor, or call you an ambulance.

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You, your child or someone you look after: feels very unwell or like there's something seriously wrong has not had a pee all day (for adults and older children) or in the last 12 hours (for babies and young children) keeps vomiting and cannot keep any food or milk down (for babies and young children) has swelling or pain around a cut or wound has a very high or low temperature, feels hot or cold to the touch, or is shivering Do not worry if you're not sure if it's sepsis - it's still best to call 111.

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This page gives information about the Healthy Start Voucher scheme, available to eligible parents from 10wks pregnant until their child's 4th birthday.

It also lists locations where Luton families can obtain Healthy Start Vitamins, which are recommended for pregnant and new mums, and for all babies from 6 months to 5 years old.

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Vitamin D

It's recommended that breastfed babies are given a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms (µg) of vitamin D from birth, whether or not you're taking a supplement containing vitamin D yourself.

Babies having 500mls (about a pint) or more of formula a day should not be given vitamin supplements as formula is already fortified with vitamins. This does not mean that breastmilk is not the healthiest way to feed baby as it contains other ingredients that formula milk cannot replicate.

Healthy Start Vitamins

Healthy Start vitamins are recommended for pregnant women and new mums and children from 6 month to 5 years. Vitamins are essential nutrients that your body needs in small amounts so that it can work properly. Even though you can get lots of vitamins from a healthy balanced diet, you still might not get everything you need at certain times in your life - such as when you're pregnant, a new mum or a small child. It is recommended that at these times you should take a supplement containing specific vitamins to make sure you get everything you need.

Healthy Start vitamins can help prevent vitamin deficiencies and maintain healthy growth and development for your child. Vitamin D is difficult to get from the diet alone and the best source is from sunlight, therefore during the winter months it is difficult to get adequate amount of vitamins D. Certain groups are at a higher risk of Vitamin D deficiency including pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, babies born with darker skin types and anyone who has little or no exposure to sunlight (for example wear concealing clothing, sun creams or stay indoors etc.)

Healthy Start vitamins are suitable for vegetarians and halal diets, and free from milk, egg, gluten, soya and peanut residues. There are a range of other vitamins available, however many of these contain a range of nutrients that are not suitable, therefore Healthy Start Vitamins are the only vitamin supplements we recommend for your child.
Women's vitamin tablets contain:

Folic acid: reduces the chance of your baby having spina bifida, a birth defect where the spine doesn't form properly

Vitamin C: helps maintain healthy tissue in the body

Vitamin D: helps your body to absorb calcium and so supports your baby's bones to develop properly. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, which causes bone pain and tenderness.

Healthy Start children's vitamin drops contain:

Vitamin A: for growth, vision in dim light and healthy skin

Vitamin C: helps maintain healthy tissue in the body

Vitamin D: for strong bones and teeth. In children a lack of vitamin D can lead to rickets

Children's Vitamin Drops are £2 and Mother's Vitamin Tablets are £1. However, you may also be eligible for free vitamins through the Healthy Start scheme- see information below.

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Healthy Start Vitamins Vitamin D It's recommended that breastfed babies are given a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms (µg) of vitamin D from birth, whether or not you're taking a supplement containing vitamin D yourself. Babies having 500mls (about a pint)

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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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What to do if you think you may have Mastitis

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What to do if you think you may have Mastitis

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Breast compression is a way of gently squeezing the breast during a breastfeed to put pressure on the milk glands causing them to release more milk and increase milk flow. Breast compression simulates a milk let-down (milk ejection reflex). Increasing milk flow in this way encourages a baby to keep sucking actively because he will be rewarded with more milk and this makes for more effective breastfeeding. As well as keeping a baby feeding actively at the breast for longer, breast compression can help to increase a milk supply by ensuring the breasts are more thoroughly emptied. The more frequently and thoroughly a baby breastfeeds and empties the breasts, the more milk will be made.

How do I do breast compression?

Breastfeed your baby as usual with a deep latch and good breastfeeding position.

During the breastfeed, watch for the moment when your baby stops sucking actively (the deep jaw movements slow down and you can't hear any swallows).

Using a free hand, cup and squeeze the breast between thumb and fingers e.g. with the thumb on top of the breast and the fingers of the same hand below it. Alternatively, some mothers press the breast against the chest wall or have their fingers on top of the breast and their thumb below.

Place your hand far enough behind the nipple and areola so you don't disturb your baby's latch but close enough to apply gentle pressure on the milk glands in the breast.

Avoid sliding your thumb or fingers along the breast and do not press so firmly that it is uncomfortable or painful.

Once milk starts to flow again, due to breast compression, your baby will start swallowing again. Maintain the pressure while he is still sucking and swallowing and then release the pressure and rest your hand when your baby pauses.

Repeat the compressions until there is no active swallowing.

Once baby stops actively sucking on the first breast even with compression, offer the other breast and repeat.

Pictures of breast compression

In the picture below, the baby is feeding in rugby hold on the left breast, and the mother uses her right hand to compress the breast and increase milk flow.

In the next picture the baby is feeding in cradle hold. The mother may need to move her thumb closer to her baby before compressing the breast but she can experiment to see what works for her.

Finding the right pressure

A little practice will reveal how much gentle pressure is needed to reproduce a let down. The principle is similar to filling a rubber glove with water and squeezing it to find the leak-when you apply just enough pressure, water will spurt from any tiny holes in the rubber. Breast compression is sometimes compared to hand expressing breast milk into your baby's mouth.

Jack Newman-Canadian paediatrician and breastfeeding expert-popularised this technique, he explains:

Excerpt from

Breast Compression, Jack Newman, updated June 2017 [accessed Sep 2017]

As long as it does not hurt your breast to compress, and as long as the baby is "drinking" ("open mouth wide-pause-then close mouth type" of suck), breast compression is working.

Keep the pressure up until the baby is just sucking without drinking even with the compression, and then release the pressure.

Will breast compression cause a blocked duct?

In the past mothers have often been cautioned against pressing on the breasts during a breastfeed for fear of causing a blocked duct. However, when done correctly and gently-to get baby sucking again, breast compression is a very useful technique for increasing milk flow and does not appear to cause problems. The key is not to press into the breast constantly throughout a feed, but to squeeze and release the breast at intervals as outlined above.

When do I need to use breast compression?

If breastfeeding is going perfectly well and your baby is getting enough milk and gaining weight you won't need to worry about using breast compression. However if you have a low milk supply, a baby who is not gaining weight or a sleepy baby, breast compression can be very useful to maximise your baby's milk intake. Jack Newman has a list of the times when breast compression is particularly useful:

Excerpt From

Breast Compression, Jack Newman, updated June 2017 [accessed Sep 2017]:

The technique may be useful for:

1. Poor weight gain in the baby

2. Colic in the breastfed baby

3. Frequent feedings and/or long feedings

4. Sore nipples in the breastfeeding parent

5. Recurrent blocked ducts and/or mastitis

6. Encouraging the baby who falls asleep quickly to continue drinking not just sucking

7. A "lazy" baby, or baby who seems to want to just "pacify". Incidentally babies are not lazy, they respond to milk flow, so that if flow slows, babies may start to fall asleep, or if they are older, may pull away from the breast.

Videos of breast compressions

In the video clip below, Dr Jack Newman explains when to do breast compressions during a breastfeed. The mother cups her breast with her hand, her thumb rests on top of the breast and her fingers are below it. When baby is not swallowing the mother compresses her breast and her baby starts drinking well. Mother rests her hand when her baby stops drinking.

In this second video clip from Global Health Media breast compression is discussed as one of a range of ideas to increase milk supply. To jump to breast compression go to 2:05. Note the mothers in this video are using slightly different techniques to achieve breast compression compared to the first clip.

Summary

Breast compression is a useful technique to keep breast milk flowing during a breastfeed by gently squeezing and compressing the breast. Breast compression can increase milk flow, keep a baby feeding longer and, by emptying the breasts more thoroughly, it also helps to increase milk supply.

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Breast compression is a way of gently squeezing the breast during a breastfeed to put pressure on the milk glands causing them to release more milk and increase milk flow. Breast compression simulates a milk let-down (milk ejection reflex).

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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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Build your baby's brain every day

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Babies and young children can become ill during very hot weather. Their health can be seriously affected by:

Try these tips for keeping your child happy and healthy in the heat.

Sun safety

Keep your baby cool and protect them from the sun.

Babies less than 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight. Their skin contains too little melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin, hair and eyes their colour, and provides some protection from the sun.

Older babies should also be kept out of the sun as much as possible, particularly in the summer and between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest. If you go out when it's hot, attach a parasol or sunshade to your baby's pushchair to keep them out of direct sunlight.

Apply a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to your baby's skin. Make sure the product also protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Many brands produce sunscreen specifically for babies and young children, as these products are less likely to contain additives that might irritate the skin. Apply the suncream regularly, particularly if your child is in and out of the sea or paddling pool.

Make sure your child wears a sunhat with a wide brim or a long flap at the back to protect their head and neck from the sun.

Avoid dehydration

Like adults, babies and young children need to drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.

From 0 to 6 months

Fully breastfed babies do not need any water until they've started eating solid foods. During hot weather they may want to breastfeed more than usual.

If you're bottle feeding, as well as their usual milk feeds, you can give your baby a little cooled boiled water. If your baby wakes at night, they'll probably want milk. If they have had their usual milk feeds, try cooled boiled water as well.

Remember you can ask your health visitor or another health professional for advice about any baby care issue, advice will then be tailored to meet your baby's needs.

From around 6 months

Once you have started to introduce solid foods, you should offer your baby sips of water from a cup or beaker with meals. Remember that breastmilk or infant formula should be their main drinks during the first year. In hot weather, you may need to offer some additional water outside of mealtimes.

From 12 months

Water, breast milk or whole cows' milk should be your baby's main drinks. In hot weather, you can try giving them frozen lollies made from plain water or from very diluted fruit juice to help keep them hydrated. Lollies made from diluted fruit juice should only be given at mealtimes because they can cause tooth decay.

For older children, give them plenty of fruit and salad to help keep their fluid levels up. Remember that undiluted fruit juice or smoothies should not be given to children until they are 5 years old, as these can also cause tooth decay.

Read more about drinks and cups for babies and young children.

Keeping cool

Follow these tips to help keep your children cool and safe during hot weather.

Playing in a paddling pool is a good way of keeping babies and children cool. Keep the pool in the shade during very hot weather and supervise the children carefully at all times.

Run them a cool bath before bedtime.

Keep your child's bedroom cool during the day by closing blinds or curtains. You can also use a fan to circulate the air in the room.

Keep nightwear and bedclothes to a minimum. If your baby kicks or pushes off the covers during the night, consider putting them in just a nappy with a single well-secured sheet that will not work loose and cover their face or get entangled during the night.

A nursery thermometer will help you monitor the temperature of your baby's room. Your baby will sleep most comfortably when their room is between 16C and 20C.

Further information:

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Babies and young children can become ill during very hot weather. Their health can be seriously affected by: Try these tips for keeping your child happy and healthy in the heat. Keep your baby cool and protect them from the sun. Babies less than 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight.

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Accidents to children are a significant health issue, being a major cause of preventable death, serious injury and long-term disability across the UK.

Most home accidents are preventable through increased awareness, improvements in the home environment and greater product safety.

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Accidents to children are a significant health issue, being a major cause of preventable death, serious injury and long-term disability across the UK.

Under-5s are particularly at risk of being injured in home accidents, with falls accounting for the majority of non-fatal accidents and threats to breathing such as suffocation, strangulation and choking causing the highest number of deaths.

Most home accidents are preventable through increased awareness, improvements in the home environment and greater product safety.
Please click on the topic which interests you:
What injuries occur?

The most severe injuries are associated with heat-related accidents and falls from a height. Older children are more likely to sustain fractures than younger counterparts. Younger children have a higher percentage of burns and scalds as well as poisoning and ingestion accidents.

Where do accidents happen?

The largest number of accidents happen in the living/dining room. However, the most serious accidents happen in the kitchen and on the stairs. Every year more than 67,000 children experience an accident in the kitchen - 43,000 of these are aged between 0-4 years; 58,000 children have accidents on the stairs.

Explore the virtual kitchen

When do accidents happen?

Most happen between late afternoon and early evening, in the summer, during school holidays and at weekends

Factors such as stress, death in the family, chronic illness, homelessness or moving home increase the likelihood of the child having an accident

Some happen when the usual routine is changed or when people are in a hurry

Distractions and inadequate supervision are often the cause of accidents

Poor housing and overcrowded conditions lead to increased numbers of accidents

Some accidents are caused by lack of familiarity with surroundings, for example, when visiting friends or relatives, or in holiday accommodation.

Cost of children's accidents

It is difficult to give a true cost of treating children's accidents as outpatients and inpatients but in the past it has been estimated at more than £275 million a year. It can cost as much as £250,000 to treat one severe bath water scald.

This figure does not reflect the long-term costs of prolonged treatment and rehabilitation or the cost of pain suffering to the patient. Nor does it reflect the lifetime disfigurement or disability and the financial loss to the patient and family or work hours lost caring for an injured child.

Who is at risk?

0-4-year-olds have the most accidents at home.

Boys are more likely to have accidents than girls.

Childhood injuries are closely linked with social deprivation. Children from poorer backgrounds are five times more likely to die as a result of an accident than children from better off families - and the gap is widening.

Why do children have accidents?

Because children are often absorbed in their own immediate interests they can be oblivious to their surroundings. They only have a limited perception of the environment because of their lack of experience or development. They are not aware of the consequences of the many new situations that they encounter daily.

Small stature

This may prevent a child from seeing above an obstruction or being seen by an adult.

Inquisitiveness

Curiosity and a spirit of adventure may lead a child into danger.

Bravado and horseplay

Boys are particularly prone to showing off and over reaching their abilities, especially among friends. Many accidents are caused by horseplay involving pushing, shoving and wrestling.

Stress

Tensions at home and emotional upsets caused by temper, jealousy and over excitement may cause a child to run blindly into danger. Such action may even be deliberate to seek attention.

Inexperience

A child's interpretation of a situation may be inaccurate and adults looking after small children should be aware not to expect too much of them.

Inadequate supervision

Children need constant supervision. Medicines, pills and toxic substances should be locked away and fires and stairs should be guarded.

Safety and child development

Children differ in their rate of development but the information below is a guide to development stages:

Preventing accidents to children

"A safe, secure and sustainable environment is a prerequisite for a healthy nation."

A combination of factors is required:

Environment

Improvement in planning and design results in safer homes and leisure areas. Adaptations such as fireguards and safety gates help to make the home environment safer.

Education

This involves increasing the awareness of the risk of accidents in a variety of settings and providing information on ways of minimising these risks.

Empowerment

Local consultation and community involvement can generate a strong sense of commitment and ownership. Accident prevention initiatives, which have been influenced by the community, are more likely to reflect local need and therefore encourage greater commitment.

Enforcement

There is legislation which relates to child safety. These regulations ensure that the products we buy meet a reasonable level of safety performance and that new dwellings meet an acceptable level of safety.

General safety advice

Children should be supervised at all times

Keep floors free of toys and obstructions that can be tripped over

Always use a securely fitted safety harness in a pram, pushchair or highchair

Never leave babies unattended on raised surfaces

Do not place baby bouncers on raised surfaces - they could fall off with the movement of the baby

The use of baby-walkers and table-mounted high chairs is not recommended.

Falls

Around 10 children die as a result of falls each year - some from windows and balconies and the remainder mostly from stairs.

Falls are by far the most common causes of accidents in the home; they account for 44 per cent of all children's accidents.

Most falls involve tripping over on the same level. However, the most serious consequences result from falls between two levels, such as falling out of a pram or highchair or falling from a bed. The worst injuries are sustained when a child falls from a great height or lands on something hard, sharp or hot.

Many accidents are caused by horseplay involving pushing, shoving and wrestling. Children have also died or have been seriously injured by heavy objects such as furniture and televisions being pushed or pulled over them. Sets of drawers, in a child's eyes, make ideal climbing frames but, if unsecured, they pull over easily.

Stairs and windows
Prevention

Fit a safety gate BS EN 1930: 2011 at the top and bottom of stairs

Never leave tripping hazards on the stairs

Stairs should be carefully maintained - damaged or worn carpet should be repaired or removed

Make sure balustrades are strong and do not have any footholds for climbing

Stairs should always be well lit

Fit child resistant window restrictors but make sure you can get out easily in an emergency

Do not put anything under the window that can be climbed on

Furniture and tall kitchen appliance, at risk from being pulled over, should be secured to the wall.

Fires

Domestic fires pose one of the greatest risks to children. Children playing with matches and lighters frequently start house fires.
Prevention

Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children

Always use a fireguard BS 8423: 2010 and secure it to the wall

Extinguish and dispose of cigarettes properly

Have an escape route planned, and practise it, in case of fire

Fit a smoke alarm which complies with BS EN 14604 2005 and check it regularly

The incidence of burns and scalds in young children is much higher than that of older children and adults.

Scalds and burns

Many of the children who go to accident and emergency with a burn or a scald are referred on for further hospital treatment. Recovery may be long and painful and many are left with permanent scarring.

Hot drinks cause most scalds to children under the age of five. A child's skin is much more sensitive than an adult's and a hot drink can still scald a child 15 minutes after being made. Young children are also very vulnerable to sunburn.

Hot bath water is responsible for the highest number of fatal and severe scalding injuries among young children. Around 500 children, mainly under fives, are admitted to hospital and a further 2000 attend A&E departments every year as a result of bath water scalds.

Children can also suffer burns after contact with open fires, a cooker, irons, curling tongs and hair straighteners, cigarettes, matches, cigarette lighters and many other hot surfaces.
Prevention

Never hold a hot drink and a child at the same time

Never leave young children alone in the bathroom

Put hot drinks out of reach and away from the edges of tables and worktops

Encourage the use of a coiled flex or a cordless kettle

Keep small children out of the kitchen whenever possible

Run the domestic hot water system at 46°C or fit a thermostatic mixing valve to taps

When running a bath turn the cold water on first and always test the water temperature with your elbow before letting a child get into the bath or shower

Always use rear hotplates and turn the panhandles away from the front of the cooker

Keep hot irons, curling tongs and hair straighteners out of reach even when cooling down.

You can download our leaflet and posters on hair straighteners here (blue and white backgrounds available).

Glass-related accidents

The increased use of glass in the home has led to more glass related accidents. Every year children die following an accident with architectural glass. Many children are also injured when glass tumblers and bottles break.
Prevention

Use safety glass to BS 6206 (laminated, toughened or glass which passes the impact test) in all replacement windows and doors - especially at low level. Laminated glass is good for safety and security

Make existing glass safer by applying shatter resistant film

When buying furniture which incorporates glass, look for approval to BS EN 12521:2009 and BS 14749-2005, BS EN 14072:2003, BS EN 12150-1:2000 and BS EN 12600-2002

Always clear up broken glass quickly and dispose of it safely

Buy a greenhouse or cold frame with special safety glazing features or isolate with fencing.

Poisoning

Most poisoning accidents involve medicines, household products and cosmetics. Some poisoning agents can cause breathing difficulties - seek medical attention immediately.

More than 28,000 children receive treatment for poisoning, or suspected poisoning accidents every year.

Here you can find more information on poisoning accidents involving household products.
Prevention

Keep medicines and chemicals out of sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard

Wherever possible, buy products in child resistant containers

Always store chemicals in their original containers

Dispose of unwanted medicines and chemicals safely

Avoid buying plants with poisonous leaves or berries or those that can irritate the skin.

Suffocating and choking

Children can swallow, inhale or choke on items such as small toys, peanuts and marbles.

Nappy sacks, used to dispose of soiled nappies, can also pose a risk to babies and young children. We are aware of at least 14 deaths involving these items since 2001, where babies have suffocated after a nappy sack covered their mouth and nose, or have choked after putting a nappy sack in their mouth.

Parents and carers are generally aware of the dangers posed by plastic bags, but may not make the link to nappy sacks posing similar risks. Nappy sacks or bags tend to be fragranced, are made of a much more flimsy material, and do not rustle in the same way as plastic bags meaning they can be easily grasped and breathed in by young babies without parents realising.

Don't Risk It!

Download our safety posters below:

Babies and small children are most at risk from choking because they examine things around them by putting them in their mouths.
Prevention

Choose toys appropriate to the age of the child

Ensure that small objects such as marbles and peanuts and small toys are kept out of reach of children under three years old

Encourage older children to keep their toys away from their younger playmates

Pull cords on curtains and blinds should be kept short and kept out of reach

Keep animals, especially cats, out of the bedroom and use a net on a pram

Keep nappy sacks out of the reach of babies and young children

Never store nappy sacks in or around the cot or pram.

Small food such as grapes, cherry tomatoes, blackberries and other soft fruits should cut into quarters to prevent choking.

Baby should always sleep on their back with their feet at the foot of their cot. Tuck the blanket in across their chest and under their arms and keep the cot free from bumpers, pillows and soft toys.

Ensure your child is the right age for the cot, bed or other sleep product you wish to use. Kids' 2-in-1 (combination) portable airbeds/sleeping bags, which are often promoted for holidays, are not suitable for babies due to the risk of suffocation. Always check the labels and follow the safety instructions.

Further information on Choking hazards in the home and how to avoid them* can be found here. Nappy sack risk awareness materials can be found on the campaign page.

For more information about keeping children safe at bedtime.

*Reproduced with kind permission of the British Association of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology (BAPO) and British Association of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (BAO-HNS)

Strangulation including blind cords

At least 33 young children across the UK have died because of looped blind cords since 2001 - that's one or two children each year - and there will be many more near misses.. Further information can be found on our blind cords campaign page.

Drowning

Children can drown in less than 3cm of water. They should be under constant supervision when in or near any water.
Prevention

Never leave children or babies in the bath unsupervised, even for a moment

Never leave uncovered bowls or buckets of water around the home

Paddling pools should be emptied and stored away when not in use

Garden ponds should be filled in while children are small or securely fenced off. Take special care when visiting other people's gardens.

References

1. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. Our healthier nation: a contract for health. Consultation Paper. London: The Stationary Office, 1998.

2. Office for National Statistics: Mortality Statistics; injury and poisoning 2002: England & Wales. Series DH4 no. 27.

3. CONSUMER SAFETY UNIT. 24th Annual Report, Home Accident Surveillance System. London: Department of Trade and Industry, 2002.

4. General Register Offices for Scotland: Annual Report of the Registrar General for Scotland 2002.

5. BS EN 1930:2011 Specification for safety requirements for child safety barriers for domestic use.

6. BS EN 14604 2005 Specification for self contained smoke alarms and point-type smoke detectors.

7. BS EN 12521:2009 Specification for inclusion of glass in the construction of tables or trolleys.

8. BS 14749-2005, BS EN 14072:2003, BS EN 12150-1:2000 and BS EN 12600-2002 Specification for inclusion of glass in the construction of furniture other than tables or trolleys, including cabinets, shelving systems and wall hung or free standing mirrors.

9. HOGG, C. Preventing children's accidents: a guide for health authorities and boards . London: Child Accident Prevention Trust, 1996.

10. General Register Office (Northern Ireland): Registrar General Annual Report 2002: Section 6- Causes of death.

11. CAPT (Child Accident Prevention Trust) 18 Farringdon Lane, London EC1R 3HA

RoSPA cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or completeness of any pages on linked websites.

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Home Safety Advice, Information and Resources

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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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Fire safety, falls, burns, button batteries and more safety advice for parents and carers

http://bit.ly/StaySafeOnTheRoad
Child Accident Prevention Trust: www.capt.org.uk

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Bedford Borough Children's Centre Padlet

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Bedford Borough Children's Centre Padlet

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This website from the Health & Safety Executive in Ireland has lots of information about child safety around many different types of pets.

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Pets can play a role in helping your child develop. Learn about health and safety risks from pets and teaching your child to be safe around them.

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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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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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My daughter Isabella was born on April 30 2019. We stayed in hospital for two nights and it was on May 2 that I noticed she was jaundiced and mentioned it to the nurse on the ward. The hospital staff said this was 'normal' and scanned her chest with a machine. The reading showed up too low to show any concern and they said she should wee/poo it out.

We got discharged from the hospital to go home later that day. We then had midwives and health visitors coming out every three days to weigh and check on Isabella as she wasn't gaining any weight. It took her five weeks to get back to her birth weight and throughout this whole time, Isabella was still jaundiced. Every time a health professional came to visit us, they would ask me and my partner if we thought her jaundice was getting better. We said we don't know. When you see your baby every day, it's a bit difficult to tell (along with becoming new parents and adjusting to your new life).

We got discharged from the midwives' care when Isabella was just over three weeks old, so it was then down to the health visitors to continue monitoring her. She was still jaundiced but they told us that because she was breastfed, it would take longer to clear and we should put her near the window and take her outside during the day as the daylight would help clear the jaundice.

Isabella was constantly feeding but always unsettled. We started combi feeding with formula so my partner could help with the feeds, but this did mean that she was taking in a lot more than she should for her age.

When Isabella finally regained her birth weight, I was advised to keep a close eye on her weight and to get her weighed regularly. So, when she was six weeks and two days old, I took her to get weighed and this was when things changed.

I asked for help weighing Isabella as it was my first time doing it by myself and I wanted to make sure I was doing it correctly. The lady who assisted me asked me about Isabella's jaundice and then spoke to her colleague who was a health visitor. She also came over to check and said that, due to Isabella's age, they wanted to refer Isabella for blood tests and that I would get a phone call within a couple of days. It wasn't until the following week that I finally received a call from the hospital. After taking some basic details, the lady on the phone called me back after speaking to a doctor and asked us to come straight in. Little did we know how much was about to change from that day.

Isabella was admitted and after several blood tests and an ultrasound scan the team told us they were concerned that she was showing signs of a rare liver disease called biliary atresia and that she needed to see a specialist. We were referred to Kings College Hospital where they did a further ultrasound and a liver biopsy. We were discharged and told they would be in touch within the next few days with the results, but less than 24 hours after arriving home we got the phone call saying that the biopsy showed a very high chance Isabella had biliary atresia and that we needed to come straight to the hospital as she would be going down for surgery the following day. They explained that the liver biopsy cannot provide a definite answer into the diagnosis, although the chances were high, and that the only way to confirm biliary atresia was to start surgery and check the bile ducts. If it was BA, they would continue with a surgery called the Kasai procedure.

It was biliary atresia, Isabella's surgery was successful, she was discharged after seven days and was stable for a couple of months. Unfortunately, her condition began to deteriorate and the next few months were a roller coaster of hospital admissions as she had had to contend with ascites, cholangitis, pseudomonas sepsis and portal hypertension. Finally, in January this year she was placed on the transplant list and in March, she received her new liver.

Although Isabella had a number of initial complications, post-transplant, we have now had a few months out of hospital and she is really thriving.

Along our journey with Isabella, we received a lot of information from the CLDF website and from the team and we now know that she should have been referred for a blood test between two and four weeks of age to investigate the causes for her jaundice. Putting her in daylight and breast feeding was never going to clear it. No health professional had ever told us the seriousness of prolonged jaundice and had I known, I would have pushed for investigations much sooner.

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Yellow Alert - Childrens Liver Disease Foundation

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My daughter Isabella was born on April 30 2019. We stayed in hospital for two nights and it was on May 2 that I noticed she was jaundiced and mentioned it to the nurse on the ward. The hospital staff said this was 'normal' and scanned her chest with a machine.

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The Free Mindfulness Project is home to a growing collection of free-to-download mindfulness meditation exercises.

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The aim of The Free Mindfulness Project is to provide easy and free access to mindfulness meditation exercises by inviting the wider mindfulness community to share their resources here. The focus of this site is mindfulness as practiced in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and other closely related approaches.

If you would like to access the collection of mindfulness exercises, go to the section. Free Resources

For opportunities to practice mindfulness live, go to the online mindfulness section .

Our sister is Words to Sit With : a home for contemporary, free-to-share mindfulness poetry.

If you have a few moments, why not ask yourself;

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Welcome Welcome to The Free Mindfulness Project - Home to a growing collection of free-to-download mindfulness meditation exercises. The aim of The Free Mindfulness Project is to provide easy and free access to mindfulness meditation exercises by inviting the wider mindfulness community to share

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This questionnaire asks how you a series of questions about how you are feeling in a series of questions and helps you to find appropriate support as needed. If you would like more support please call the Health Hub on 0300 555 0606 or email on ccs.bedsandlutonchildrenshealthhub@nhs.net and a member of the Health Visiting team will contact you.

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If you're 16 or over, this depression and anxiety self-assessment quiz can help you better understand how you've been feeling recently.

With each question, think about how you've been feeling over the last 2 weeks.

If you're struggling, it's best to speak to someone.

You can call Samaritans free on 116 123 if you want to talk to someone now.

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Depression and anxiety self-assessment quiz

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If you're 16 or over, this depression and anxiety self-assessment quiz can help you better understand how you've been feeling recently. With each question, think about how you've been feeling over the last 2 weeks. If you're struggling, it's best to speak to someone.

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We all need good mental health and wellbeing – it's essential to living happy and healthy lives. This website covers 7 areas of life where simple changes can make a big difference. Why not start today?

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What is good mental health?

Looking after your mental health is not something we should just do if we are struggling, or feeling low, anxious or stressed. It's actually something we should think about all the time and really invest in, just like with our physical health.

Staying on top of our mental wellbeing is good for us now but also helps us deal manage difficult times in the future. Over time, it can also reduce our risk of physical health problems.

There are lots of things we can do to look after our mental health and wellbeing every day - make a start with these 7 top tips.

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Top tips to improve your mental wellbeing - Every Mind Matters

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Good mental health is essential to living happy and healthy lives. See 7 areas of life where simple changes can make a big difference. Why not start today?

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Please contact APCP and we’ll try our best to help.

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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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WHAT OUR PARENTS SAY?
"I didn't know that my new-born baby only breathes through her nose, but now that I am aware I can ensure that nothing covers her little nose" "Really informative information that helped me as a pregnant parent understand how to keep my precious baby safe" "Loved the tube, great visual demonstration to show how my baby would receive less oxygen and how that would affect the brain" "" I already knew about the health benefits of breast feeding but I am more aware of how important breast milk is and why babies need feeding little and often in the early months and how this protects against SIDS" "Wow what a shock to learn that sleeping in car seat and bouncing chair for prolonged periods can affect my baby's brain, I shall definitely lay my baby flat to sleep" We had no idea that breast milk is easier for baby to digest than formula milk therefore a breastfed baby may want to feed more frequently and this is actually protective and nature's way of keeping baby safe"

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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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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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British Lung Foundation Stopping Smoking information

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British Lung Foundation Stopping Smoking information

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Evidence suggests smokers are three times more likely to quit successfully if they use NHS support. On this page, we explain the different ways you can stop smoking, what to do when you're ready to quit, and further information and support available to you.

It can be very hard to change a long-term habit, whether it's what you eat, how much you exercise or smoking. You don't have to do it on your own. With support from friends, family and professionals, you're more likely to be successful.

On this page:

Smoking cessation (stop smoking clinics)
You're around three times more likely to stop successfully if you use a combination of stop smoking treatment and specialist help.
You can start your stop smoking attempt with your GP. They will be able to give you a prescription to reduce nicotine cravings, as well as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as patches and gum. Your GP should also be able to advise on using e-cigarettes, which can be an effective quitting tool, despite not being risk free themselves.

Your GP will also be able to refer you to local specialist stop smoking services. But you can also contact your local stop smoking service yourself, for support in your stop smoking journey. Using aids prescribed by your GP alongside the behavioural support offered by stop smoking services is the most effective way to quit.

If you have a long-term lung condition, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis, your doctor should offer you support in stopping smoking every time you meet them.

Find information on specialist stop smoking services near you on the NHS website. The NHS also has detailed information about what to expect from a stop smoking service, which you might find useful to read through. Depending on where you live in the UK, sessions may happen remotely, by phone or video call, or in person at GP surgeries or pharmacies. You may be offered support through an app, text messages or another digital platform in addition to help you stop smoking. There are plenty of apps available to help you stop smoking - search online for one that suits you.

Go smokefree with your mobile phone

Download the free Smokefree app. It's a four-week programme of practical support, encouragement and tailored advice.

Stop smoking treatments

Nicotine replacement therapy

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) comes in different forms and helps you to overcome urges to smoke. It's available on prescription from your GP or local stop smoking service, or to buy from a pharmacy. All the therapies give you a low level of nicotine, without the tar, carbon monoxide and other poisonous chemicals that are in tobacco smoke.

Therapies include patches, gum, sprays, lozenges, and inhalators (a device to inhale something). Patches release nicotine slowly, whereas other therapies act more quickly. For most people the best approach is to combine two sorts of NRT. Usually this means a patch to provide a background level of NRT and a faster-acting product, such as gum, inhalator or nasal spray to use when you get cravings. People usually take NRT for 8-12 weeks before gradually reducing the dose and stopping. Ask your GP, pharmacist or stop smoking service for help to select the best combination for you.

E-cigarettes are also a form of nicotine replacement treatment, as the vapour usually includes nicotine. Evidence suggests that they are at least as effective at helping people quit smoking as other NRT products, but people have individual preferences.

Other stop smoking medications

Medication is available on the NHS to help you quit smoking: buproprion (Zyban) and varenicline (Champix). Champix is currently unavailable in the UK. Both can double your chances of stopping. Talk to your GP about stop smoking medication.

For advice on stop smoking treatments speak to your GP, pharmacist or local stop smoking service.

How will I benefit from stopping smoking?

Fill in our online questionnaire to remind yourself why you want to quit and how you're going to do it. You can print it out so you can keep it somewhere you can see it.

According to the National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training, there are many immediate benefits to stopping smoking (quick wins). They include improved lung function, fewer flare-ups in COPD, and improved sense of taste and smell. Read more about why you should stop smoking.

I'm ready to stop smoking - what should I do?

When you're ready to stop smoking - have a plan. Our top tips:

Go to see your GP and ask for a prescription for medication to help you to quit smoking, as well as a referral to your stop smoking service. They'll be able to discuss with you the range of things you can try to help you quit, and which might be the best method for you. With this help you're three times more likely to quit successfully.

Pick a date to stop and decide you'll be a non-smoker from that day. Tell your family and friends and plan something to do to take your mind off it.

Ask your friends and family for support. If someone close to you is thinking of stopping, why not stop at the same time so you can support each other?

Think of situations where you're likely to be tempted and come up with ways to overcome the urge. For example: 'If I'm with friends who are smoking, I'll leave the room or use my vape.'

If you find yourself struggling, go back to the stop smoking services for help. There are also stop smoking apps available that some find helpful for additional support.

Keep your hands and mouth busy - when you're out, try putting your drink in the hand that usually holds a cigarette and drink from a straw.

A craving can last five minutes - so think of five-minute strategies. If you find a certain time of day or place hard, try a new routine.

Make a list of your reasons for quitting - read it when you need motivation.

Call yourself a non-smoker and think of yourself as one.

Think about the possible withdrawal symptoms and how you will cope.

Reward yourself when you're doing well, but don't beat yourself up if you're struggling. If the method you're using isn't working for you, try something else. Don't quit quitting!

We were going away after Christmas. I decided that would be a good time to stop, as I would be away from the places that I usually smoked. Going out of the back door to smoke became just a natural habit.

Just before we went away, I had my last cigarette - and I've never looked back. Judith

Your personal quit plan

Get a free personal quit plan from the NHS website.

Further information and support

England - Better health: Quit smoking
0300 123 1044 Lines are open 9am - 8pm weekdays, 11am -4pm at the weekend.

Scotland - Quit your way
0800 84 84 84 Lines are open 8am - 10pm weekdays, 9am-5pm at the weekend.

Wales - Help me quit
0800 085 2219 Lines are open Monday to Thursday, 8am -8pm, Friday 8am - 5pm and Saturday 9am - 4pm.

Northern Ireland - Want to Stop For advice or to find your local stop-smoking service go to their website or text 'Quit' to 70004.
Read next: vaping and e-cigarettes Read next: how will I benefit from stopping smoking?

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How can I stop smoking? - British Lung Foundation

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Evidence suggests smokers are three times more likely to quit successfully if they use NHS support. On this page, we explain the different ways you can stop smoking, what to do when you're ready to quit, and further information and support available to you.

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This website has links to the NHS Stop Smoking app which can help you quit smoking and start breathing easier.

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If you smoke, you might be more at risk of having high blood pressure. If left untreated, high blood pressure can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

High blood pressure does not usually have any symptoms, so the only way to know if you have it, is to get a check. If you are 40 or over, live in England and haven't had a check in the last 6 months, you can get your blood pressure checked for free at your pharmacy today.

If your blood pressure is high, then it can be managed through lifestyle changes or medication.

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When you stop smoking, good things start to happen to your health. Get free support from the NHS to become smoke free and help build a smokefree generation.

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Support to stop smoking in Beds Borough & Central Bedfordshire

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Support to stop smoking in Beds Borough & Central Bedfordshire

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Quitting smoking has so many benefits and no drawbacks, and we know you've got what it takes to quit this Stoptober. This year we have even more choices to help you on your way to a smoke free future. From the 1st October the stop smoking service can provide e-cigarettes to help you make the [...]

From the 01st October 2022 the Stop Smoking Service will be providing free e-cigarettes to help people to quit smoking there are many mixed messages about them so here's some facts and information when thinking about using one. E-cigarettes, also referred to as vapes, are electronic devices that heat a solution (e-liquid) and allow the [...]

The Titan Primary Care Network is organising an event with the purpose to help educate the local population, create awareness of local services and provide interactive stations to aid in varying aspects of health and wellbeing. The Titian team are keen to ensure that the focus of the event remains heart failure , cancer [...]

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Quitting smoking has so many benefits and no drawbacks, and we know you've got what it takes to quit this Stoptober. This year we have even more choices to help you on your way to a smoke free future. From the 1st October the stop smoking service can provide e-cigarettes to help you make the [...]

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If you live, work or are registered with a GP in Luton we can offer FREE stop smoking medication and support.

Just text 'QUIT2022' to 60066.
When you stop smoking, you may:
· Start to breathe more easily and cough less

· Improve your blood circulation, making exercise easier

· Reduce stress

· Improve your sex life and fertility

· Have better skin and reduce wrinkles

· Improve your sense of overall smell and taste

· Get whiter teeth and fresher breath

· Live longer and reduce your risk of serious illness

· Protect your friends and family from smoking-related harm

With the help of our free service, one of our dedicated workers will support and encourage you to find a strategy that works for you. We can also help you choose a stop smoking medicine or e-cigarette and make sure you feel confident in dealing with the challenges that may present themselves in achieving a smoke-free life. You can even drop into Cloudies Vape Shop in High Town and ask about signing up to our programme. The team there will sign you up and support you in your community.
Smoking during pregnancy
Carbon monoxide is especially risky to pregnant women, babies and children. It is found in cigarette smoke, including breathing in 'second hand' smoke. Inhaling carbon monoxide starves the body of oxygen which is needed for your baby's growth and development in the womb.

Stopping smoking during pregnancy brings immediate health benefits to you and your baby and reduces:

· complications during pregnancy, labour and birth

· stillbirth

· premature birth and babies being born underweight

· cot death
You're up to three times more likely to succeed with expert advice and support. We're ready when you are. GET IN TOUCH
Start feeling the benefits and stop smoking for good.

Text QUIT2022 to 60066

Tel 0300 555 4152

Email [email protected]

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If you live, work or are registered with a GP in Luton we can offer FREE stop smoking medication and support. Just text 'QUIT2022' to 60066.

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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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Happy Baby Group - Luton Central Library

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Happy Baby Group - Luton Central Library

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

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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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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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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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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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The Dog Safety Code encourages everyone to be alert, aware and - most importantly - safe around dogs.

We are a nation of dog lovers and dogs are often part of the family, so it is vital that both parents and children are equipped with the knowledge they need to enjoy spending time with dogs safely.

We know that sometimes dog bites can happen because of certain circumstances or because we miss important signals from dogs. Being dog safe and following the Dog Safety Code can help to prevent that from happening.

Images kindly provided by CattleDog Publishing, a division of Veterinary Information Network, Inc www.cattledogpublishing.com
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR CHILD SAFETY AROUND DOGS
It is important that families are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to enjoy spending time with dogs safely. Close supervision of children and dogs is key.
Be alert:

Close supervision is the most important thing to keep children safe.

Watch, listen and remain close when your child and dog are together. Never leave them alone together

If either your dog or child seems unhappy, positively and calmly separate them. You can throw your dog a treat or toy, or lead your child away.

Be aware:

Understand your dog's body language so you can spot signs they feel uncomfortable or stressed.

When you know you'll be distracted during busier times, use safety gates to keep children and dogs separate or, take your child or dog with you.

Be Safe:
Trigger times - teach your child to leave your dog alone when they are:

Sleeping - no-one likes to be woken up suddenly.

Eating or having a treat - they might think you're going to take their food.

Have a toy or something else they really like - they might not want to share

For more practical tips read the Child Accident Prevention Trust's dog safety fact sheets: https://capt.org.uk/dogs-and-children Spread the word about #DogSafety
We want as many people as possible to display and share dog safety resources to get the #DogSafety message out there.

Download and share the digital version of the D og Safety Code

Download and share the digital version of the Do g Safety Code (triangle version)

Download and share the printable version of the Dog Safety Code

Download and share the printable version of the Dog Sa fety Code (triangle version)

Download and share the GIF version of the Dog Safety Code

Download and share the Safety around dogs factsheet

Download and share the Your dog and your new baby factsheet

Download and share the Instagram post for Dog Safety

Download Be Alert for Child Safety Image - PNG

Download Be Aware for Child Safety Image - PNG
Want More Information? CFSG Dog Safety Library Dogs and Children | Top tips to keep them safe and happy together (capt.org.uk) Dogs and children: living safely together | Dogs Trust The Kennel Club - Safe and Sound PDSA - Canine communication: recognising stress in your dogs PDSA - Children and dogs: How to keep them happy and safe PDSA - Paws for posties RSPCA - Dogs and children RSPCA - Keeping children safe around dogs RSPCA - Six Golden Rules for keeping your child safe and your dog happy RSPCA - How to help your dog behave well RSPCA - Aggression in dogs Blue Cross - Be Safe with Dogs: A guide for families Dogs Trust - Safety Dogs Trust - Building confidence around dogs Merseyside Dog Safety Partnership - Public resources Know the signs
Download Be Safe for Child Safety Image - PNG

Download the Dog Safety Poster

Dogs will show signals through their body language to you. Below you can see some of the most used signals dogs give us to show us if they are worried, scared or need some space.

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The Dog Safety Code encourages everyone to be alert, aware and - most importantly - safe around dogs. We are a nation of dog lovers and dogs are often part of the family, so it is vital that both parents and children are equipped with the knowledge they need to enjoy spending time with dogs safely.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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0:00 / 5:25•Watch full video

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College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University

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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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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...