Start for Life – Baby’s first year
As a parent of a new baby you might want to know what to expect during their first year of life. Your baby will grow, change and develop a lot over the next 12 months.
Healthier Together – Advice for common childhood illnesses, what to look out for, where to get help, keeping your child comfortable and how long symptoms might last
Health Visitor – Call 01472 323660 or text 07507 329910 to speak to a Health Visitor if you have non-urgent concerns about your baby.
Doctor – Contact your GP if you have urgent medical concerns about your baby.
Congratulations on the birth of your baby!
You only have 42 days after your baby is born to register their birth.
You will need to provide:
- place and date of the birth
- name, surname and sex of the baby
- parents’ names, surnames and address
- places and dates of parents’ birth
- date of parents’ marriage or civil partnership
- parents’ jobs
- mother’s maiden surname
Book an appointment to register a birth at Cleethorpes Town Hall.
Go to register a birth for more information or to contact the Register Office.
If you have a child under the age of 5, the Health Visiting service for North East Lincolnshire is available to support you and your family.
You will meet your assigned Health Visitor at an antenatal appointment from 28 weeks pregnant. You will then see your Health Visitor after you’ve given birth and during health review appointments.
Go to health visitors for more information.
Every baby grows and develops at their own pace – and that’s perfectly normal!
From first smiles to first steps, milestones are exciting moments that show how your baby is learning and developing.
Age and stage guides give parents an idea of where their baby typically should be. It’s important to remember all babies are different, and some may reach certain stages earlier or later than others.
If you have any concerns you should speak to your Health Visitor or GP.
National Children’s Trust – Baby and toddler development
Feeding
Breastfeeding is encouraged as it gives your baby the best start, but how you choose to feed your baby is a personal decision.
You can go to an infant feeding drop-in session which are available everyday at a Family Hub. The Infant Feeding support team can support you on your feeding journey.
Weaning
Starting solid foods is a big milestone in your baby’s development. Weaning usually begins at around 6 months. It’s a time for your baby to explore new tastes and textures whilst continuing with breast milk or infant formula milk.
Go to NHS – Weaning for guidance on when and how to begin weaning, what to feed your baby and recipe and meal ideas.
It’s okay not to feel okay – you are not alone.
Your mental health after pregnancy and during your baby’s first year of life is important. Having a baby is an exciting time, but can also be a very stressful and worrying time. If you’re finding things difficult, support is available. You don’t have to go through it alone – there are services ready to listen, help, and support you through this time.
Maternal Wellbeing Service – Self referral wellbeing service for support with low mood, anxiety, stress and help with building coping strategies and setting goals to manage.
Family Hubs – You can go to any Family Hub and Family Help Practitioners will listen and offer advice on where to get help if you’re struggling.
NAViGO Perinatal service – If you’re experiencing severe mental health problems after giving birth, you can request a referral to the NAViGO perinatal team from a healthcare professional such as your GP or midwife.
Preparing to return to work after maternity leave should be planned ahead. You must let your employer know at least 8 weeks before you intend to return to work.
- Childcare – Spaces fill up quickly, make sure you have secured a place for your child at your preferred setting early.
- Childcare funding – Check what you’re entitled to and apply for funding to help with the cost of childcare
- Keep in touch (KIT) days – Use your KIT days to ease yourself back into work gradually and reconnect with your colleagues.
- Return to work plan – Talk to your manager about your return, including working hours, flexible options, or any role changes.
- Establish your routine – Start building a daily routine that balances work and family life.
- Be kind to yourself – Returning to work is a big step. Give yourself time to adjust and don’t be too hard on yourself.
Go to ACAS – Returning to work after having a baby to understand your rights and what to expect when you return to work.
Choosing the right childcare is an important decision! It’s more than just finding someone to look after your child – it’s about feeling reassured that your child is in a safe and nurturing environment where they can grow, learn and thrive! It’s a place to help them build early communication skills, explore their independence and develop through play, routine, and social interaction with other children.
Every family has different needs, and every child is unique. So finding a provider that aligns with your values, routine, and your child’s personality can be a big difference in there development!
Go to childcare providers to find out about the different types of providers available to you.
Families First Information Service (FFIS) can send you a list of local Ofsted registered childcare providers. Contact the team by calling 01472 326292 or emailing [email protected].
Childcare funding
Paying for childcare can be a big expense for families. There are different types of funding available to make paying for childcare more affordable.
Quick links:
- 30 hours childcare for working families
- Universal 15 hours childcare
- Tax-free childcare
- Universal Credit childcare
Go to Best Start in Life – Childcare for more information about funding, applying for funding and childcare options.
Playtime with your baby is spending quality time together through activities like singing, talking and reading.
Family Hubs and Lincs Inspire Libraries have lots of free or low cost activity sessions available everyday for you to attend with your baby. You can also book the sensory rooms for free at family hubs and libraries across North East Lincolnshire.
Follow the Families First Information Service (FFIS) Facebook page and be kept in the know about activities happening locally for you and your baby to enjoy.
Baby talk
From babbling and pointing to forming their first words and expressing themselves.
Whether you’re a first-time parent or just need a refresher – looking after a baby can feel overwhelming. From changing nappies and dressing your baby, to feeding, bathing, and bonding through skin to skin contact.
Go to NHS – Caring for your baby to find advice to support you through each step.
You can also read about vaccinations, vitamins, and how to keep your baby comfortable and safe.
Managing crying
ICON helps people who care for babies to cope with crying.
The ICON Programme and intervention provides people with support and advice on ways to cope. It encourages people to speak to someone if they need support such as family, friends, a midwife, GP or health visitor.
I
Infant crying is normal
C
Comfort methods can help
O
It’s OK to walk away
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Never, ever shake a baby
Go to ICON for more information and support.
Safe sleeping
Being a new parent often means facing sleepless nights and overwhelming fatigue. Even when you’re sleep-deprived, it’s vital to follow safe sleep practices to protect your baby from risks like Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Go to The Lullaby Trust – Safer Sleep Information for guidance on safe sleeping.
Baby teeth
Baby’s first teeth – also known as milk teeth! They usually begin to appear around 6 months old. These tiny teeth play a big role in helping your baby eat, speak, and guide the development of their future adult teeth.
Go to NHS – How to take care of your baby’s teeth for advice on brushing, choosing toothpaste, starting a daily routine and drinking & feeding habits.
Child accident prevention
The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) are experts in child accident prevention. They offer safety alerts, safety advice, training and free resources to help secure a safer world for all our children.
Child Safety Parents’ Pack contains bite-sized facts and safety tips on the main accident risks to children. Allowing you to make simple changes that can fit into busy routines.
Go to Child Accident Prevention Trust
Sun Safety
Babies can become ill during very hot weather. Their health can be seriously affected by dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and sunburn. Try these tips for keeping your child happy and healthy in the heat.
Go to NHS – Keeping your baby safe in the sun
Car seats
Using and fitting a car seat correctly can save your child’s life if you were to be in an accident. It’s also required by law that all children travelling in a car or van must use the correct car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135cm tall. After this they must use an adult seat belt.
The Child Car Seats website can help you understand the different types of car seats, choose the most suitable car seat for you, ensure it is fitted correctly and how to carry other people’s children safely in a car or van.
Go to GOV.UK – Using a car seat or booster and GOV.UK – When can a child travel without a car seat for more information and guidance.
Electrical home safety
Electrical safety at home is essential. Mobile babies are naturally curious, which can lead to dangerous situations if electrical hazards are not properly managed. You can create a safer environment and significantly reduce the risk of electrical accidents.
Go to Electrical Safety First – Advice for parents and find out what you should be looking out for.
Safety around dogs
Safety around dogs is important when a baby is in the home. A baby will not understand how to interact with dogs properly. By teaching small children how to approach and behave around dogs, and by supervising their interactions, you can create a safe environment for both the child and the dog.
Go to CAPT – Dogs and children or RSPCA – Children and dogs for tips to keep them both safe and happy together.