PHYSICAL HEALTH
Staying healthy whilst pregnant will help your baby have a healthy start in life and helps your body manage the birth and first few weeks and months of baby's life a lot better.
There's a lot of information out there on the internet about healthy eating during pregnancy, but we've compiled a simple guide of the basics here for you. Check out the Wellness in Pregnancy page. For details on health checks and appointments you will need during and after your pregnancy please see our pages on Ante-natal appointments and Post-natal appointments
​
Once your baby is born, it is important that they are getting the right nutrients during the early years of their life. Take a look at pages on Breastfeeding, weaning, toddler portions and healthy eating for information on the right things for your child to eat.
Sleeping is an important aspect for the health and development of your baby. For information on setting a routine and safe sleeping for your baby, look at these pages .
It is important to look after your child’s teeth as soon as they come through. Here's information on how to soothe your child when they are teething and the proper care for baby and toddler teeth.
To ensure our child is protected against serious illnesses you will need to get your child immunised. This immunisation schedule shows you when each vaccination is due.
​
DEVELOPMENTAL
MILESTONES
Developmental milestones refers to points in your child’s life when they will begin to learn certain things. The developmental milestones give you an indication of what to look out for at each stage in your child's life. Please bear in mind that children learn and do things at their own pace, so this is just a general guide.
Alongside the developmental milestones, consider exploring the Learning @ Home section. These pages can help you find activities to do with your child at ages 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 1-2 years, 2-3 years, 3-4 years and 4-5 years which can help them develop and learn things in preparation for early years education.
​
Training your child to use the toilet can be a big step toward their independence, the pages on potty training, will give you advice on when best to start this process and how to help in their development.
​
If you have any concerns about your child's development - it is always advisable to talk to a health professional or a health visitor. The pages on Early Start Ealing and Children’s Centres will give you information on where to find professionals and relevant sessions that might be running in your area.
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
The social and emotional wellbeing of your child is just as critical as their physical health. In their early years it is important for children to have plenty of social interaction to better understand the world around them.
​
Try to get out and about with your child so they start to experience new environments and situations and build their confidence.
Learning at Home, Development and Early Start Ealing may also offer useful advice about keeping your little one happy and well.
​
If you are searching for activities for you and your child in the local area, there are plenty of options at your local Children’s Centres, use this page to help you find one near you.
EDUCATION /
EARLY LEARNING
Your child starting school can be a difficult and stressful time. For help, advice and articles to make this transition easier, please see our pages on Applying for School and Starting School.
​
Whatever the age of your child, it is never too early to start their education. You can begin at home with simple things like talking and reading with your child. You may choose to send your child to an early years childcare provider such as a nursery or with a childminder. These providers are registered with Ofsted and teach an agreed curriculum for early years.
Mixing with other children builds your child's confidence and develops their speech and language. If you are on a low income, your two-year-old may be able to get free childcare. And now, at age three and four - you may be entitled for 30 hours of childcare instead of 15 (starting September 2017. This is a scheme you must apply for, the term before you want you child to start. Visit wwwchildcarechoices.gov.uk to apply). And more information is on our Childcare page.
Pages on learning @ home and Children’s Centres may also be useful in preparing your child for education.
KEEPING SAFE
Keeping your child safe during their early years is crucial. As your baby will spend a lot of their time sleeping, it is therefore important to be aware of how to put your baby to sleep safely. Please see our pages on sleeping for information.
​
As your child grows and develops they will become more and more active. Although this means that they can gradually become more independent, it will also mean that they are more at risk of suffering harm or injury in and around the home. Find our pages on safety for babies, toddlers and young children here.
You can also talk to your health visitor about keeping your home and your child’s surroundings as safe spaces. Find out more about how health visitors can help you on this page.
It is important to get out and about with your child for their general social health and wellbeing, but you will need to be careful that they remain safe whilst discovering the great outdoors. Our pages on getting out and about will help you to find the information to keep your child safe wherever they go.
