Caring for your baby

Every child is different, and we have support and advice available for everyone.

The Best Start in Life parent hub website offers a range of practical guidance for everyday moments, from changing a nappy to coping with lack of sleep.

If you need further help or reassurance, speak to your midwife or health visitor. Find out how to contact your health visitor in Camden.

Feeding your baby

You can get support with feeding your baby, whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or mixed feeding.

Speak to staff at your local Family Hub or go along to a Camden Baby Feeding Team drop-in session, where the team can help you with feeding and answer any questions.

Find out more about support for feeding your baby.

Newborn and baby sleeping advice

Many parents feel anxious about their baby while they’re sleeping.

Serious risks related to sleeping, such as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), are rare and the risk to your baby is low.

Your health visitor can give you advice about safer sleep, such as placing them on their back and keeping them at a comfortable temperature.

If you’re feeling anxious often, Best Start for Baby Psychology sessions may help you.

Visit the Best Start in Life parent hub website for more advice about safer sleep, how much sleep babies need, and tips on coping with tiredness.

Coping with crying

All babies cry. This can be upsetting, but it is a normal way for your child to communicate their needs.

You can learn more about what to do when a baby cries from ICON. The NHS also has advice for soothing a crying baby. Even if you feel frustrated, never shake a baby.

If things are feeling overwhelming, our Best Start for Baby Psychology service can help. And remember, your health visitor is there to help you with any concerns you may have.

Accident prevention

Children can get injured as they explore the world, so bumps and bruises are common. But many serious accidents, such as choking, falls and burns, can be prevented. The Child Accident Prevention Trust has advice for keeping your child safe and preventing accidents.

Water safety

There has been an increase in water-related child deaths, ranging from baths to swimming pools and open water.

Water safety is very important, especially in under-5s, who are most at risk. Find advice on water safety at home from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Baby screen time guidance

Balancing family life in a digital world can be challenging. The government recommends that children under 2 should avoid screen time altogether, except for shared activities that support bonding, interaction, and conversation.

Find more advice about supporting healthy screen habits for children under 5 on the Best Start in Life parent hub website.

Seeking help

You do not have to deal with issues alone – it’s always okay to ask for help.

If you need help in an emergency, call 999. If it’s not an emergency, contact your GP or call NHS 111.

If your baby is unwell

The NHS has guidance on how to tell if your baby is seriously unwell. There is also other advice on what to do if your child needs medical help.

Mental health support

Feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed is common, and there’s support available.

If you feel you need help immediately, call 999. If it’s not an emergency, speak to your GP. You can also call NHS 111 and press ‘1’ for mental health support.