Best start for baby
Best Start for Baby is our service for all parents, carers and guardians in Camden from pregnancy to two years of age.
Your friendly and welcoming Best Start for Baby Service is delivered by Health Visitors, Midwives, Community Nursery Nurses and Psychologists.
What parents say about us
“I feel genuinely listened to and treated with such kindness, and baby truly cared for”
Parent
Best Start for Baby in pictures
Appointments
You will be offered regular appointments with Best Start for Baby
- Antenatally
- New Baby Visit (10-14 days)
- 6-8 Week Check
- 3 Months
- 6 Months
- 9 Months
- 12 Months
- 2 Year Review
Your appointments
During these appointments you can:
- Think about your child’s play, communication and development.
- Get helpful tips and ideas to support your child.
- Have health and well-being check ins.
- Get practical support for feeding, toileting and sleep.
- Think about your bond and relationship with your baby, as well as changes in your family.
- Find out about activities and groups in Camden.
- Discuss any worries or concerns.
- Get help to apply for nursery.
Let us know if you need any support or an interpreter.
Understanding your baby
Safer sleep
Many parents feel anxious about their baby while they are sleeping. This may be for many reasons such as the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
This is 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.
Visit the Lullaby Trust website for more advice about safer sleep.
Coping with crying
All babies cry. This can be upsetting and frustrating, but it is a normal way for your child to communicate when they need comfort and care.
Even if you feel frustrated, never shake a baby. You can learn more about what to do when a baby cries on the icon website. The NHS also has advice for soothing a crying baby.
And remember, your health visitor is there to help you with any concerns you may have.
Water Safety
There has been an increase in water related child deaths over the last 12 months, ranging from baths to swimming pools to open water.
Water safety is very important, especially in under-fives who are most at risk. For more information please see the Royal Life Saving Society's page on water safety at home.
Our sites
We will offer you a warm welcome and you can attend an appointment at one of the following sites:
- 1a Children’s Centre, Family Hub & Nursery 1a Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4SR
- Agar Children’s Centre, Family Hub & Nursery Wrotham Road, NW1 9SU
- Harmood Children’s Centre, Family Hub & Nursery 1 Forge Place, Ferdinand Street, NW1 8DQ
- Langtry Nursery 11-29 Langtry Road, London, NW8 0AJ
- Kilburn Grange Children’s Centre & Family Hub 1 Palmerston Road, NW6 2JL
- Rhyl Community Primary School. Rhyl St, London NW5 3HB
- Somers Town Children’s Centre Services. 40 Polygon Rd, London NW1 1SR
Get in touch
If you have any other questions or need advice, you can:
Contact Camden Duty Health Visiting Service:
- telephone 020 3317 3032, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
- email [email protected]
Get in touch
Camden Family Hubs and Children’s Centre Service
Call us: Freephone 0800 389 5789 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Email: [email protected]