Baby's first year

A new baby is the most wonderful thing in the world and can bring so much love and joy into your life as your journey as a new family begins.

The realisation and responsibility of parenthood, and the daily challenges this role brings, can be as daunting as it is exciting. There is so much to learn and so many new beginnings.

Your baby's first year is an ‘age of opportunity’. It's a time when you can set a foundation for your child’s emotional well-being and future health.

In just 12 short months your baby will undergo an incredible transformation, from being a helpless newborn, to an active toddler. Your baby will grow and change at an amazing pace.

Every month will bring new and exciting developments. Your baby’s first year will be full of challenges and adventures. We are here to help with advice, guidance and support.

Breastfeeding

On this page we cover the benefits of breastfeeding, responding to your baby’s cues, positioning, expressing, storing breast milk, plus breastfeeding challenges.

Bottle feeding

Our bottle feeding page covers responsive bottle feeding, how to bottle feed your baby, and bottle feeding safely, plus some helpful links for more information.

NHS Healthy Start scheme: Get help buying food and milk

If you're pregnant or have a child under four you may be entitled to free fruit, vegetables, milk and vitamins worth at least £220 a year. Read more here.

Weaning & healthy eating

Whether you're ready to start introducing solid food to your baby or are thinking about what’s to come, let us help! Our guide will show you how and when.

Looking after your baby's teeth

It's important to start looking after your baby's teeth from an early age to get them used to toothbrushing and visiting the dentist. Here's what you need to know.

Baby massage

Touch is the first communication a baby receives so baby massage is a lovely activity to do together. Our guide covers the benefits and best practice tips.

Helping your child learn to talk

We cover what you need to know about speech, language and communication, including tips for communicating with your baby and developing their language.

Sleep

Our guide to sleep for babies includes how to know when your baby is tired, how much sleep your baby might need, and how to keep them safe while sleeping.

A crying baby

Your baby will cry. This is how they will communicate their needs in the early days. Many parents and carers find it stressful when their baby cries. This is a natural response to a crying baby and helps us to work hard to try and calm them. However, some babies cry more than others, and some parents may feel especially stressed, worried, or anxious when their baby cries. It’s helpful to be aware of this before your baby arrives.

ICON Parents Advice provides information explaining:

Infant crying is normal.
Comforting methods can help. Check your baby’s temperature, do they need a nappy change, or feeding? Try singing or talking to them.
It’s OK to walk away, so long as your baby is safe and you can return within a couple of minutes to check on your baby, feeling calmer.
Never, ever shake a baby.

For local support available, ask your midwife or health visitor for details.

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