Information for healthcare and childcare professionals

Do you work in healthcare or childcare? Your role is vital in encouraging and supporting parents to give their babies the building blocks for a better start in life.

What is the Start for Life Information Service for Parents?

Start for Life has joined up with the NHS Information Service for Parents to grow our range of free services.

As well as the existing health advice service that Start for Life provides for pregnant women and new mums, we also now offer tips and advice by e-mail, free-of-charge.

Our e-mail service gives out advice you can trust. It includes tips for mums and dads-to-be, partners, relatives and friends to support and encourage mothers in healthy lifestyle choices for themselves and for their babies.

If you (or someone you know) is looking for a helping hand, they can sign up for our e-mail service.

Free resources to use in your setting

Our Start for Life posters and leaflets are colourful and easy to understand. They are ideal for display in your reception, waiting room or breakout area, and can be given out to pregnant women, new mums and their partners and your colleagues.

If you're a healthcare or childcare professional, you can download or order free Start for Life campaign resources and get more information from the DHSC Campaign Resource Centre.

Topic-specific resources:

• Breastfeeding
• Introducing solid foods
• Home learning environment

Be part of Healthier Families

Start for Life is part of Healthier Families (formerly Change4Life), the nationwide campaign to help adults and families to eat well and move more.

It also provides resources for early years providers on healthy eating and activity for toddlers and pre-school children.

Using the brand assets on your own resources

If you would like to have access to the latest campaigns and information, free resources and branding, register for the DHSC Campaign Resource Centre.

Please feel free to share these resources with your colleagues.

A trusted source

Start for Life is fully supported across government, and is built on the latest research by the World Health Organization. It is fully aligned with NICE guidelines and UNICEF's Baby Friendly Initiative.