Pregnancy, baby and parenting advice

Welcome to Better Health – Start for Life. The place for trusted NHS advice and guidance to help you have a healthy and happy baby during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.

Early learning and development

90% of your child's brain growth takes place before they turn 5. What you do together can make a huge difference.

Useful topics

Weaning

By the time your baby is around 6 months old, they need more than breast milk or formula. Find out how to wean your baby onto solid foods.

Bonding with your baby

In the first 2 years of your baby's life, the way you care for them and the experiences you have together play a major role in shaping their rapidly developing brain.

How to take care of your baby or toddler's teeth

Help your little one maintain a lifetime of healthy smiles by teaching them good dental habits, such as regular brushing and not eating or drinking too much sugar.

Week-by-week guide to pregnancy

Advice and useful tips on how your body and your baby are developing.

Preparing for labour and birth

Have a look at our guide on where to give birth, what to include in your birth plan, what to pack in your hospital bag and lots more.

Feeding your baby

Whether you are breastfeeding, bottle feeding or a combination of both. We have lots of guidance to support you.

Your mental health

Find out where you can get advice and tips on coping with emotional changes, stress and anxiety after childbirth.

Baby basics

Have a look at our guide to safe sleeping, coping with tiredness, and caring for your newborn.

Sign up for emails

Our emails include NHS trusted advice and support, tailored to your stage of pregnancy or baby's age.

Advice from parents

We feel so much better knowing we have Start for Life on hand to help us navigate the wonderful, but sometimes scary, world of motherhood.

Amy and Lucy
Parents of 1-year-old