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Being a parent

There is a lot to consider after the birth of a baby and the start of family life. The information on these pages should help and support you with decisions you might make as your family grows.

The Healthy Start Scheme - get help to buy food and milk

Find out more information and apply for The Healthy Start Scheme.

Get free vitamin D

Find out how children under four and people who are pregnant or recently gave birth can get free vitamin D supplements.

Tips on how to ensure your baby sleeps safely

Guidance on how to sleep your baby to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or cot death.

Postnatal health

Advice and guidance on looking after your health when you have just had a baby.

Returning to work

Going back to work is a big step and it is important you feel happy with the childcare choices you have made for your baby or toddler.

Support for parents and carers

Advice and support for mothers, fathers, grandparents and other adults caring for children and young people.  

Help improve maternity services

Join a group who help make sure services provided to pregnant and new parents are appropriate.  

Information about MMR

The MMR vaccine protects your child against Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR).

How to feed your family healthily

Tips, advice and help on a healthy diet for you and all the family. 

Being a good role model for your children

If you or someone at home smokes, drinks alcohol or takes drugs remember children learn from what they see and may begin to think that smoking, alcohol or drugs are solutions to problems.

Child immunisation

Having your baby vaccinated is the best way to protect them against many childhood illnesses.