Government launches online advice service for first-time parents

NHS Baby LifeCheck, which is rolled out nationally today, is designed to provide information to mums, dads and carers for babies aged five to eight months.

A Department of Health spokesperson said: ‘It is recognised that for most babies, the time between the ages of five to eight months is one of rapid development and change. At this age most babies cut their first tooth, move around and begin to make sounds. It also coincides with the period when there is less scheduled contact with health professionals.’

The interactive website guides parents and carers through a set of simple multiple choice questions, then offers advice and reassurance on making the best decisions for their child.

It covers topics such as development, feeding, safety, sleep routine and immunisations, and offers top tips, videos and details of organisations which can support new parents.

Health minister Ann Keen, said: ‘NHS Baby LifeCheck is a reliable source of non-judgemental, online information for parents and carers. It provides reassurance and advice about their baby’s health development, happiness and safety.

‘It’s an easy way for parents to find out if they are doing the best thing for their child, whilst also supporting them to set goals or find further help to make improvements for themselves and their baby,’ she added.

www.babylifecheck.co.uk is one of three NHS LifeCheck services. NHS Teen LifeCheck, aimed at 12 to 15 year-olds, was launched in June this year, and NHS Mid-life LifeCheck, aimed at 45 to 60 year-olds, will go live at the end of the year.

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