Bringing Up Your Baby: A Guide for Parents in Hampshire
Looking after a baby is one of the most rewarding, yet challenging experiences of life. While there are no formal lessons in school on how to raise a baby, there is a wealth of support and resources available to guide you through this exciting journey. The following information provides you with key advice, local support groups, and financial assistance for parents in Hampshire.
Remember, any advice provided here should be considered as a guide. If you have concerns about your baby’s health or development, always consult your Health Visitor or GP for professional advice.
Health Visitors and Support Teams
Your Health Visitor is a key resource in the early years of your child's life, providing support and advice on everything from feeding to sleep, child development, and emotional well-being. They also offer practical help with day-to-day parenting.
Havant Health Visiting Team
- Contact Number: 02392 224520
- Services Offered:
- Child Health Advice Clinics
- Health visiting for newborns to 2 years and toddlers 1 to 3 years
- 6-week baby check
- Weaning support and advice on feeding (breastfeeding or bottle feeding)
- Caring for your baby advice on sleeping, safety, and development
If you have any concerns or questions about your baby’s growth, vaccinations, or milestones, your Health Visitor is there to help.
Common Parenting Questions & Topics
Babies Under 3 Months
In the early months, your baby’s needs will mostly revolve around feeding, sleeping, and comfort. Your Health Visitor can provide helpful advice on feeding (breastfeeding and bottle-feeding) and safe sleeping practices.
- Breastfeeding Support: If you need help with breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to ask your Health Visitor or join local support groups.
- Safe Sleep: Learn how to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) through safe sleep practices.
Over 3 Months
At this stage, your baby will begin to show more awareness of their surroundings. Your Health Visitor will provide guidance on weaning (introducing solids), sleep routines, and developmental milestones such as sitting up and making sounds.
Behavioral Issues
It’s normal for parents to feel overwhelmed by baby’s behavior. If your baby is excessively crying, having feeding issues, or you're feeling concerned, contact your Health Visitor for support. They can guide you through common challenges.
Support Groups and Charities for Parents in Hampshire
Having a support network is vital. Here are some helpful charities and local support groups for new parents in Hampshire:
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The NCT (National Childbirth Trust)
NCT provides classes, information, and emotional support for new parents. They have local branches in Hampshire and offer antenatal classes and postnatal support.
Visit NCT Hampshire
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Hampshire Sure Start Children’s Centres
These centres offer services for families with children under 5, including parenting classes, baby groups, and advice on early learning.
Find your nearest Sure Start Centre
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Baby Basics Hampshire
A charity supporting families in need by providing baby essentials, including nappies, baby clothes, and formula milk. They also offer guidance to parents experiencing financial difficulties.
Visit Baby Basics Hampshire
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Maternity Voices Partnership
The Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) works with local NHS services to improve maternity care and provides peer support for parents.
Learn more about MVP Hampshire
Useful Guides and Information for Parents
How to Give Eye Drops to Babies
This video guide explains the best way to apply eye drops to children and babies.
Watch the video
Weaning Your Baby
When and how to start solid foods is an important milestone. This guide will help you recognise signs your baby is ready for weaning and provide tips for introducing solids safely.
Learn more about Weaning
Bathing Your Baby
A guide on how to safely bath your baby, including tips for making it a soothing and enjoyable experience.
How to Bathe Your Baby
Getting Your Baby to Sleep
Establishing a sleep routine for your baby is essential for their health and your well-being. Here’s a guide to creating a safe sleep environment.
Get Sleep Tips
Bottle Feeding Tips
If you’re bottle-feeding, it’s important to get it right for your baby’s health. Here’s advice on bottle preparation, feeding techniques, and sterilisation.
Read Bottle Feeding Advice
Financial Support for Parents
Raising a child can be expensive, but there is a range of financial support available to help families, including benefits for childcare, family support, and universal credit. Here’s a rundown of the benefits you may be eligible for:
1. Child Benefit
Child Benefit is a regular payment made to parents to help with the cost of raising a child. It’s available for children under 16 (or 20 if still in approved education or training).
2. Universal Credit
Universal Credit helps with living costs for people on a low income or out of work. It includes Child Tax Credit, which supports parents with children under 16 (or 20 if in education).
3. Free Early Education and Childcare
All 3- and 4-year-olds in England are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare a week for 38 weeks of the year. If you meet certain criteria, you may be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare.
4. Healthy Start Scheme
This scheme provides eligible families with young children under 4 years old vouchers to help buy healthy food, milk, and vitamins.
5. Maternity Allowance
If you're self-employed or don’t qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), you may be eligible for Maternity Allowance.
6. Free School Meals
Children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 in England automatically get free school meals. If you're on a low income, your child may be entitled to free school meals beyond these years.
Sign Up for NHS Start4Life
The Start4Life programme offers free support for parents from pregnancy to the first few years of your baby’s life. The program provides advice on feeding, baby health, sleep, and more through email updates.
Sign up for Start4Life
Contact Your Health Visitor
If you have any concerns or need further guidance on any aspect of raising your baby, your Health Visitor is your first point of contact. The Havant Health Visiting Team can offer support and advice on all matters related to baby care:
- Contact Number: 02392 224520
Raising a baby is a challenging but rewarding experience, and you don’t have to do it alone. Hampshire offers a wide range of support groups, charities, and financial assistance to help you. Always reach out to local services like your Health Visitor, local parenting groups, and the helpful organisations mentioned above. These resources are here to support you every step of the way!