Caring for your baby
After you've had your baby Shropshire Healthier Together provides information on a range of services and support that's available post-birth.
You'll also find the following helpful:
- Learning to talk
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Baby basics - Start for Life - provides information about practical tips for caring for your baby, from nappy changing to coping with lack of sleep
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Sharing books and rhymes is vital in building your baby's brain. Shropshire Libraries have free books, rhyme and story-times and many resources to support your babies’ development, as well as your own interests and wellbeing. Join your local library to access the free resources, including e-books and e-magazine, free WIFI and free activities
Carer and toddler groups
Carer and toddler groups are great places for babies, toddlers and pre-school children to meet others in their local community, and socialise. They're mainly run by parents or volunteers and offer a great opportunity for children from birth to five years to play and have fun. They also offer parents the chance to socialise too. Most groups run on a weekly basis, and usually cost about £1-£3, which includes a drink and snack for the children and a drink for parents too.
Feeding your baby
Breastfeeding
The Breastfeeding Network offers peer support sessions across the county.
Additional information about breastfeeding:
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Global Health Media has videos in different languages on breastfeeding
To find breastfeeding groups in Shropshire take a look at the Family Information Directory.
Responsive bottle feeding
If you're thinking about bottle feeding your baby more information can be found on the NHS website.
SEND
Information if you've been advised that your baby might have a disability or health-related condition:
Sleep
The Lullaby Trust provides information on safer sleeping and what you should avoid.
Sleep Tight workshops are available through our Parenting Team.
Child safety
Child accident prevention is a crucial aspect of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children. Here are some key points to consider for preventing accidents:
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Environment: improving the design and planning of living spaces can create safer homes and leisure areas. This includes using adaptations like fireguards and safety gates.
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Education: increasing awareness of accident risks and providing information on how to minimise these risks is essential. This involves educating both children and adults about safety in various settings.
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Enforcement: implementing and adhering to safety regulations can help prevent accidents by ensuring that environments are as safe as possible.
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General safety advice: simple solutions and changes to routines can prevent many serious accidents. FoGeneral safety advicer example, keeping small objects like button batteries out of reach can prevent choking hazards
For more detailed information and resources, the Child Accident Prevention Trust offers free educational materials, safety workshops, and advice for parents and carers. They also provide specific guidance on hazards such as button batteries and the risks associated with certain toys like fidget spinners.
Remember, most serious accidents involving children are preventable with the right knowledge and precautions.
You can learn more from the Royakl Society for the Prevention of Accidents and the Child Accident Prevention Trust.
Bereavement support
The loss of a baby is a deeply upsetting time and it's crucial to seek support to help you through the grief. Shropshire and Telford Hospital Trust offer bereavement support to families who have experienced a pregnancy loss or death of a baby.
Shropshire Sands is an organisation dedicated to supporting anyone affected by the death of a baby. They offer peer support to bereaved families, and while they are not currently running monthly face-to-face sessions, they are available to arrange support via email.