Caring for your toddler

Shropshire Healthier Together provides information on a range of services and support available for you and your child.

Early years education 

Research shows that access to high-quality early learning experiences, together with a positive learning environment at home, is a vital combination to ensure that your child has the best start to their learning and development. 

"Play helps children learn about the world and themselves. Children need time and space to play freely." 

You can find out more from What to expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage: a parents' guide (2021), specifically on page 2.

Two-year progress review 

All children who attend a setting or go to a childminder will have a developmental check between their second and third birthday. It will happen jointly with you and sometimes your health visitor. 

The check helps your key person to focus on your child’s progress. It will also help you with ideas to keep chatting, playing and reading with your child at home. 

You'll receive a written summary about how your child is learning and developing. 

You can support your child’s learning and development in a number of ways for example, by reading, playing, singing. 

Find out more on how to make the most of every moment with your baby, helping them to learn and develop: 

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

Sleep  

The Lullaby Trust provides information on safer sleeping and what you should avoid. 

Sleep Tight workshops are also available through our Parenting Team.

Toileting

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: 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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. 

  1. Enforcement: implementing and adhering to safety regulations can help prevent accidents by ensuring that environments are as safe as possible. 

  1. 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.