Feeding for Babies and Toddlers
Whichever way you decide to feed your baby, we are here to support. Our feeding support services help parents and guardians feed their babies and toddlers using their chosen feeding method.
Newborns
When they are first born, it can be stressful if your baby doesn’t want to feed as much. Newborn babies may not eat as much as you expect, but if they’re happy, healthy, and gaining weight, there’s nothing to worry about. Babies have tiny tummies and need to feed often, so it’s normal for them to eat little and often.
National Breast Feeding Helpline
The National Breastfeeding Helpline offers friendly, non-judgemental, independent, evidence based breastfeeding support and information to anyone in the UK 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
Find out more on their website. Or contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline on telephone 0300 100 0212
Feeding Support Services
In partnership with Mind, Lifeline Projects are working to support new mothers with breast feeding through support groups, antenatal sessions and one to one support.
What about starting on solid food?
What about starting on solid food? It takes 6 months before they are ready to start, but you may want to know what to give them and how much. Here are some places to look for the answers.
Infant feeding support Stay and Play Sessions
Infant feeding support sessions help parents learn how to feed their babies. Whether you are breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or using a combination, these sessions offer advice and help.
Trained staff can show you the best ways to hold your baby while feeding and answer any questions you may have. They can also help with any feeding problems, making sure your baby is healthy and happy.
Stay and play sessions are fun times where parents and their babies or young children come to play together. These sessions provide a safe and friendly space filled with toys and activities. Parents can meet other parents, and children can play and learn new things. It’s a great way to spend time with your child and see them enjoy and explore new experiences.
Find out where your nearest session is.
To find out more, call Caroline on telephone 07354 609 137.
NELFT Infant Feeding
We will continue Infant feeding groups in our three locations :
- Wednesdays, Five Elms Health Centre, Dagenham – 1.30pm to 3.30pm
- Wednesdays, Babyzone at Future Youth Zone, Dagenham – 10.00am to 11.30am (Term times only)
- Thursdays, The Child and Family Health Centre, Barking – 10.00am to 11.30am
We will continue the Introduction to Solids Workshop :
- 3rd Thursday of the month, The Child and Family Health Centre, Barking – 1.00pm to 2.00pm
- 2nd Wednesday of the month, Future Youth Zone, Dagenham – 1.00pm to 2.00pm (Term times only)
To find out more telephone 0300 300 1813 (NELFT duty desk) or email InfantfeedingBar&Dagenham@nelft.nhs.uk