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Jul 08
Love0
pregnant mum

Why UK politicians need to rethink how to improve our maternity services

By baby health, children's health, Education, Health, Mental health, Osteopathy and cranial Osteopathy
by Lorin Lakasing, author of Delivering the truth: Why NHS maternity care is broken and how we can fix it together

Soon after his appointment as Health Secretary, Wes Streeting described NHS maternity care as a “cause for national shame”. He promised regular meetings with bereaved families, ordered a rapid investigation and appointed Baroness Amos to chair it. These promises sound compassionate and decisive. But they’re also precisely the kind of promises that have prevented real improvement in maternity services for decades.

The tragedy is that politicians know this. They understand that real reform takes time. But the political incentives push them towards theatrical gestures rather than the tedious groundwork needed to effect real change. Worse still, each new government feels compelled to revise or rebrand their predecessor’s initiatives, ensuring that even well-intentioned reforms never have time to embed properly.

When politicians get it right

Occasionally politicians put clinical outcomes before credit. Jeremy Hunt’s stillbirth reduction initiative stands out precisely because it was designed to outlive his tenure as Health Secretary.

The UK had one of the highest stillbirth rates in the developed world – a genuine cause for national shame. The vision was good but unfortunately remained unachieved because resources were spent on implementing processes rather than on frontline care where the action to achieve results really talks place. But it got closer than most.

A non-maternity example is the introduction of the NHS itself in 1948 which was a cross-party achievement that took years to implement. Aneurin Bevan knew he was creating something special that would take decades to mature and admitted from the outset that it would need tweaks along the way, something that many have forgotten when we discuss the NHS today. The political consensus that created and sustained the NHS through its early years is exactly what’s missing now.

Learning from others

Politicians seem quick to cite but slow to understand successful global healthcare models. For example, the Nordic maternity outcomes – amongst the best in the world – were not achieved through naming and shaming units or constant reorganisation. It was through boring and consistent work across political divides. Norway invested in continuity of care models where the same midwife plans tailored care and works with women through pregnancy, birth and postnatal care. This took years to implement and required significant restructuring. But they stuck with it through multiple governments because they agreed the evidence supported it, regardless of who proposed it.

Similarly, Finland’s maternity package system, also known as the ‘baby box’, introduced in 1938 and refined continuously since. Every pregnant woman receives a box containing essential items for their baby, but more importantly, they only get it if they engage with maternity care from early in gestation and attend regularly throughout the pregnancy. This simple intervention, sustained across eight decades and countless governments, helped Finland achieve one of the world’s lowest maternal and infant mortality rates.

More recent examples include New Zealand which restructured midwifery care in the 1990s to allow for autonomous midwifery practice which was controversial, took years to implement, and required sustained cross-party support. Or Estonia where maternity services were transformed after independence and the country now boasts better outcomes than the UK despite spending less per capita.

The key? Political consensus that maternity care programmes should transcend party politics. No incoming government scrapped them to make their mark. No opposition attacked them for political gain. They understood that consistency mattered more than credit.

The cross-party solution

Here’s what should really shame politicians. We’re not facing unique challenges. We’re not poorer than countries with better outcomes. We just refuse to learn from them and implement what works because it doesn’t fit our political culture.

What the NHS needs – and what many of my frontline colleagues advocate – is to take maternity services out of the political cycle altogether. Create a cross-party commission responsible for long-term strategy. Basic healthcare shouldn’t swing wildly based on electoral results.

This isn’t unprecedented. The Low Pay Commission, which sets minimum wage rates, operates across party lines with remarkable success. The Office for Budget Responsibility provides independent economic forecasting that all parties accept. The Committee on Climate Change shapes long-term environmental policy beyond electoral cycles.

A similar body for NHS maternity services could see politicians from all parties working together, advised directly by practising clinicians.

We need to move away from partisan politics and the pointless bureaucracy this promotes because this approach has not served us well.

Practical steps politicians could take tomorrow

If politicians genuinely want to improve maternity services rather than just appearing to, here’s what they could do immediately:

First, establish a cross-party agreement that maternity services are off-limits for political point-scoring and establish cross-party governance of the NHS with direct input from frontline clinicians.

Second, commit to ten-year minimum timescales for major reforms. If you’re restructuring teaching, training, teamwork, introducing clinical safety strategies that are fit for purpose, implementing effective staff management, and risk profiling patients properly, this will take decades to embed before results can be evaluated or processes altered purposefully.

Third, take advice from global healthcare models with better outcomes and check if this can be applied to the NHS model. Recognise that changes in practise can only be achieved through education and support, typically by senior colleagues in active practice not by directives e-mailed to shop floor staff sent by managers working from home.

Fourth, create ring-fenced funding streams for frontline maternity services that can’t be raided for managerial processes.

Fifth, recognise that change for the sake of change wastes resources and concentrate on implementing ones that are of proven value instead. Conversely, it is important to find the courage to abolish those that have not proven their worth.

Real political courage isn’t promising bereaved families that you’ll fix everything quickly. It’s admitting you can’t. It’s explaining that meaningful change takes decades, that you’re starting work others will finish, that you need their patience rather than their votes.

Politicians can either continue the current approach – theatrical debates, impossible promises, constant reorganisation – and watch maternity services deteriorate further. Or show genuine leadership by admitting the political system itself is part of the problem because it forces the service to be constantly re-organised in a way that is not necessarily beneficial to patients.

Families deserve better than political theatre and NHS maternity services don’t need more political promises. They need politicians with the humility to learn from others, the courage to commit to long-term solutions, and the integrity to put mothers’ and babies’ lives before their political careers.

The current approach isn’t just failing to improve maternity services, it’s actively preventing the implementation of strategies that could save lives. And that truly is a cause for national shame.

Dr Lorin Lakasing is an NHS consultant in obstetrics and fetal medicine. She draws on her 30 years of clinical experience in maternity care to give an insider’s view of the current worrying situation and its development, and suggests how we might move towards the safe, effective NHS maternity service that everyone deserves. Her latest book, ‘Delivering the truth: Why NHS maternity care is broken and how we can fix it together’ is about the stories behind the headlines.

For further information please visit www.lorinlakasing.com/publications.html

Jul 01
Love0
sunny girl

“The sun has got his hat on…”

By baby health, children's health, family, fun for children, Safety, Summer, sun safety
by Dr. Kasim Usmani, Dr Kas Clinics

As parents, most of us have had that moment. You are halfway out the door, already late, one child is refusing shoes, another is asking for snacks they definitely did not want five minutes ago – and somewhere in the chaos, you are trying to apply sunscreen to a wriggling child who seems personally offended by the entire process.

As both a doctor and a parent to a toddler myself, I can confidently say that sunscreen application is rarely the calm, picture-perfect moment it’s made out to be. More often, it is a rushed patchwork effort done in the hallway while negotiating about hats and chasing tiny feet around the house.

And honestly –  that is exactly why so many families unintentionally get sun protection wrong.

When we think about protecting children from the sun, many of us still associate it with beach holidays abroad or the occasional UK heat wave. But one of the biggest misconceptions I see – both in clinic and among friends with children – is the idea that sunscreen only matters when it is ‘really hot.’

In reality, UV rays are present even on cloudy days, particularly during spring and summer in the UK. You may not feel heat on your skin, but UV exposure is still happening. British weather can be wonderfully deceptive like that. I think many parents assume if the sun is hiding behind clouds, we are probably safe to skip the SPF. Most of the time, we are not.

Children’s skin is naturally thinner and more delicate than adult skin, which means it burns more easily. And whilst nobody wants to catastrophise sunshine – children absolutely should be outdoors, playing, exploring and enjoying themselves – we do know that repeated sunburn in childhood contributes to long-term skin damage later in life.

The reassuring part is that good sun protection does not have to mean perfection. It is usually the small, consistent habits that make the biggest difference.

One thing that surprises parents is how much sunscreen children actually need. Most of us simply are not applying enough. Studies consistently show that people typically apply only a quarter to half of the amount needed to achieve the SPF written on the bottle. So that SPF 50 you carefully bought may not truly be giving SPF 50 protection in real life.

And I completely understand why. When your toddler is trying to sprint naked into the garden before you have even managed one arm, the temptation to do a quick swipe across the cheeks and hope for the best is very real.

But sunscreen needs to be applied generously. I often tell parents that if it feels like you have used ‘quite a lot,’ you are probably finally close to the correct amount. We tend to rub products in too thinly, particularly on children because we are trying to get it done quickly before they lose patience entirely.

The areas parents miss are almost always the same: ears, the back of the neck, tops of feet, hands and around the hairline. Ironically, these are also the places most likely to catch the sun. And then there is the classic ‘one-and-done’ approach – applying sunscreen once in the morning and assuming that is enough for the entire day. In reality, sunscreen should ideally be reapplied every two hours, particularly after swimming, sweating or towel drying.

Parents also ask me constantly whether SPF 30 is ‘good enough,’ or whether children should always wear SPF 50.

Scientifically, both provide excellent protection when used properly. SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks around 98%. The difference sounds surprisingly small because technically, it is. But in real-world parenting – where nobody applies sunscreen perfectly and children wipe half of it off within minutes – SPF 50 gives us a little more room for error. For younger children or those with fair or sensitive skin, I generally recommend SPF 50 for that reason.

One topic that has become increasingly common among parents is concern over sunscreen ingredients. I hear this a lot in clinic and from fellow parents: “Are there harmful chemicals in SPF?” or “Is sunscreen actually safe for children?”

I think social media has fuelled a lot of anxiety around this topic, often without proper context. The reality is that approved sunscreens sold in the UK and Europe go through extensive safety testing. Some chemical UV filters have been questioned online because tiny amounts can be absorbed into the bloodstream, but importantly, absorption does not automatically mean harm. At present, there is no robust evidence showing approved sunscreen ingredients are dangerous when used as intended.

In medicine, we always weigh risk against benefit. And the evidence we do have linking UV damage and sunburn to skin cancer and premature skin ageing is extremely strong.

That said, I completely understand why some parents prefer more gentle formulations for young children. If ingredient concerns are worrying you, mineral sunscreens – often containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide – can be a great option. These sit on top of the skin and physically reflect UV rays rather than absorbing them. They are often well tolerated by sensitive or eczema-prone skin too.

But I would gently caution parents against becoming so frightened of sunscreen ingredients that they stop using SPF altogether. In my opinion, that is where misinformation can become genuinely unhelpful.

I also think parents can feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of sunscreen options available now. Mineral, chemical, lotions, sprays, sticks, sensitive formulas – it can feel like choosing a mortgage. My advice is always refreshingly simple: the best sunscreen is the one your child will tolerate and the one you will realistically use consistently.

If your child screams every time you bring out a thick white cream but happily accepts a lightweight spray, use the spray. If a stick sunscreen helps you quickly cover cheeks and noses during a park trip, brilliant. Parenting is hard enough without chasing some imaginary ‘perfect’ sunscreen routine.

For busy families, practical habits tend to work best. Keep sunscreen by the front door or in the changing bag so it becomes part of leaving the house rather than an afterthought. Apply it before clothes go on where possible – particularly with younger children, because once shoes are on, cooperation usually disappears. Hats, sunglasses, shaded play and lightweight clothing all help too, and often provide more reliable protection than sunscreen alone.

Most importantly, I think we need to remove some of the guilt surrounding this topic. No parent gets it right every single day. I certainly do not. There are mornings I forget the hat, afternoons I realise I missed the tops of the feet, and days where the whole thing feels unnecessarily chaotic.

But children do not need perfect parents. They need consistent habits, realistic routines and adults who are trying their best.

And perhaps the most powerful thing of all is that our children are watching us. When they see us applying SPF, wearing sunglasses or seeking shade on very sunny days, those behaviours quietly become normal to them too.

Sun safety should not feel frightening or complicated. It is simply one small part of caring for our children – woven into the wonderfully imperfect reality of family life.

For further information from Dr. Kasim Usmani, owner of private medical and aesthetics clinics, Dr Kas Clinics based in Surrey, please visit www.drkasim.co.uk

Mar 02
Love0

Supporting children’s seasonal allergies

By baby health, children's health, Health
by Ben Murray
Dukes Education Group Ltd

Helping little ones breathe easier during the changing seasons

For many families, spring and summer bring lighter evenings, outdoor play and family adventures. But for some young children, these seasons also introduce sneezing, itchy eyes and unsettled sleep. Seasonal allergies, often referred to as hay fever, are increasingly common in early childhood, and while they are more frequently diagnosed in older children, babies and toddlers can experience symptoms too.

For parents of children aged under five, recognising the signs early and knowing how to support your child both at home and in their early years setting can make a significant difference to their comfort, wellbeing and ability to enjoy daily activities.

What are seasonal allergies in young children?
Seasonal allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to airborne allergens such as pollen from grass, trees or weeds. In young children, symptoms can sometimes look different from those seen in adults and may include:
• A constantly runny or blocked nose.
• Frequent sneezing.
• Red, itchy or watery eyes.
• Irritated skin or eczema flare-ups.
• Coughing, particularly at night.
• Increased tiredness or irritability.

Because colds are common in the early years, allergies can easily be mistaken for repeated infections. One helpful clue is duration – allergy symptoms tend to persist for weeks and may worsen outdoors or at specific times of year.

Why early support matters
Under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children’s health and wellbeing are central to their learning and development. When a child is uncomfortable or struggling to sleep due to allergies, it can affect their mood, appetite, concentration and enjoyment of play.

Supporting allergies effectively is not just about symptom relief – it helps children feel safe, settled and able to engage fully with their environment. It also supports the development of healthy self-awareness as children begin to recognise and communicate how they are feeling.

Practical ways parents can help at home
There are many simple, evidence-informed steps parents can take to reduce allergen exposure and ease symptoms:
• Check pollen forecasts and plan outdoor activities for times when levels are lower, such as early morning or after rainfall.
• Change clothes and wash hands and faces after outdoor play to reduce pollen being brought indoors.
• Keep windows closed in bedrooms during high pollen periods, especially at night.
• Maintain good sleep routines, as tiredness can worsen allergy symptoms.
• Speak to a pharmacist or GP before giving any allergy medication to young children, particularly under the age of five.
• For babies and toddlers who cannot yet describe how they feel, observing changes in behaviour, sleep or feeding can help parents identify when allergies may be affecting them.

Supporting allergies in Early Years settings
In high-quality Early Years provision, supporting children with allergies is part of a broader commitment to inclusive, responsive care. At our nurseries, we work closely with families to ensure every child’s individual needs are understood and supported.

Our approach includes:
• Clear allergy information sharing: Parents provide detailed health information on enrolment, including known or suspected allergies. This information is regularly reviewed and updated.
• Individual care plans: Where a child has diagnosed allergies, we work with parents and health professionals to create a tailored care plan, ensuring consistent support across the day.
• Staff training: Our teams receive regular training on recognising allergy symptoms, administering medication where appropriate, and responding calmly and confidently to children’s needs.
• Environmental awareness: We carefully plan outdoor play, balancing the benefits of fresh air and physical activity with awareness of pollen levels and children’s sensitivities.
• Communication with families: Ongoing, open communication ensures parents know how their child has been during the day and can share any changes in symptoms or treatment.

Importantly, we approach allergy management in a calm, reassuring way, helping children feel secure rather than anxious about their symptoms.

Helping children build resilience and awareness
Even at a young age, children can begin to understand their bodies. Simple, age-appropriate language such as “Your eyes feel itchy today, so we’re going to help them feel better” supports emotional development and self-confidence.

Encouraging children to wash hands, blow noses gently (when developmentally appropriate), and rest when needed builds early self-care skills. These small routines align closely with EYFS principles of promoting independence and wellbeing.

Working together for children’s wellbeing
Seasonal allergies can be challenging, but with the right support, children can continue to enjoy exploring, learning and playing throughout the year. When parents and Early Years providers work in partnership, sharing information and best practise, children benefit from consistent, nurturing care wherever they are.

By staying informed, responsive and child-centred, we can ensure that even during peak allergy seasons, our youngest children feel comfortable, supported and free to thrive.

Dukes Education Group run both Hove Village and Reflections Nursery and Forest School in Sussex.
To discuss opportunities at Hove Village please call 01273 037449 or visit www.hovevillage.com
To discuss opportunities at Reflections Nursery please call 01903 251518 or visit www.reflectionsnurseries.co.uk

Dukes Education Group run both Riverside Nursery Schools and The Kindergartens in Surrey/London.
To discuss opportunities at Riverside Nursery Schools please call 020 3475 0455 or visit www.riversidenurseryschools.com
To discuss opportunities at The Kindergartens please call 020 7326 8765 or visit www.thekindergartens.com

Nov 18
Love0
toilet training

Why toilet training a year earlier is an urgent issue

By baby health, Childcare and Nannying, children's health, Health, special educational needs, Wellbeing

Toilet training children a year earlier could solve a host of issues in the education and health service and improve children’s overall health and wellbeing – so why aren’t policymakers pushing forward measures to support families doing it sooner?

ERIC, The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity, with support from Kindred Squared and Jodie Gosling MP, recently hosted a Parliamentary roundtable discussion bringing together key stakeholders in early years, education and children’s health and social care, to discuss the huge impact delayed toilet training is having on children’s lives. The discussion centered around the significant opportunities that exist to improve children’s health, social care, education and wellbeing by toilet training earlier.

The charity is pushing for clear guidance around toilet training, greater benchmarking of children’s progress, and standardised training for professionals supporting families in early years (including health visitors and early years practitioners).

Over the last two generations, the average age that children are being toilet trained in the UK has risen from 12-18 months, to an average of around three or even four years today. Later toilet training increases the risk of developing wetting and soiling issues later and also prevents the early identification of bladder and bowel problems.

The impact is profound across education, health and social care:
• A staggering 1 in 4 children start school still not toilet trained.
• 90% of teachers have at least one child in their class who is not fully toilet trained.
• On average 2.4 hours of teacher time is lost every day supporting children who are not school ready to catch up – directly affecting educational outcomes for all children in the class and hampering the Government’s mission to ensure children start school ready to learn.
• Hospital admissions for childhood constipation (which can be exacerbated by delayed toilet training) have increased by 60% over the past decade (over 44,000 children last year).

The charity argues that if children were toilet trained a year earlier, it would improve outcomes for children, save children’s health and education services time and money, and reduce the environmental impact of nappies going to landfill. The potential positive impacts are significant:
• Reduce the social and emotional impact of delayed toilet training on the child: Two thirds of teachers (65%) and 58% of parents agree that not being ready for school when starting Reception could have long term impacts on a child’s success in later life. Ensuring they are toilet trained well in advance of starting school means they’re less likely to feel embarrassed or be ostracized from their peers, which can have a profound effect on their early days in school.
• Better education: If they didn’t have to deal with children who weren’t toilet trained, teachers could save up to 456 hours – that’s around 10 days of extra teaching time they could spend focusing on improving children’s education over the academic year.
• Better health: There is a link between delayed toilet training and childhood constipation. Currently 1 in 3 children suffer from constipation. In a single year, the NHS spent £168 million treating constipation.
By preventing a number of children from suffering from this, it could also save the NHS a significant amount. The cost of treating constipation is equivalent to funding 7304 newly qualified nurses for a year.
• Better for the environment: It’s estimated that the average child uses between 4,000 and 6,000 disposable nappies before they are toilet trained, and the UK disposes of around 3bn disposable nappies annually. If every child was toilet trained one year earlier, we could save between 5.3bn – 7.1bn nappies from going to landfill.
• Cost savings for parents: Parents in the UK can expect to spend approximately £1,000 on disposable nappies per child from birth to toilet training. This translates to about £400 per year for disposable nappies. So by toilet training earlier, they could save themselves up to £400 – that’s equivalent to about two weeks of nursery fees in some parts of the country, or perhaps a UK family holiday.

Siân Wicks, CEO of ERIC, The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity said: “ERIC calls for children to be toilet trained a year earlier. We have reviewed the evidence base, examined the impact on the child and family that delayed toilet training has. It is time to reduce the stigma. It is essential that we raise the profile of this debate. We are calling for clear national guidance, both for families and professionals, particularly for those who support children in early years.There has been clear guidance on issues like breastfeeding and sleep, but not on toilet training; yet, as we’ve seen, this is causing a host of issues that are costing families, society and the government dearly. There needs to be a greater sense of collective responsibility for children’s bowel and bladder health, and all stakeholders across government, children’s health, education and social care need to work together to support families to reach this milestone sooner.”

Felicity Gillespie, Director of Kindred Squared said: “Our research shows that parents are keen for clear, simple and evidence-backed advice. That’s why we’ve worked with the early years sector to produce startingreception.co.uk. The medical evidence is clear; unless there is a diagnosed medical need, children are best served by being out of nappies between 18 and 30 months. We welcome Eric’s efforts to spread this information as widely as possible!”

Jodie Gosling, MP, said: “Too many children are starting school feeling anxious, isolated, or even ashamed – simply because they haven’t been supported to reach a basic developmental milestone: being toilet trained. The removal of Sure Start provision has left families without the necessary infrastructure to learn and thrive. This isn’t just about nappies. It’s about dignity. It’s about confidence. And it’s about giving every child the best possible start in life. We’ve heard today how delayed toilet training is affecting not just individual children, but their families, entire classrooms, our NHS, and our environment. The evidence is clear – and the cost of inaction is too high. This is an issue that requires urgent, coordinated action. We need clear national guidance, better training for early years professionals, and a shared commitment across government to support families in reaching this milestone sooner. Because when we help children thrive from the very beginning, we all benefit.”

Alison Morton, CEO of Institute of Health Visiting, said: “Gaining mastery of your own bladder and bowel function is an important milestone in a child’s development. However, toileting practices and advice have changed over the years, and are heavily impacted by marketing tactics to delay toileting and prolong the use of nappies under the guise of ‘waiting until children are ready’. This has a human, financial and environmental cost. I encourage all professionals to maintain high expectations for the ability of all children, including those with disabilities, to achieve the skills for toileting. Unnecessary delays and low expectations are limiting children’s life chances and can have lifelong consequences. Getting this right is not really a choice, it is fundamental for children’s dignity, safety and quality of life”.

For further information please visit www.eric.org.uk

Nov 18
Love0

The silent sugar surge – and how parents can help their children eat smarter

By baby health, Education, Exercise, family, Food & Eating
by Monica Price
Nutritional Therapist

Being a parent can be full of challenges – especially when you have to start navigating food for your children. When you step into any supermarket you’ll be surrounded by brightly packaged snacks, ‘low sugar’ yogurts, cartoon-covered cereal boxes, and juice pouches that claim to be ‘healthy’ or ‘natural’. But behind the clever marketing lies a harsh truth because many of these convenience foods are packed with hidden sugars and they’re contributing to a worrying trend of the rise in childhood obesity and early years health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and even liver problems.

Sugar isn’t just in sweets. It hides in cereals, granola bars, yogurt, flavoured water and juice, pasta sauces, ketchup, snack packs and shop bought ready-made meals.

Many of these foods are marketed to look like the healthy choice – but even a ‘no added sugar’ fruit snack can have as much sugar as a small chocolate bar.

The UK NHS recommends no more than 19g (about five teaspoons) of free sugars per day for children aged four to six. Some popular children’s yogurts contain more than that in one pot.

So what can you do?
Making healthy food choices for your child doesn’t have to mean cutting out all treats or spending hours in the kitchen.

It’s about education, awareness of food and making small changes to their diet that make a big difference over time.

My top five tips are:
1. Learn to read food labels together
Turn your shopping trip into a mini scavenger hunt – teach your child to spot sugar on labels. It hides under many names, including:
• Glucose
• Fructose
• Corn syrup
• Honey
• Fruit juice concentrate

Aim for foods with less than 5g of sugar per 100g for everyday choices.

Top Tip: If sugar is listed in the first three ingredients – it’s a red flag so avoid it.

2. Reduce sugary snacks
Total sugar bans can lead to obsession or secret snacking for a child so instead:
• Save sugary treats for special occasions, like birthdays or weekends
• Offer fruits, nuts, cheese, or oatcakes as after-school snacks
• Use words to explain to your child so they can understand.

Children learn by repetition and routine. The more you offer better options, the more likely they’ll get used to them.

3. Cook together and talk about food
Children are far more likely to try something if they have helped make it.
• Get them to wash vegetables, stir sauces, or choose toppings
• Talk about where food comes from – what grows in the ground, what animals produce and how it ends up on their plate
• Try growing herbs, tomatoes or lettuce at home or in a pot on a windowsill

This helps them connect food with health and gives them ownership over their choices.

4. Offer variety without pressure
We often fall into the habit of rotating the same four or five meals and snacks our children claim they like, but start to introduce different foods to encourage a healthy gut, stronger immunity and lower sugar cravings.

Don’t stress if your child doesn’t take to a new food right away. It can sometimes take up to 10 -15 tries before a child accepts something new.

Top Tip: Put new foods next to familiar ones instead of replacing them. A few slices of raw pepper beside their usual sandwich for example.

5. Choose water first
Juice, squash and fizzy drinks are the biggest sources of unnecessary sugar for children.

Even 100% fruit juice, while natural, is high in sugar and lacks the fibre whole fruit offers.
• Make water the default drink
• Try adding fresh fruit, cucumber, or mint for natural flavour
• Save juices and fizzy drinks for occasional treats – not as a daily habit.

Remember you are not alone – it’s OK if your child doesn’t eat kale or quinoa – what matters is that you are teaching them to understand what healthy food is, to empower them as they grow older to make informed choices.

You are then setting the stage for life long healthy eating habits – and that is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your child.

Monica Price is a qualified Nutritional Therapist, Writer and Broadcaster. She is the go-to expert for health and wellbeing on national television and radio stations across the UK.

www.monica-price.co.uk

 

Aug 08
Love0
sleeping baby SIDS

Summer safe sleep tips

By baby health, Childcare and Nannying, Health, Safety, sleep
by Isabel Kaye
Norland Nanny

As temperatures rise in the summer, parents need to take extra steps to keep their babies safe and comfortable during sleep. Overheating is a significant risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and young babies cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as adults. Here, we provide essential tips on ensuring your baby sleeps safely and comfortably in the warmer months, covering everything from room temperature to sleepwear choices.

1. Keep the room at an optimal temperature
Maintaining the right room temperature is one of the most important steps for safe sleep. Experts recommend that a baby’s sleep environment be kept between 68-72°F (20-22°C). This range helps prevent overheating, which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS.

Here are some ways to keep the nursery cool:
• Use fans or air conditioners: To keep the air circulating, a fan or air conditioner can be a helpful addition. Ensure that the fan is not blowing directly on the baby, but is angled to create a general breeze around the room. If using an air conditioner, be careful not to make the room too cold.
• Open windows for natural ventilation: If the weather allows, open a window to let in a cool breeze. However, make sure that the crib is away from any open windows, and that the baby cannot reach blinds or curtains.
• Monitor temperature with a thermometer: Use a room thermometer to ensure that the temperature remains in the safe range, especially at night when it may fluctuate.

2. Dress the baby in lightweight, breathable clothing
The choice of sleepwear is crucial for keeping a baby comfortable. Overdressing or bundling a baby too tightly can lead to overheating, so it’s best to keep clothing light and breathable:
• Choose natural fabrics: Natural, breathable materials like cotton or bamboo are ideal for baby sleepwear. These materials are soft on the skin and allow air to flow, which helps with temperature regulation.
• Avoid over-bundling: In warmer months, a single-layer cotton onesie or a light sleep sack designed for summer may be all a baby needs. Avoid heavy pyjamas or fleece, as these materials can trap heat.
• Consider a sleeveless sleep sack: If your baby uses a sleep sack, consider switching to a sleeveless, lightweight one for summer. This provides some coverage without causing overheating.

3. Skip all blankets and pillows
The American Academy of Paediatrics(AAP) recommends keeping the crib as bare as possible for safety reasons, especially during warmer months. Blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals can not only contribute to overheating but also increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS. Here’s how to make the crib as safe as possible:
• Use a light crib sheet: Choose a fitted crib sheet made from breathable fabric, like cotton. Avoid using heavy or quilted mattress protectors, which can trap heat.
• Avoid loose blankets: Instead of a blanket, use a sleep sack if your baby needs a little extra warmth. This will keep them safely covered without the risk of becoming entangled or covering their face.
• Skip pillows and bumpers: Pillows, crib bumpers and stuffed animals are not recommended, as they pose both suffocation and overheating risks.

4. Always place your baby on their back
Regardless of the season, placing a baby on their back to sleep is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of SIDS. This position helps keep the baby’s airway clear and reduces the likelihood of breathing difficulties. To maintain this position:
• Lay baby flat on their back: Always start sleep time with the baby lying flat on their back on a firm mattress. Avoid placing your baby on their stomach or side, as these positions increase the risk of accidental suffocation.
• Use a firm mattress: Make sure the crib mattress is firm and covered only by a fitted sheet. Soft mattresses, bedding, or materials in the crib can create air pockets and raise the risk of overheating.

5. Monitor for signs of overheating
Babies can overheat quickly in warm environments, so it’s essential to watch for signs that they’re too warm. Common signs of overheating include:
• Sweat on the neck or forehead: If you notice dampness on your baby’s neck or forehead, it could be a sign that they’re too warm. Try removing a layer of clothing or adjusting the room temperature.
• Red or flushed cheeks: Red cheeks and damp hair can also indicate overheating. Adjust the baby’s sleep environment by removing excess blankets, using a fan to circulate air or dressing them in lighter sleepwear.

6. When your baby is overheating, there are certain things you should avoid to ensure their safety and comfort
• Do not use ice packs or cold compresses: Applying something very cold to your baby’s skin can cause shock and be too intense for them. Instead, focus on gradually cooling them down by removing layers or moving to a cooler area.
• Avoid cold water baths: A sudden drop in temperature could cause discomfort or even hypothermia. If needed, use lukewarm water for a gentle cooling effect.
• Do not overdress: Adding more layers or heavy blankets can worsen overheating. Stick to lightweight, breathable clothing and minimal layers until they cool down.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Do not keep your baby in direct sunlight, especially during peak hours, as this can quickly lead to overheating. Use shaded areas or protective covers if you’re outside.
• Do not ignore symptoms: Overheating can be serious. If your baby shows persistent symptoms or seems excessively drowsy, lethargic, or difficult to wake, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional immediately.
• Avoid overusing fans or air conditioning: While airflow is helpful, blasting cold air directly at your baby can be too harsh. Instead, ensure that the room is comfortably cool without exposing them to strong drafts.

Taking these precautions can help you cool your baby down safely if they’re too warm.

Isabel Kaye is an experienced nanny sharing daily tips, activities and child development insights on Instagram. Please reach out if you’re looking for parental advice and she’ll be happy to help Instagram name – tiny.team.adventures

 

Mar 04
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happy child eating

The importance of early years nutrition in nurseries

By baby health, children's health, Food & Eating
by Ben Murray
Dukes Education Group Ltd

A key factor in healthier living amidst the cost of living crisis

As families across the globe grapple with the rising costs of living, including soaring food prices, the importance of healthy nutrition for young children has never been more crucial. For parents seeking a nursery place for their little ones, it’s easy to focus on factors like location, fees or availability of educational activities. However, one of the most vital components of early childhood development that often goes overlooked is nutrition.

Good nutrition in the early years sets the foundation for lifelong health, cognitive development and emotional wellbeing. This makes it essential for parents to prioritise nurseries that provide high-quality, nutritious meals and snacks for the children in their care. Not only does this support their children’s physical health, but it also lays the groundwork for long-term benefits that extend far beyond the nursery years. In the context of an ongoing cost of living crisis, where every household decision can feel like a balancing act, ensuring that children receive proper nourishment during these formative years is a wise investment.

Early years nutrition – the foundation of health
Nutrition plays an incredibly important role in the development of a child’s brain and body, particularly during the first five years. This is a period of rapid growth, when the brain forms billions of new neural connections that will shape a child’s abilities, learning and behaviour for years to come. Good nutrition can enhance cognitive function, improve memory and increase the ability to focus – skills that will benefit children throughout their academic lives. On the other hand, poor nutrition during this critical window can lead to developmental delays, behavioural issues and long-term health problems.

For young children, a balanced diet is especially crucial. The right mix of carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals helps fuel their growing bodies and minds. Studies have shown that poor early nutrition can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes and other chronic conditions later in life. Additionally, a lack of certain key nutrients – such as iron, calcium or omega-3 fatty acids – can affect everything from the immune system to bone health, all of which are essential for a child’s development.

Nurseries as gatekeepers to healthy eating
For many families, nurseries are the primary place where children receive most of their meals. In fact, nurseries provide a valuable opportunity to expose children to healthy food choices early in life. However, not all nurseries are created equal when it comes to food offerings, and with the pressure of a cost of living crisis weighing heavily on many households, the need for nurseries to prioritise nutrition has never been more urgent.

Parents may not always have the time or resources to prepare fresh, balanced meals at home every day, especially when juggling work, household duties and other responsibilities. When looking for a nursery, it’s essential for parents to ask about the food provided, how it is prepared and whether it meets recommended guidelines for nutrition. High-quality nurseries should adhere to nutritional standards that promote children’s health and wellbeing and many will have policies in place to ensure that meals are balanced, varied and age-appropriate.

In fact, several organisations, including the NHS and Public Health England, have established guidelines for nursery meal planning, outlining appropriate portion sizes, the inclusion of food groups and the importance of variety. A nursery committed to early years nutrition should be transparent about how it meets these standards. This means offering fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy options while limiting processed foods, sugary snacks and foods high in salt and unhealthy fats.

Nutritious food and cost efficiency
Amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis, many families are looking for ways to reduce household expenditures without compromising the health of their children. The food provided by nurseries can be a hidden blessing in this regard. By offering nutritious meals on-site, nurseries can relieve the financial burden of having to provide and prepare healthy food every day. This is particularly important for parents who may be struggling to afford fresh produce, lean proteins or other staples of a balanced diet.

In many cases, nurseries that prioritise nutrition are able to source food in bulk, which can bring down the cost of meals. Additionally, well-run nurseries may even work with local food cooperatives or farms to secure fresh, seasonal produce at reduced prices. The result is that children can receive nourishing, locally sourced meals at a fraction of what parents might spend if they were preparing the same meals at home.

Moreover, good nutrition is often linked with fewer health issues. Children who eat balanced meals are less likely to miss time from nursery due to illness, which can further reduce the financial strain on families. Investing in high-quality early years nutrition may seem like a luxury, but it can actually save money in the long run by promoting better health outcomes and reducing the need for sick days or medical appointments.

Social and emotional benefits of nutritious meals
Nutrition also plays a significant role in a child’s social and emotional development. Children who eat well are more likely to have stable moods and energy levels throughout the day, which is vital for learning, play and interaction with peers. A balanced diet can help stabilise blood sugar levels, prevent mood swings and enhance emotional regulation.

For children in nursery settings, sharing mealtimes with peers is also a valuable opportunity to learn social skills. Nurseries that provide nutritious meals often foster a positive eating environment where children learn to enjoy a variety of foods, develop good table manners and experience the joy of eating together. This experience can create lasting memories and encourage lifelong healthy eating habits.

A wise investment for the future
As parents seek the best nursery options for their children, the importance of early years nutrition cannot be overstated. In a world where economic pressures are rising and every household decision carries weight, ensuring that children receive nourishing, balanced meals is a crucial step toward fostering healthier, happier lives. Nurseries that prioritise good nutrition not only promote physical health and cognitive development but also provide emotional and social benefits that will serve children well into adulthood.

By taking the time to evaluate the quality of food offered by nurseries and asking the right questions, parents can make an informed decision that ensures their child’s nutritional needs are met. In the context of the ongoing cost of living crisis, choosing a nursery that provides nutritious, cost-effective meals could be one of the most impactful decisions a parent makes for their child’s future. Ultimately, investing in early years nutrition is an investment in a child’s long-term health, development and happiness.

Dukes Education Group run both Hove Village and Reflections Nursery and Forest School in Sussex. To discuss opportunities at Hove Village please call 01273 037449 or visit www.hovevillage.com To discuss opportunities at Reflections Nursery please call 01903 251518 or visit www.reflectionsnurseries.co.uk

Dukes Education Group run both Riverside Nursery Schools and The Kindergartens in Surrey/London. To discuss opportunities at Riverside Nursery Schools please call 020 3475 0455 or visit www.riversidenurseryschools.com To discuss opportunities at The Kindergartens please call 020 7326 8765 or visit www.thekindergartens.com

Nov 06
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doula and baby

Doulas – what are they and what benefits do they bring?

By baby health, Childcare and Nannying, Early Years, family
by Jo Slade
Birth and postnatal doula

Imagine being able to look forward to your birth without fear. Or enter motherhood and family life feeling calm and supported. This is exactly what a doula can help you with! In a time where it is so important to seek your own education around pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal care, a doula can be beside you every step of the way.

A birth doula
A birth doula is a non-medical professional, trained to provide support to women and families throughout pregnancy and birth. They will get to know you during your pregnancy, and can provide evidence-based information and antenatal education about what to expect from labour and birth, as well as being on-call to join you when you give birth – whether at home, in hospital or at a birth centre – to provide non-judgemental, practical, and emotional support.

They can be instead of, or in addition to, a birth partner. Someone who is there for you (both), who knows you and what’s important to you, and can give you the confidence to look forward to, plan, and advocate for the birth you want – whether you are aiming for a completely natural experience, a planned caesarean, or something in between!

Studies show that the continuity of care and support that doulas provide can lead to:
• Decreased likelihood of a caesarean or instrumental delivery.
• Increased likelihood of a shorter labour.
• Decrease in use of pain medication.
• Increased likelihood of feeling positive about your experience.
• Decreased likelihood of feeding issues.

A doula can be a great choice for first time mothers and parents – helping to settle nerves and talk about the unknown, but also for subsequent parents, who maybe didn’t have the best experience of birth or the postnatal period the first time around and want to feel more informed and supported going forward.

The average price of a birth doula ranges from £500 to £2000. This depends on your area, the different services offered and the level of experience of the doula.

A postnatal doula
A postnatal doula is professionally trained to provide support to women and families following the birth of their baby. The postnatal period should be a time to slow things down, take time to recover and enjoy your new baby, and although wonderful, it can sometimes feel overwhelming, as it’s all so new!

A doula will visit you at home, support you with adjustment to life with a new baby and give you the confidence to find your own way of mothering and parenting. They can help with:
• Breastfeeding and feeding.
• Holding your newborn so you can rest or have a bath.
• Hearing and chatting about your birth story.
• Light housework.
• Preparing nourishing meals.
• Entertaining older siblings.
• Walking the dog!

The importance of feeling supported and cared for in what is sometimes known as the fourth trimester should never be underestimated – it can have a substantial impact on your health and happiness going forward.

A postnatal doula usually charges by the hour, with a minimum number of hours booked. Hourly rates can range between £15 and £30.

There are birth and postnatal doulas, and many that provide both services. Most doulas offer an initial meeting, either in person or via Zoom, to see whether you are suited to each other, and they will expect you to be meeting with other doulas before you make your decision.

Some reputable online directories you can visit to find a trained doula in your area are:
• The Doula Directory
• Doula UK
• Find My Doula

Investing – time, energy and money – into one of the most important days of your life, and the months following, is a powerful acknowledgement that you are worthy of support.

However, if cost is a prohibitive factor, there may be some funds available. For example, the Doula UK access fund and Doulas Without Borders.

Jo Slade is a birth and postnatal doula. She lives in Brighton and provides doula support to families in many locations across East and West Sussex. For enquiries or to find out more, you can visit her website www.thedoulajoslade.co.uk email: jo@thedoulajoslade.co.uk or call her on 07779 457640

 

Nov 03
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family food in kitchen

Food for thought

By baby health, Food & Eating

by Sally-Ann Makin
Potter’s Houses Nursery settings and Makin Connections – Family Consultancy

Growing up I had a very tricky relationship with food. It still isn’t great now but I’m aware of it and I know my mind and body well enough to know when I’m making poor choices. I grew up in the midst of “There are starving children around the world” and a wooden spoon punishment if you didn’t finish your dinner. Many people my age had the exact same consequences to not eating. Sadly, it was the norm.

We know better now but I find many parents and practitioners that I meet through the nursery still use threats and negative language at mealtimes with children and I’m curious as to why I can’t seem to find any training on the adverse affects of the ‘sandwiches first’ attitude. Speaking to another parent Jamie-Leigh Nicholls, a child nutrition enthusiast, confirmed there was very little coverage on this – so here we are.

My relationship with food was something I never even acknowledged was a problem until I started a job as a nanny for a wonderful family and my employer just happened to be Dr Anna from ITV’s This Morning. At that time she wasn’t yet doing TV but she was still very much a Clinical Psychologist, primarily for children with eating disorders. I’d never even considered children would suffer from eating disorders but sadly it’s happening all around the world and some of the causes and issues stem from the language and attitude parents have towards food. Anna taught me to think differently when addressing my eating habits and slowly I began to find other coping mechanisms for anxiety than controlling myself with food.

I contact Anna for all manner of advice and regardless of how busy she is, she consistently makes time to support me because she is so incredibly passionate about children accessing a naturally healthy lifestyle. Some things I have learned from Dr Anna are: Children need to SEE us eating healthily and HEAR us speaking positively about food, they need to have access to a wide range of options and they need to be involved with preparing meals and see that cooking and eating can be so much fun. They need us to model healthy eating habits – children naturally mimic what they see us do and say, so showing them that you make good choices with food will encourage them to do the same. “Inconvenient truth” says Anna on her platform, “You can’t make your kids eat. You can’t force them to love fruit and vegetables and relish fruit. All you can do is model a good relationship with food, create an environment where food and eating are stress free, and meals are times of happiness, connection and bonding. The rest will come.”

Anna speaks about the deprivation effect on her Instagram – the deprivation effect is one of the main causes of cravings leading to eating disorders. Because you want what you can’t have, removing certain foods from your diet or your child’s diet has the opposite affect and instead of disallowing ‘bad’ foods, it encourages impulsive eating. An example of this is saying ‘no more sweets’ to yourself and to them.

Using food as a reward can be really detrimental to a child’s thoughts surrounding food and choices. Rewarding them with sweet treats for good behaviour, even rewarding ourselves with a glass of something at the end of a hard day, gives food moral value and makes us use food and drink to manage our emotions which was my issue and can be quite harmful. Children who grow up linking food with behaviour become adults who reward or punish themselves with food.

I think what we need to really be thinking about is our language towards food during family mealtimes. There is no such thing as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ food and labelling foods as ‘negative’ or ‘positive’ can give children a complex about their behaviour if they eat it.

In educational settings, hearing staff tell children to eat sandwiches first because they need the ‘good’ food before they are allowed to eat the ‘bad’ food can confuse children and cause them to question why their parent would give them ‘bad’ food. Allowing children a variety of foods to choose from and empowering them to make good choices promotes a healthier lifestyle for them and also inspire them to take a deeper interest in food and cooking. When this is then passed on through the generations, it can only be a wonderful thing. Surely better than passing the wooden spoon baton, right?

Jamie-Leigh says “We have an opportunity to create a generation of children and young people who have an amazing relationship with food.” She’s right; it is our duty as parents and practitioners to educate ourselves on the psychology behind how our thoughts and feelings towards food develop and not pass on the poor habits from our own upbringing.

If this has given you food for thought, do the research online, follow Dr Anna Colton on Instagram, talk to your friends and your parents and give some time to learning about the connection between our brain and our body and how we can support our children to be as healthy as possible.

Sally-Ann runs Makin Connections, Garden of Eden Preschool, Potters House Preschool and Blossom and Bloom Day Nursery.
For more information please contact her at sallyann@makinconnections.co.uk or call 07939 620934

 

Jul 02
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homeopathy for children

Why think homeopathy for your family?

By baby health, children's health, Health, Wellbeing
by Ann Grain SDSH, R.Hom.Int.
Registered Homeopath

Being a parent can be the most rewarding and also the most worrying experience, especially when it comes to your children’s health and wellbeing. No parent wants to see their child in pain or suffering. But instead of automatically contacting your GP surgery, how about also considering an alternative?

Homeopathy is an alternative – it is a holistic system of medicine that uses highly diluted substances found in nature to trigger the body’s own healing abilities. As a medical system, it can provide useful support throughout the many stages of childhood.

Why choose homeopathy
There are many reasons why parents across the world choose this medicine for their family, including:
1. It’s safe
Remedies are highly diluted and therefore considered safe, making them suitable for youngsters who may be more sensitive to the potential side effects of conventional medicine.
2. It’s gentle
Homeopathy takes a gentle approach to healing. Babies often respond quickly to homeopathic treatment and these are easy to administer as drops.
3. It’s holistic
It treats the whole person rather than an organ or label.
4. It can be taken alongside conventional medication or as an alternative.

How does homeopathy work?
Homeopathy is highly individualised and as a functional medicine it comprehensively considers all aspects of your child’s health. It also seeks to focus on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease.

The homeopath’s task is to select a remedy/medicine which matches not only their physical symptoms, but also their emotional and mental characteristics. Each symptom may be one of many contributing to their complaint.

The remedy chosen by the practitioner is determined individually for each child in their specific situation; it is therefore not possible to say that a particular condition will always respond to a specific remedy.

Homeopathy is effective in dealing with a number of complaints – from symptoms of colic, teething, allergies, childhood infections, skin conditions to behavioural issues, tantrums – the list is endless.

A case study
A mother contacted me about her three year old son; he had now had a paroxysmal cough for more than four weeks – he couldn’t stop coughing at particular times of day and night. He was wheezing and he sounded breathless. The cough was keeping him awake and was causing him to vomit repeatedly. He was congested, couldn’t breathe through his nose. The medical advice was to take Paracetamol.

His specific symptoms and also his response to his specific symptoms (what made his symptoms better or worse) led me to one remedy. I gave him two doses and the message from his mother came back loud and clear – her son was no longer coughing at night, he sounded much better, no wheezing – “He was fine”.

What to expect
When you go to a homeopath, he or she will take your child’s case and will, from that, establish what the susceptibilities are, what stresses are most likely to bring about illnesses and what parts of your child’s body are weakest.

This better understanding of your children through homeopathy should further enhance your relationship with them and help you understand their vulnerabilities and how best to support them through difficult times.

The homeopath may also advise you to seek help from your GP if symptoms require further investigation, whilst continuing to provide complementary support with homeopathy.

As a parent, you want to provide your family with the foundation for a healthy and happy life. Homeopathy can play an instrumental part in supporting their growth and development – why not give it a go?

A brief history of homeopathy
The first known use of homeopathy-like treatment was by the Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, in the 5th century. The approach was then discovered by a German doctor, Dr Samuel Hahnemann, in the 1790s who was looking for a way to reduce the damaging side effects associated with the medical treatment of his day. In its present form homeopathy has been used worldwide for over 200 years.

Ann Grain SDSH, R.Hom.Int. is a registered Homeopath based in Horsham, West Sussex. www.thinkhomeopathy.co.uk
Email: ann@thinkhomeopathy.co.uk or call 07861 376 844.

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