Help shape services for babies and new parents: consultation launched

The aim of the review, launched by the Department of Health and Social Care in July, is to break down the barriers that can impact on early years development and level up the opportunities given to every newborn. It will focus on improving the support available to babies and their families in the period from conception to age two, often referred to as the 1,001 critical days.

To help shape the review, consultation responses from new parents, health service professionals, charities, volunteer groups and university staff and students can be submitted.

Commenting on the consultation, Andrea Leadsom MP, said, ‘As well as helping the review to shape the services needed by new babies and their parents, this questionnaire will help to gather experiences of parents who had a baby during the coronavirus lockdown. This will help us to understand the many challenges faced, as well as to learn what worked well and what new innovations we can build on.’

She added, ‘The findings of this questionnaire will help the review to shape our recommendations and to promote the best start in life for every baby.’

Reducing disparities in birth weight, improving social and emotional development in early years, and reducing the impact of vulnerability and adverse childhood experiences in infancy, will all be looked at in the review.