Doncaster Health Visitors

26/02/2026

It’s that time of year again when mini eggs are lining the supermarket shelves. But, did you know that, just like grapes, they are the perfect size to block a small child’s airway and choke them? And, their hard shell can make it difficult to dislodge with standard first aid techniques.

With whole grapes we advise cutting them in half lengthways and ideally into quarters to create thin strips. But chopping up mini eggs isn’t as easy. So, what can you do?

1. Hide them from the children and eat them yourself – good luck with that!

2. Break them into small pieces with a rolling pin. Or, crush them in a pestle and mortar. Or melt them a little first.

3. Opt for a different treat. Larger, hollow eggs are much safer for little ones.

For more practical tips and advice to keep children safe from choking take a look at our guide: https://capt.org.uk/resources/choking-fact-sheet/

25/02/2026

⚠️IMPORTANT⚠️

The first friends group that takes please on THURSDAY in Thorne, 1pm untill 2.30pm will sadly not be going ahead this week.

From Thursday 5th March, Thursday 12th March and Thursday 19th March will take place at The Vermuyden Centre. Any questions please do not hesitate to contact our Single Point of Contact on 03000218997

23/02/2026

The MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox), has been routinely used in many countries for years. 🌍📅
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/12/17/what-is-the-mmrv-vaccine-and-is-my-child-eligible/

20/02/2026

Do you have a child aged between six months and four years old?

The University of Leeds has launched a new national study called Growing Well, helping shape the future of child health by exploring how young children grow.

For more information about how you can get involved see post below 👇

Do you have a little one aged between six months and four years old?

The University of Leeds has launched a new national study called Growing Well, helping shape the future of child health by exploring how young children grow.

Taking part involves:

- A short online survey
- Local appointments (child’s height, weight, tummy and teeth)
- Three separate food records
- Repeating these activities after a year

As a thank you, families can receive up to £50 in vouchers from the Growing Well team.

The team will visiting locations across Doncaster - view all dates, locations and full details here: https://growingwell.leeds.ac.uk/

When signing up, please select “Invited by my hospital team” so researchers know how you heard about the study. To register your interest in participating, please call the team on 0113 343 5530 or email growingwellstudy@leeds.ac.uk

20/02/2026

We would like to hear about your recent experience of care from the team.
Let us know what was good, what we could do better and how you are feeling about the care you received.
👇Click on the link to Care Opinion and tell us your story👇

Share your story about Children & Young People Physical Health / Doncaster Health Visitors 0-5 and help make services better for everyone

19/02/2026

☎️Phones Lines Closed☎️
Our telephone lines will be closed due to staff training today Thursday 19th February 2026 from 9am You can leave a voicemail or send us a message on Facebook.
Normal service will resume at 1pm
If you need medical advice please call NHS 111

18/02/2026

🌙Ramadan 2026🌙
When is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The exact dates of Ramadan change every year. This is because Islam uses a calendar based on the cycles of the Moon.
In 2026 in the UK, Ramadan begins today, Wednesday 18th February 2026 and will end on Wednesday 19th March 2026
Click on the link for a short video which explains more about this festival.

Learn all about the holy Islamic festival of Ramadan with fun interactive videos, activities, downloads, quizzes and revision guides for KS2 school children.

18/02/2026

✝Today marks the beginning of Lent.✝
In 2026, Lent begins on Wednesday 18 February. The Lent dates for 2026 are 18 February – 2 April.
Lent takes place over 40 days (Excluding Sundays) before Easter where Christians focus on getting closer to God. They might give up something or do good things to prepare for Easter.
Check out the link below for more information

Learn all about the Christian festival of Lent with fun interactive videos, activities, downloads, quizzes and revision guides for KS2 school children.

17/02/2026

🧧✨Happy Lunar New Year – Year of the Horse 🧧✨
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is celebrated by millions of people around the world. It marks the beginning of a new lunar year and falls in January or February each year.
In 2026, Lunar New Year begins on Tuesday 17 February. The occasion is celebrated with colourful dragon and lion dances, spectacular fireworks, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts to bring good luck for the year ahead.
Learn more and join the celebrations here:

The Lunar New Year is an event celebrated by millions of people across the world, it is also known as Chinese New Year. Find out with JoJo and Gran Gran what it is and how it is celebrated.

17/02/2026

17/02/2026

⚠️IMPORTANT⚠️

Bawtry First Friends is open today!

Please take care when approaching the building due to ongoing works in the car park.

Any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Single Point of Contact on 03000218997 💜

13/02/2026

🍼 Struggling to find milk for your formula-fed baby because of the ?

TOP TIPS
🤱 If you’re mixed feeding, more if you can

1️⃣ You can use any first infant formula for 0-12 months, whether powdered or liquid – they all provide the nutrients your baby needs. You may notice changes in your baby’s poo but switching between first infant formulas is safe

2️⃣ Follow on formula can be used for 6-12 months (whether powdered or liquid) but NEVER give follow-on formula to babies under 6 months old

3️⃣ 4️⃣ NEVER give growing up or toddler milks or drinks to babies under 12 months

❌ Be aware that no formula milks are necessary at all for children over 12 months

❗ Only use a specialised formula milk (lactose-free, anti-reflux, comfort) on the advice of a medical professional

REMEMBER
🦠 Powdered formula milks are NOT STERILE: Always follow the NHS advice on making up and storing formula to minimise the risk of bacterial contamination which can make your baby sick.

🤖 Formula preparation machines often do not produce water that is hot enough to kill any bacteria in the formula powder, so it’s best to avoid using them at all.

For more *independent*, expert information on formula for parents who use formula to feed their babies, see www.firststepsnutrition.org/parents-carers

NHS Food Standards Agency Professor Amy Brown - Breastfeeding Uncovered National Breastfeeding Helpline UK Institute of Health Visiting