Lewisham Health Visitors

28/11/2025

Tummy time is when your little one spends a short while on their tummy while awake, they are exploring a whole new world of movement.
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Tummy sleeping is a no-go so keep them wide awake during tummy time to ensure their safety.
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The benefits of tummy time range from stretching and moving, to honing your baby’s back, neck, and shoulder muscles, while mastering coordination in a fresh position.
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You can start right from birth. To begin with, you can put your baby on your chest for the calming sound of a heartbeat. Remember to stay cool and awake. At around 3 months, you can roll a towel under their armpits if head lifting is a challenge.

At first, just a few minutes daily is enough. You can gradually extend this time as they get used to the position.
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It is perfectly normal for your baby not to like it at first. The sensation of coordinating multiple muscles can be a learning curve.
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Remember, Tummy time is playful! So sing, touch, and make faces for interactive fun.

27/11/2025

When you first start breastfeeding, you may wonder if your baby is getting enough milk.
It may take a little while before you feel confident your baby is getting what they need.
Exclusive breastfeeding (breast milk only) is recommended for around the first 6 months of your baby's life. Introducing bottle feeds will reduce the amount of breast milk you produce.

Read Unicef's checklist How can I tell if breastfeeding is going well? for more guidance.

https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/implementing-standards-resources/breastfeeding-assessment-tools/

19/11/2025

Weaning is all about introducing solids to your little one, usually beginning around the age of 6 months. It's a crucial phase in your baby's growth, and it's also a delightful journey of discovering new flavours and textures together. Initially, the quantity isn't as crucial as acquainting them with the concept of eating, as their primary source of nutrition remains milk. Remember, there's no need to rush into three meals a day right from the start. Start at a time that suits both you and your baby.

🌟SOME TOP TIPS🌟

- Let your baby explore by touching and handling their food, fostering a tactile connection.
- Always be present while your baby eats to ensure their safety, particularly to prevent choking.
- Don’t force your baby – wait until the next time if they are not interested this time
- When they display curiosity, your baby can start feeding themselves with their tiny fingers.
- When using a spoon, wait for the moment they open their mouth. Your baby might even want to hold the spoon themselves.
- Start with just a few bites or teaspoons of food, once a day
- Ensure food cools down if it's hot, and always do a quick taste test before offering it to your baby
- Avoid adding salt, sugar, or stock cubes to your baby's meals or cooking water

Gradually, you’ll be able to increase the amount and variety of food your baby eats until they can eventually eat the same as the rest of the family, just in smaller portions.

14/11/2025

Children develop their speech, language and communication skills at different rates. However, knowing what is typical can help you identify speech and language problems early.

05/11/2025

We know that the colder months can be difficult for families. You may be worried about the costs of living and have to make difficult choices for you and your family. Or you may be worried about paying your heating bills. You may be concerned about trying to keep your home warm, keeping draughts out and keeping your baby warm.

The recommended room temperature is 16-20 degrees, this may be difficult to maintain in the colder months. It can be tempting to wrap your baby up to keep them warm, however we know that overheating a baby increases the chances of SIDS (also known as cot death). Research shows babies are better to be cooler than too hot.
Follow the advice we've provided to practice safe sleeping with your baby.

31/10/2025

31/10/2025

This October, Down Syndrome UK are excited to launch their “TO BE” campaign for Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

The campaign is a celebration of individuality, focusing on what every person with Down syndrome deserves “to be”, what they aspire “to be” and what they are proud “to be”.

Through raising awareness, we’re creating space for fairness, equality, and respect, encouraging everyone to join us in embracing and celebrating differences in a positive and meaningful way.

Parents - Down Syndrome UK

30/10/2025

This October, Down Syndrome UK are excited to launch their “TO BE” campaign for Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

The campaign is a celebration of individuality, focusing on what every person with Down syndrome deserves “to be”, what they aspire “to be” and what they are proud “to be”.

Through raising awareness, we’re creating space for fairness, equality, and respect, encouraging everyone to join us in embracing and celebrating differences in a positive and meaningful way.

Parents - Down Syndrome UK

29/10/2025

Tummy time isn’t just playtime, it’s a key part of your baby’s development from birth.
Here’s what the NHS says it helps with:

🔹 1. Builds strength
Tummy time helps strengthen neck, shoulder, arm, and core muscles. These are essential for rolling, crawling, sitting, and walking later on.

🔹 2. Supports motor development
Pushing up, reaching, and lifting their head all start here. It helps babies improve coordination and gross motor skills from day one.

🔹 3. Prevents flat spots
Spending time on their tummy gives baby a break from lying on the back, reducing the risk of flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly).

🔹 4. Encourages visual tracking
Looking around while on their tummy improves their ability to focus and follow movement and boosts eye strength and coordination.

🔹 5. Builds confidence for milestones
Tummy time lays the foundation for bigger skills like rolling, crawling, and sitting independently.

💡 NHS Tips for Starting:
✅ Begin from day 1, just a few minutes at a time
✅ Place baby on a soft mat or blanket, supervised and awake
✅ Try after nappy changes or short play periods
✅ Use toys or your face to engage them

🔸 It’s normal if baby doesn’t love it right away—start small, stay consistent, and celebrate their progress