SWB Health Visiting

16/02/2026

Parenting can feel overwhelming at times, and support is available.
Sandwell Health Visiting can offer some additional support:
⭐VIG (Video Interaction Guidance) – a supportive, strengths-based approach to build confidence and connection with your baby or child.
⭐Triple P Baby – practical help for common challenges in the early months during pregnancy and until your baby is 1 years old.
If you’re finding things hard, or just want some extra support, please get in touch:
Call the Health Visiting Contact Centre (HVCC): 0121 612 5021
You don’t have to manage on your own.

14/02/2026

❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day from Your Health Visiting Team! ❤️
Valentine’s Day is a lovely reminder to celebrate the people who matter most — and for many families, that’s the little ones who fill the home with laughter, chaos, and love.
Today is a great opportunity to:
💕 Share an extra cuddle
💕 Read a favourite story together
💕 Enjoy a quiet moment with your baby or toddler
💕 Show yourself some kindness too — you deserve it
Caring for a child can be joyful and tiring in equal measure. However you’re spending today, remember that the love you give every day makes a huge difference in your child’s world.
Wishing all our families a day filled with warmth and connection.

06/02/2026

⚠️ Important Notice: Infant Formula Milk Recall
We would like to make families aware that certain batches of infant formula milk have been recalled as a precaution due to potential safety concerns.

Please see link below on what action you need to take.

⚠️New product recalls: Aptamil and Cow & Gate first infant milk and follow-on milk.

Danone is recalling several Aptamil and Cow & Gate infant formula and follow-on milk products because cereulide toxin may be present in some batches.

Cereulide can cause rapid onset of nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. It's unlikely to be destroyed by boiling water or cooking.
Even if your baby seems well, it is essential to stop using affected products. If the formula was prescribed by a health professional, consult a pharmacist or other medical professional before changing formula.

For a full list of affected products and batch information, visit: https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-05-2026

06/02/2026

🌟 Supporting You Through Parenthood! 🌟
Being a parent or carer is an incredible journey — full of amazing moments, new experiences, and sometimes a few questions along the way. Having trusted information right at your fingertips can make all the difference. 💛
That’s why we’re sharing Best Start in Life, a fantastic resource designed to support families from pregnancy through early childhood.
👉 https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll find:
✨ Week‑by‑week pregnancy guide — understand how your baby is growing and what to expect
🤱 Breastfeeding support — practical tips, advice, and where to get help
👶 Bonding with your baby — simple ways to connect and support their development
Remember, you’re not alone on this journey.
Your Health Visiting Team is here to support you every step of the way.
📞 Contact us on 0121 507 5023

05/02/2026

💬 Time to Talk Day 2026 – Let’s Start the Conversation
Thursday 5 February 2026 marks Time to Talk Day, the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. It’s a day that brings families, friends, communities and workplaces together to talk, listen, and help change lives. [mind.org.uk], [matesinmind.org]
As Health Visitors, we know that the early years can be joyful — but they can also be exhausting, emotional, and overwhelming. Talking about how you feel is a powerful first step in looking after your wellbeing.
🧡 Why talking matters
Opening up about your mental health can reduce stigma, build connection, and help you feel less alone. Honest conversations — even small ones — can make a big difference. [mind.org.uk]
👂 How you can take part
You don’t need anything special — just a moment to check in with someone:
• Ask a friend or family member how they’re doing
• Share a cup of tea and a chat
• Reach out to another parent
• Talk to your Health Visitor if you’re finding things tough
[mind.org.uk]
💛 We’re here for you
Whether you’re adjusting to parenthood, feeling isolated, or just not yourself lately, please know you can talk to us. A simple conversation can be the first step toward feeling better.
Let’s make Time to Talk Day 2026 a reminder that it’s okay to talk, and it’s okay to ask for help.

04/02/2026

🎗️ World Cancer Day – A Reminder for Families
Today is World Cancer Day, a moment to raise awareness and support families.
You know your child better than anyone — if something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and speak to a health professional.
We’re sharing a helpful video on spotting early signs and symptoms of childhood cancer. Please take a moment to watch and share.

👉 https://www.gkcct.org/you-know-them-best-campaign-copy/

If you ever have concerns about your child’s health, we’re here to listen and support.

Childhood cancer is more common than we may think, so it’s important to know what to look for. This guide explains the signs that parents and carers should look out for.

02/02/2026

❤️ February is Heart Month 2026! ❤️
This month, we’re joining the British Heart Foundation in raising awareness about keeping hearts healthy — for both parents and children.
Looking after your heart doesn’t have to mean big changes. Small daily steps, like moving more, eating a balanced diet, and reducing stress, can make a real difference to your long‑term health. Healthy parents help build healthy families.
The BHF have lots of helpful ideas, stories, and ways you can get involved this Heart Month.
👉 Find out more here: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/support-our-campaigns/heart-month
Let’s make February a month of self‑care, positive habits, and heart‑healthy choices for the whole family. ❤️

Keep us beating this Heart Month in February. Take on a challenge to walk 28, 50 or 100 miles, or fundraise your way to help us power lifesaving research.

30/01/2026

🌟Parents & Carers – Did you know how quickly your baby’s brain develops? 🌟
Your baby’s brain is growing at an incredible rate from before birth, forming millions of connections every single day. The amazing part?
You play a vital role in helping those connections grow!
🧠✨ Check out this great article from BBC Tiny Happy People to learn more about how babies’ brains develop and why simple, everyday moments make such a difference:
👉 https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/articles/zkqw8xs
Every chat, cuddle, story, smile, and playtime moment helps build your child’s speech, language, and communication skills. Even the smallest interactions matter.

If you have any questions please call you health visitor on 0121 507 5023

Babies' brains grow quicker in the first year than at any other time in their life! Here's how you can stimulate your baby's brain and boost their development.

28/01/2026

Need Support With Feeding Your Baby? We’re Here to Help.

Many families have questions or worries about feeding, whether breastfeeding, formula feeding, mixed feeding, or starting solids. Remember — you’re not alone, and it’s completely normal to need guidance.

👶 Every baby is unique, and what works for one family may look different for another. Our Health Visiting Team is here to offer:
• Support with breastfeeding or chest feeding
• Advice on formula preparation and responsive feeding
• Help with mixed feeding
• Guidance on when and how to start introducing solid foods
• Support if feeding feels challenging or overwhelming
No question is too small — what matters is that you and your baby feel supported and confident.

💬 If you’d like advice, please reach out to your Health Visitor at our contact centre on 01216125021.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

27/01/2026

The recommended room temperature for where your baby sleeps is 16 – 20°C. A baby sleep bag or a lightweight sheet/blanket should be all you need for your baby to sleep in.

Research shows that babies are safer being cooler than being too hot, as overheating increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Don’t be tempted to overwrap your baby. But if your room temperature is slightly colder than 16 – 20°C, consider:

If you use lightweight sheets and/or blankets, add an extra lightweight blanket or layer of clothing to your baby.

If you are using a baby sleeping bag, add an extra layer of clothing. Or, choose a sleeping bag with a higher tog.

Learn more 👉 https://bit.ly/47lApth

26/01/2026

🩺 Important Update for Parents: Changes to the Childhood Immunisation Schedule in 2026
From January 2026, there will be important updates to the vaccination schedule for babies and young children in the UK. These changes aim to protect children earlier and streamline appointments. [gov.uk]

💬 What should parents do?
• Continue attending all routine appointments
• Check your child’s Red Book to stay up to date
• Speak to your GP or Health Visitor with any questions
These changes help ensure children get stronger protection, earlier.

GOV.UK - The best place to find government services and information.

26/01/2026

🚨 Important Recall Alert: Aptamil First Infant Formula 🚨

1 batch of Aptamil First Infant Formula have been recalled. Please see guidance below if you have an effected tin.

https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.food.gov.uk%2Fnews-alerts%2Falert%2Ffsa-prin-03-2026&data=05%7C02%7Cmaxine.duffield%40nhs.net%7C291256450fa246969f6a08de5ca85e34%7C37c354b285b047f5b22207b48d774ee3%7C0%7C0%7C639050075356319394%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5VEt%2FsHZ1iisIrgULdIet4wrHlCPtAyPNtDOHRLcKok%3D&reserved=0

Danone is recalling Aptamil First Infant Formula because cereulide toxin has been found in the product. The product listed below is on sale in the UK.