Too often, babies’ wellbeing needs are overlooked, and it is estimated that at least one in 10 babies is living in fear and distress, leaving them at risk of disorganised attachment.
Bal Kaur, Consultant in Public Health for the City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “The first 1,001 days from conception until the age of 2 are an important time in your baby’s development. During pregnancy and beyond, your interactions with your baby help them to feel loved and secure, and improve their mental health.
“There are lots of online resources which provide advice on how to build a strong bond with your baby and improve infant mental health, as well as many activities aimed at supporting parents.”
The city’s Family Hubs and libraries deliver a range of activities that support infant wellbeing, including Stay and Play groups and Baby Booktime sessions. For more details of your local Family Hub, please visit Family Hubs, and for details of your local library, visit Libraries.
The Parental and Infant Wellbeing Team deliver activities that focus on parent and infant relationships, including Bop Around Bantock, a babywearing walk in Bantock Park every Tuesday, and Baby Massage, an infant massage class every Monday. For more details, please email fhparent.infantwbteam@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
The Healthy Child Wolves app is also packed with tips, guidance and signposting to support families, including advice on boosting your bond with your baby and improving their emotional health and wellbeing. The app is available to download for free from Google Play or the App Store.
For more information and advice on how to strengthen your bond with your baby and boost their wellbeing, visit:
Infant Mental Health Awareness Week runs from today (Monday 10 June) to Sunday (16 June) and is an annual campaign that raises awareness of the importance of supporting babies’ mental health and wellbeing and keeping babies wellbeing needs in mind.
