Westmorland & Furness Growing Healthy 0-19

07/05/2026

🧠 Healthy screen habits for little brains

Did you know 90% of a child’s brain development happens before age 5? That’s why screen time balance really matters.

✅ Best Start in Life guidance suggests:
👶 Under 2s: Avoid screens where possible (except shared activities like video calls)
🧒 Ages 2–5: Aim for no more than 1 hour a day, less if you can

📺 Choose slow‑paced, age‑appropriate content, avoid fast‑paced social media‑style videos, and watch together – children learn best through interaction.
🔄 Try a screen swap: reading, singing, playing or chatting together.

👉 Find out more:https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/screen-time-under-5s/

06/05/2026

TO ACCESS HEALTH INFORMATION FROM YOUR HEALTH VISITOR PLEASE DOWN LOAD OUR APP AND REGISTER.

06/05/2026

You may have seen recent media coverage about baby sleep advice📢 . An investigation has found that some unregulated infant sleep consultants are encouraging baby sleep practices that do not follow safer sleep advice.

This advice included placing babies on their front to sleep, something which has been proven to significantly increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

We wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone about safer sleep advice – advice that has saved almost 32,000 babies’ lives since 1991.

If you’re unsure about advice that you’ve seen, we’re here to help 💛. Please send us a message, visit our website, or you can also speak to your health visitor or midwife for support.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/4hXVWfq and please share far and wide.

An easy guide to practicing safer sleep for your baby and reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, or cot death).

06/05/2026

The family hubs are running a free Antenatal course in Milnthorpe on a Monday evening. Email or phone to book a place🤰

🎉 NEW GROUP 🎉

Ante-Natal sessions in Milnthorpe

Come and join us for a 5 week programme where mum's and dad's to be (& partners/family members) can learn about

⭐Support Networks
⭐Tuning into feelings
⭐Baby's development in the womb
⭐Labour
⭐Bathing and dressing baby
⭐Brain development

Places limited - please book
e: slakesfamilyhubs@cumbria.gov.uk
t: 01539 713070

📍Milnthorpe Family Hub, Firs Road (near the entrance to Joey's Nursery
📆Monday 11th, 18th May and 1st, 8th, 15th June
🕗5.45 - 7.45pm

06/05/2026

Asthma affects 1 in 11 children in the UK, making it the most common long‑term childhood condition. The good news is that with the right care, most children can live full, active lives.
A few key things parents and carers should know:
✅ A personalised asthma action plan can really help — but fewer than 1 in 4 children currently have one
✅ Preventer inhalers need to be used every day, even when your child seems well
✅ Common triggers include colds, cold weather, pollen, pets and cigarette smoke
✅ If a blue reliever inhaler is needed more than 3 times a week, it’s time for a review with your GP or asthma nurse
If you’d like support, speak to your health visitor, school nurse or GP.
🔗 asthma.org.uk has lots of helpful information for families.

05/05/2026

🦷 Top Tips for Children’s Teeth

Healthy teeth help children eat, speak and smile with confidence. Starting good habits early makes a big difference!

Here are some simple ways to protect your child’s teeth:

✨ Brush twice a day
Use a fluoride toothpaste and help children brush until at least age 7.
🥤 Choose water or milk between meals
Sugary drinks can cause tooth decay.
🍓 Keep sugary foods to mealtimes
Frequent sugary snacks can damage teeth.
🪥 Use the right amount of toothpaste
• Under 3: smear of toothpaste
• 3–6 years: pea-sized amount
👩‍⚕️ Visit the dentist regularly

Children should see a dentist as soon as their first teeth appear.
Starting healthy habits early can help prevent tooth decay and keep little smiles shining.

Find out more about children’s dental health:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth/taking-care-of-childrens-teeth/


Evidence source: NHS guidance on children’s oral health.

05/05/2026

💜 Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week | 4–10 May 💜

This year’s theme, A Decade of Voices, marks 10 years of progress in perinatal mental health — and reminds us that parents’ voices still matter.
Up to 1 in 5 women experience mental health difficulties during pregnancy or in the year after birth. This can include anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and postpartum psychosis. Partners can be affected too.
You are not failing. You are not alone. And support is available.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, low, disconnected, or having intrusive thoughts, please reach out. Your midwife, health visitor or GP can help — and there’s no wrong time to ask.
🔗 nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-natal-depression
🔗 nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/mental-health

04/05/2026

“Trusted Support, In Your Pocket”

Looking for reliable info to support your child’s health and development?
The Growing Healthy App is free and built to make family life easier.

📲 What you’ll find inside:
📍 Local contacts and services (tailored to your area)
🏥 Clinic information and up-to-date contact details
🎥 Helpful videos and guidance (infant feeding, development, emotional health and more)
🍽️ Family-friendly recipes and practical tips

💡 How to get it:
Download the free Growing Healthy App today 👉🏻 https://hdftchildrenshealthservice.co.uk/download-our-app/
Or search “Children’s Health Service-HDFT” in the Apple App Store or Google Play, then select your locality to see info that fits your area

04/05/2026

“Trusted Support, In Your Pocket”

Looking for reliable info to support your child’s health and development?
The Growing Healthy App is free and built to make family life easier.

📲 What you’ll find inside:
📍 Local contacts and services (tailored to your area)
🏥 Clinic information and up-to-date contact details
🎥 Helpful videos and guidance (infant feeding, development, emotional health and more)
🍽️ Family-friendly recipes and practical tips

💡 How to get it:
Download the free Growing Healthy App today.
Search “Children’s Health Service-HDFT” in the Apple App Store or Google Play, then select your locality to see info that fits your area

02/05/2026

🐘 Let’s talk about the elephant in the room…

Sexual health matters. Using protection helps reduce the risk of STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

If you’ve had unprotected s*x, it’s important to get checked.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.elephant-in-the-room.co.uk/

01/05/2026

Working smoke alarms save lives.

So please take a moment to test your smoke alarms today and then remind a loved one to test theirs too.

Learn more ways to keep your family safe from fire here: https://capt.org.uk/resources/fire-safe-families-fact-sheet/