Best Start in Life

Best Start in Life is a national resource offering trusted information, advice and support for families from pregnancy until children start school. Key features include:

• Childcare Checker – A tool that helps families find out what childcare support they may be entitled to, estimate childcare costs, and search for local childcare providers.
• Pregnancy support – Information and guidance throughout pregnancy, including links to NHS week-by-week pregnancy support.
• Baby and toddler development – Advice on breastfeeding, safer sleep, introducing solid foods, bonding, speech and language development, dental health, and screen time.
• Childcare and early education – Information on funded childcare entitlements and early years education opportunities.
• Preparing for school – Guidance to help families support their child’s readiness for starting school.
• Family Hubs and local support – Signposting to local Family Hubs and council services offering support for children, young people, parents and carers.
• Personalised weekly emails – Age-appropriate tips, advice and activities tailored to a family’s stage of pregnancy or child’s age.

To visit the Best Start in Life page – click here or to access local childcare options, visit Children and Families Newcastle.