Best Start in Life logo Best Start in Life
UK Government logo UK Government

Advice and support 
for your child’s development

From pregnancy to childcare right through to starting school.

Best Start in Life campaign creative - purple background 'For parents questions big & small.'

Childcare Checker

Find out what childcare support you could get, how much childcare might cost and search for providers near you.
Toddler

Early learning and development

Find out more on our NHS health website.

Toddler

Potty training

Find out more on our NHS health website.

Little boy painting at school
Preparing for school

Preparing for school

Helping your child feel ready for school is a team effort – find out more.

Noggin, a friendly cartoon brain character with arms and legs, is cuddled up on a sofa with an adult Noggin. They looking at an iPad together.
Toddler

Baby and toddler screen time guidance

Screen time guidance for children under 5.

Father figure picking up daughter
Childcare & Early Education

Childcare & Early Years Education

Find out more about the available childcare support.

Mother figure picking boy up from nursery
Childcare & Early Education

Free breakfast clubs and wraparound childcare

Find out more about primary-school aged childcare support.

New parents looking at pregnancy excitedly
Pregnancy

Week-by-week guide to pregnancy

Find out more on our NHS health website.

Baby breastfeeding
Baby

Breastfeeding support

Find out more on our NHS health website.

A sleeping baby, lying on her back
Baby

Safer sleep

Find out more on our NHS health website.

child eating
Baby

Introducing solid foods

Find out more on our NHS health website.

Lady cuddling her baby and smiling
Baby

Bonding with your baby

Find out more on our NHS health website.

Baby playfully reaching her hand out to her mum
Toddler

Learning to talk

Find out more on our NHS health website.

Baby and mum brushing teeth
Baby

Baby and toddler teeth care

Find out more on our NHS health website.

Family support in your local area

Find your local Best Start Family Hub

Best Start Family Hubs are a single place to get support for children, young people and families.

Find the website for your local council

Your local council may provide family support.

Personalised, weekly advice

Weekly emails tailored to your stage of pregnancy or your child’s age, with personalised tips and activities to support your child’s health and development. Great for practical, age-appropriate support.

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Baby sleeping