Start for Life – Home

Pregnancy, baby and parenting

Welcome to Better Health – Start for Life.

We may have a new name and look, but don't worry, you will still find all the trusted NHS advice and guidance you need to help you have a healthy and happy baby during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.

Week-by-week guide to pregnancy

With tips and advice on having a healthy pregnancy – from how your baby is developing to getting ready to give birth – this is your 1-stop guide to your pregnancy.

Useful topics

Weaning

By the time your baby is around 6 months old, they need more than breast milk or formula. Find out how to wean your baby onto solid foods.

Baby basics

Have a look at our guide to safe sleeping, coping with tiredness, and caring for your newborn.

Healthy eating in pregnancy

Find out which foods to include or avoid when you're pregnant.

Learning to talk

Babies and young children love it when you chat, play and read with them, even if you think they're too young to understand.

Preparing for labour and birth

Have a look at our guide on where to give birth, what to include in your birth plan, what to pack in your hospital bag and lots more.

Your mental health

Find out where you can get advice and tips on coping with emotional changes, stress and anxiety after childbirth.

Sign up for emails

Our emails include NHS trusted advice and support, tailored to your stage of pregnancy or baby's age.

Advice from parents

We feel so much better knowing we have Start for Life on hand to help us navigate the wonderful, but sometimes scary, world of motherhood.

Amy and Lucy
Parents of 1-year-old