YOU may not remember turning five – let alone two – but those earliest years lay the foundations of who we will grow up to be.
The Princess of Wales is spearheading a new campaign called Shaping Us, to zone in on those vital first five years.
APThe Prince and Princess of Wales with their three children[/caption]
AFPKate gives kids her personal touch at a nursery in Luton[/caption]
The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood found one in three adults knows “just a little”, or “nothing”, about how children develop early on.
Kate, mum to George, nine, Charlotte, seven, and Louis, four, said: “By focusing our collective time, energy and resources to build a supportive, nurturing world around the youngest members of our society and those caring for them, we can make a huge difference to the health and happiness of generations to come.”
Institute of Health Visiting CEO Alison Morton added: “Across the UK we have widening child health and development inequalities, and services are struggling to meet the scale of need.
“We hope this campaign raises the profile of these issues and provides the spark for much-needed change.
“When parents are supported, babies thrive and, in turn, society thrives.”
In the UK, 27 per cent of children are living in poverty, which the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health says is driving health inequality.
Demand for children’s mental health services is higher than ever, while cuts have closed more than 1,300 children’s centres in ten years.
Dr Rachel Ward, of Woodlands Medical Centre in Didcot, Oxfordshire, told Sun Health: “I see the negative impact this has had, every day.”
So what do parents in the thick of sleepless nights and school runs need to know to give their child the healthy start they deserve?
Family affair
BEING a parent is certainly one tough job.
So if your own health and wellbeing is struggling, that can have a big knock-on effect.
Alison Morton says: “It can be an exciting time after the birth of a baby, but it can bring new challenges for most parents.
“Poverty, mental health problems and worries such as having an unwell baby can make parenting even harder.”
You need a support network as much as your child does.
Alison says: “Be kind to yourself. Parenting is much easier when it’s shared with friends and family.
“Getting help early, if you’re struggling or worried about your child’s health or development, can make a big difference. Ask for help.”
Imran Hussain, director of policy and campaigns at the charity Action for Children, adds: “Parents should be able to access local early years services where children can absorb the world around them through play, reading and socialising and where parents can get help if they’re worried about their child’s progress.”
See Action for Children’s site parents.actionforchildren.org.uk.
Love, love, love
MORE than anything, children need to feel safe and loved.
Dr Rachel Ward says: “Meaningful, loving relationships with parents, other family members and close friends is incredibly important for a child.”
You don’t need a house full of gadgets and an overflowing bank account.
Alison says: “Babies have relatively simple needs that don’t require expensive equipment or toys.
“They look to their parents to be nourished, cared for and protected, with a safe space to live, sleep and play.
“Babies love spending time with their parents more than anybody or anything else and are born ready to communicate.
“Parents can build healthy brains by responding to their babies’ gestures and sounds from birth.”
In contrast, a child that’s neglected or deprived of love and affection will suffer.
Imran says: “If children do not get enough love and attention in the early years, it can have life-long effects on how they think, control their emotions and relate to other people.”
Bugbear
DR Luke Powles, associate clinical director at Bupa Health Clinics, says: “Almost all children will get common illnesses, like chickenpox, colds, earache and fevers.
“Other illnesses in early years include asthma, croup, scarlet fever, Strep A, diarrhoea and vomiting, measles, meningitis and mumps.”
Keep immunisations updated, seek medical help if your child:
Has a high temperatureIs struggling to breatheIs blue, pale, or blotchyFitsCries constantlyHas green vomitIs hard to wake up or disoriented
CALL 999 IF THEY:
Stop breathingWon’t wake upHave a spotty, purple-red rash that doesn’t temporarily disappear when you press over itHave a fit for the first timeHave an allergic reaction
Health habits
YOU are never too young to learn what’s good for you and NHS Live Well shares general guidelines.
Dr Powles, says: “Children need to sleep around 12 hours a day and this includes naps.
“Make sure your child is getting plenty of vegetables, fruit and wholegrain products.
“Limit sugar intake and encourage them to drink lots of water. Include lots of lean meat and fish in their diet to ensure they’re getting all the correct vitamins.”
Time outdoors is essential to strengthen bones, increase self-esteem, reduce stress and manage their weight.
Don’t forget oral health. Dr Susie Lloyd, of Bupa Dental Care says: “Tooth decay is the most common disease in children, a leading cause for hospital admissions.”
First aid kit
SIMPLE first aid techniques can be lifesaving.
Lydia Scroggs, head of clinical operations at St John Ambulance, says: “Recognising cardiac arrest, how to start chest compressions and what to do when your child is choking can make the difference in an emergency.
“As your little one begins to crawl and get more adventurous, brush up on what to do when objects get stuck in ears, noses and other places too.
“It’s also important to know how to treat minor burns, cuts and grazes.”
Have a fully stocked first aid kit on hand and visit sja.org.uk for how-to videos and resources.