Resources for parents of toddlers.
Local support
There are 4 Children's Centre hubs in North, East, Central and South Bristol offering a range of services. Support is available for parents and children up to 5 at Children's Centres, including:
- health services
- parenting and family support
- drop-in sessions
- outreach services (information and advice to remote areas)
- early education and childcare
- links to training and employment opportunities
Bristol Children's Centres timetables and locations:
Baby hubs: you can come to any of the baby hubs at Children's Centres across Bristol to meet other parents and chat to a member of the Health Visiting Team. Baby hubs are also for families with toddlers.
Health visiting: health visitors are specialist nurses who can support you and your family during your child's early years. They can support you with things like:
- child development
- child health
- parenting strategies
- sleep
- mental health
- breastfeeding
- nutrition
- community support networks
NHS Healthy Start scheme: if you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be eligible to get help to buy healthy food and milk and get free vitamins.
Oral health: it's important to start brushing your toddler's teeth as soon as they start to come through. Take your child with you when you go for your own dental appointments so they get used to the idea. To find a dentist:
- see the NHS services search
- ask at your local clinic
- call 0300 311 223
- email england.contactus@nhs.net
National resources
Start for Life Toddler: NHS information for parents of toddlers about vaccinations and immunisations, healthy eating, activities and learning to talk.
Family Lives parenting courses aimed at parents of young children to help them develop play and learning. We have three modules exploring the benefits of play, ideas and games you can use and more.
First Steps Nutrition Trust: an independent public health nutrition charity supporting eating well from pre-conception to five years.
Baby Buddy App: a free multi-award-winning, interactive pregnancy and parenting app.
DAD.info: free expert advice and support for fathers.
This Girl Can: have an exercise plan for new and expectant mothers.
UK baby banks: Little Village baby bank map.
Education: support for parents from Action For Children​.
Centre for Early Childhood: from the Royal Foundation.
Beginning to walk: guidance on first steps and babies' leg posture.
Barnardo's Family Space: information, advice and guidance during pregnancy and childhood.
Potty training: how to start and best age to potty train: support around potty training, including resources, webinars and a helpline.