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DH - Department of Health: News and Information

Useful parenting publications

The Department of Health (DH) website is a resource of information for HCPs to pass onto parents.  However you may not always have the time to search the site so we’ve done the work for you and listed below the key parent publications the DH produce as downloadable PDFs.

Weaning

A 20 page guide to help parents get started with weaning.  It gives information on everything from when and how to start, to foods to avoid, as well as safety and hygiene tips.

Click here to view or run off a copy.

Mother bottle feeding baby

Bottle Feeding

The Department of Health and the Food Standards Agency have issued revised guidance, (Dec 2006), for health professionals on the preparation and storage of powdered infant formula milk.

Birth to Five 2006 Edition

An invaluable book for all parents that’s designed to be easy to use. It gives the latest advice and information on all aspects of child health, immunisation, healthy eating, childhood illnesses and child safety.

Fully illustrated with photographs, cartoons, and helpful diagrams, Birth to Five explains:

  • The first few weeks and how your child will develop
  • Learning, playing, habits and behaviour
  • Feeding the family
  • Where to get help and advice
  • Parental rights and benefits

The book is available to download complete or to make it more manageable you can download the individual chapters.

More Information

Pregnant lady laying in hospital bed

Pregnancy

Last updated in June 2006, this booklet covers everything from health in pregnancy through to labour, birth and the first few weeks with a new baby.

It is available to download as individual chapters.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  Breast feeding is best for babies.  Infant milks are intended to replace breast milk when mothers do not breast feed.  Good maternal nutrition is important for the preparation and maintenance of breast feeding. Introducing partial bottle feeding may have a negative effect on breast feeding and reversing a decision not to breast feed is difficult.  You should always seek the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian or pharmacist on the need for and proper method of use of infant milks and on all matters of infant feeding.  Infant milk should always be prepared and used as directed.  Unnecessary or improper use of infant milk may present a health hazard.  Social and financial implications should be considered when selecting a method of infant feeding.
This information is intended for use only by residents of the UK and ROI
© 2008 SMA Nutrition