Please note:
The resources on this page are for information only and are not a substitute for medical advice. If your child is unwell or you have concerns about their health, please contact a qualified healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 999.
Parents often say they wish their baby had come with an instruction manual - getting to know your own baby can take time. Here are some resources to help you make sense of how your baby communicates and how you can build your bond together. To find out more, click the links below:
Baby watching: Making sense of your baby
Top tips for dads - a short film by Kieran Anders from Dad Matters UK
Watch videos on getting to know your baby from the Association for Infant Mental Health UK
It’s completely normal to feel a wide range of emotions as you adjust to becoming a parent. Some parents may experience mental health difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, or intrusive thoughts. For some, this may be the first time they’ve noticed these feelings; for others, they may already have a mental health diagnosis before pregnancy or birth.
What matters most is knowing that you’re not alone and that support is available. Health professionals – including health visitors – are here to notice early signs, listen to your concerns, support your wellbeing, and help you access specialist services if needed.
The iHV offers the following resources to support parents:
Understanding your mental health and emotional wellbeing following the birth of your baby (fathers)
“Invisible” follows Luke’s journey as he becomes a dad to baby Josh. The film was developed to raise awareness of fathers' mental health - presented in a dramatised story based on real experiences. It highlights some of the challenges that can affect dads’ mental health in the early days of parenthood and the importance of reaching out for support if you are struggling.
Some parts of the film may feel emotional or difficult to watch, especially if you’ve been affected by similar experiences. If you’re finding things hard as a parent, it’s important to reach out – talk to your GP or health visitor – they can help, even if you’re not sure what to say, you don’t have to struggle alone. You can also find support through MIND (0300 102 1234) at www.mind.org.uk.
After a baby is born, it’s completely normal for couple relationships to shift as parents adjust to new roles and emotional demands. The iHV offers resources and signposting to other organisations to help you navigate this stage together:
All babies cry - and some babies cry a lot. Caring for a baby who is crying can feel overwhelming at times, but there are lots of things that can help. In the Parent Tip below, we’ve shared some simple facts about infant crying that many families find reassuring - along with practical ideas to help you feel calmer, more confident, and in control during this stage:
Disclaimer: This Parent Tip was produced during the Covid-19 pandemic - it contains lots of helpful information to support parents at all times.
Little Sparks, Big Starts
We also recommend that you access our Little Sparks, Big Starts webpage created in collaboration with Kindred Squared and Ready to Relate to discover how the everyday moments of connection that build your baby’s brain and shape their future health and development.
The iHV signposts to the following trusted resources for parents and carers:
