Growing Healthy 0-25 Northumberland

26/06/2026

🌼 Vitamin D and Breastfeeding (NHS Guidance)

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy for both you and your baby. In the UK, it can be difficult to get enough vitamin D from sunlight and food alone—especially during autumn and winter—so supplementation is recommended.

🤱 For breastfeeding mums
The NHS recommends that all breastfeeding women consider taking a daily supplement of 10 micrograms (10mcg) of vitamin D.

👶 For breastfed babies
If your baby is breastfed (either exclusively or partially), the NHS advises:

A daily vitamin D supplement of 8.5 to 10 micrograms from birth to 1 year
This applies even if you are taking a supplement yourself.

💡 Babies who drink 500ml or more of formula per day do not need extra vitamin D, as formula is already fortified.

🌤️ Why is vitamin D important?
Vitamin D:

Helps your baby’s bones grow and develop properly
Prevents conditions such as rickets (soft bones)
Supports overall growth and immune health

🛒 Accessing vitamin D

Vitamin drops for babies are available from pharmacies and supermarkets.
Some families qualify for free Healthy Start vitamins.

If you need any further support please contact your midwife or contact SPOC - 0300 373 2488📞, or use out health chat option on the HDFT app📲

https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/baby/baby-basics/caring-for-your-baby/vitamins-for-babies/

26/06/2026

☀️💧 Should I give my baby water in hot weather?

With temperatures rising, it’s a common question for parents. Here’s what you need to know 👇

👶 Breastfed babies (0–6 months)

Breastmilk provides all the hydration your baby needs – no extra water is required.
➡️ In hot weather, feed more often to help keep your baby hydrated.

Formula-fed babies (0–6 months)

Babies may need small amounts of extra water during hot weather.
✔️ Always use boiled then cooled tap water
⚠️ Bottled water may not be suitable due to high sodium/sulphates
✔️ Filtered water still needs to be boiled and cooled

🥄 Babies 6–12 months

You can offer small sips of water with meals from an open cup or beaker.
✔️ Tap water no longer needs to be boiled from 6 months

Young children ages 1-5 years do not need any other drinks other than milk and water 🙂

If you’re unsure, use our health chat option on our HDFT app📲, or call our SPOC number - 0300 373 2488 📞for advice 💛

26/06/2026

Good Morning☀

Looks like another warm day today! Keep your eyes pealed for our posts later about feeding in the warmer weather🤱

25/06/2026

25/06/2026

Illnesses such as measles and whooping cough can be serious ⚠️🤧

Vaccinating your child can help protect them and others . To check if they are missing any vaccines, look in their red book or speak to your GP practice 👩‍⚕️

www.nhs.uk/childhoodvaccinations 🌐

25/06/2026

Holiday Safety: Quick Tips for Parents ☀️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Heading off on holiday? Keep it fun and stress-free with a few simple safety checks:

✅ Stay alert, even when relaxed – Accidents often happen at the start or end of trips when distractions are high.
✅ Check your accommodation – Move hazards out of reach, secure windows/blinds, supervise balconies, and ensure alarms work.
✅ Safe sleep matters – Babies should sleep on their back in a clear, firm sleep space. No top bunks for under 6s.
✅ Watch for carbon monoxide – Pack a CO alarm for camping/caravans and never use BBQs in enclosed spaces.
✅ Be water-wise – Always supervise children near water, no matter their age or ability. Drowning is quick and silent.
✅ Know before you go – Check pool safety, local emergency numbers, and teach kids basic water safety rules.

👀 Top tip: Children can be unpredictable—always keep a close eye, especially near water.

Have a safe and happy holiday! 🌊🏖️✨

Credit for information: Child Accident Prevention Trust

23/06/2026

As England takes to the pitch tonight, remember that support is available for anyone affected by domestic abuse.

If you are worried about yourself or someone you know, support is available. You don't have to face it alone.

Find out more: https://nhs.uk/live-well/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/

23/06/2026

If you pop out, even to grab a towel, and your child goes under the water, you won’t hear it. Drowning is silent. And can happen very quickly.
Sadly, one child a month drowns at home. Usually in the bath.
You can stop this happening by staying with your baby or young child all the time they’re in the bath.
Keep them within arm’s reach to keep them safe. And if you need to go anywhere, take them out of the bath and with you.
For more bath time safety tips visit: https://capt.org.uk/safe-baby-bath-time/

Post from Child Accident Prevention Trust

23/06/2026

Once your little one starts to move around, keeping them safe goes up another level. They can (and will) get into everything. Unfortunately, we can’t help you develop eyes in the back of your head or grow an extra set of hands. But we can equip you with the knowledge you need to keep children safe from serious accidents.
Follow us for top tips on keeping your child safe at every stage of development.

Credit to Child Accident Prevention Trust

23/06/2026

Little sips can make a big difference. 💧

Keeping hydrated helps children feel well, especially in warmer weather, after activity, or when they’ve been unwell.
Water or diluted sugar-free squash are good choices. Children may need extra fluids when it’s hot, when they’re sweating, or if they have sickness or diarrhoea.

Signs of dehydration can include feeling thirsty, dry mouth or lips, dark yellow strong-smelling p*e, p*eing less than usual, dizziness, tiredness or headache.

Find out more:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/