Doncaster Health Visitors

02/09/2026

Starting school is a big step, and children may experience excitement, worry or other overwhelming feelings.
A calm, supportive adult can make all the difference. This is co-regulation: helping children feel safe, manage their emotions and think more clearly as they adjust to new people, places and routines.
Watch this short film to discover how reassurance and connection can help children feel ready for school.

The Centre for Early Childhood’s Explainer on managing big feelings...

28/08/2026

Our telephone lines and Facebook inbox will close today at 5pm for the Bank Holiday weekend and will open again Tuesday 26th August at 9am
If you need to seek medical advice over the weekend you can call NHS 111 or speak to your local pharmacist.

27/08/2026

💩 Does your child avoid doing a poo on the toilet and only want to poo in a nappy? You're not alone.

Lots of children go through a stage where they’ll only poo in a nappy, even after starting potty training. It's a common phase, and with patience and support, most children move on from it.

💡 Top tip: If your child asks for a nappy to do a poo, try not to say no. Refusing can lead to them withholding their poo, which may cause constipation. Instead, let them use the nappy just to do their poo, while gently and gradually working towards using the potty or toilet.

Here are some things to consider if your child will only poo in a nappy:

Constipation 💩
A painful poo can make children anxious about going again, leading them to hold on and avoid the toilet. Before focusing on toileting behaviour, make sure any constipation is well managed. It can make all the difference. Use our poo diary and poo checker to track your child's poo habits and read our advice sheet to find out how to spot the signs of constipation.

Is your child scared of the toilet? 🫣
Whether it's the flush, splashing water or sitting on the toilet, small steps and lots of reassurance can help build confidence. You can even turn toilet time into a fun game - visit the Toilet Anxiety page on our website for fun ideas.

Learning to sit on the toilet 🚽
Start by taking the pressure off. Sitting on the potty or toilet isn't about pooing yet, it's about helping your child feel relaxed and comfortable. Begin with a few seconds fully clothed, celebrate every sit, and avoid talking about wee or poo. As their confidence grows, gradually build up to regular toilet sits after meals and before bed. Small steps, consistency and plenty of praise can make a big difference. Keep favourite toys or books nearby and reward every success, no matter how small. Find the webinar 'Tips for helping your child relax on the toilet' on the Family webinars page on the website.

What next?

Once constipation is under control and your child is happy sitting on the potty or toilet for 5-10 minutes, it's time to focus on pooing in the right place. Break the journey into tiny, achievable steps, moving from where they currently like to poo towards the potty or toilet. Find more practical tips and helpful case studies here: https://eric.org.uk/children-who-will-only-poo-in-a-nappy-and-other-toilet-avoiders/

Be patient. Progress can take time, but small, consistent steps lead to big wins.
🎉Celebrate every success along the way.

26/08/2026

Important reminder on

Happy ! We love our four-legged friends and all the joy they bring to our lives. But we also know that any dog can bite if they feel they have no other option.

That’s why it’s so important to learn what you can do as a family to keep everyone safe and happy together.

Download our fact sheet for top tips: https://capt.org.uk/dogs-and-children/

26/08/2026

What is play and why is play so important for children?
When children play, they engage their imagination, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Play helps them navigate social interactions, take turns, negotiate, and cooperate. They also learn about storytelling.
Active play is good for developing motor skills and hand-eye coordination, as well as improving fitness.
To find out more about the 6 different ways children play click below

Experts have identified a number of styles of play that children engage in, which are key parts of their development. The 6 stages of play are: unoccupied. playing alone. onlooker. parallel. associative. cooperative. In this article we give a bit more detail on each type of play.

25/08/2026

Calling all Doncaster parents and carers!

We’re planning for the future of local childcare, and we need your input to get it right.
By sharing your experiences and future needs, you'll help us to understand how Doncaster can best meet the childcare needs of parents and carers in your area.

Complete the survey here: 👉 https://shorturl.at/jgNHi

The survey closes on Monday 14 September

25/08/2026

🚶🏼‍♀️🗣Walk and Talk - Tuesday 25th August🚶🏾‍♀️🗣
The Health Visiting Perinatal Wellbeing team are leading walks for local parents in Conisbrough and at Lakeside, Doncaster each month during the summer.

Next August Walk is today
Tuesday 25th August - Lakeside Lake, Doncaster DN4 5PL meeting at the fountains 1pm - 2.30pm.
Whether you’re a mum, friend, a family member, or simply someone who cares, you’re warmly invited
What to expect -
A walk suitable for all
A chance to connect with other parents/carers in the community
Open conversations to break the stigma around maternal mental health
Fresh air and support

25/08/2026

What is play and why is play so important for children?

When children play, they engage their imagination, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Play helps them navigate social interactions, take turns, negotiate, and cooperate. They also learn about storytelling.

Active play is good for developing motor skills and hand-eye coordination, as well as improving fitness.

To find out more about the 6 different ways children play click below

Experts have identified a number of styles of play that children engage in, which are key parts of their development. The 6 stages of play are: unoccupied. playing alone. onlooker. parallel. associative. cooperative. In this article we give a bit more detail on each type of play.

21/08/2026

Baby Check App - is my baby unwell?

If your baby is under six months of age, you can use the Baby Check app to find out if they need to see a health professional.
The app includes 17 simple checks you can do if your baby is showing signs of illness. Each check tests for a different symptom and, when completed, the app will let you know if your baby needs to see a health professional, giving you peace of mind in your pocket.

Download for FREE from the Apple App or Google Play store

If you're worried your baby is unwell, our free Baby Check app helps you decide whether they need to see a health professional or not...

21/08/2026

Steps for school