Category: Articles

Denise Gray, Midwife

In today’s age of digital perfection, new mums are under increasing pressure to look good post-partum, as if birth was no more significant than a hair appointment. Social media presents us with images of perfection daily, new mums looking perfect with tidy houses and sleeping angelic babies. So, it was refreshing to see Katy Perry giving her followers a more realistic view of early motherhood when she published a picture of herself a few days after giving birth, with a visible ‘bump’, large postnatal pants and nursing bra. Katy garnered widespread praise for this honest portrayal of early new-born life and encouraged a wider discussion about the early days following the birth of a baby.
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Lucy Upton, Specialist Paediatric Dietitian and Nutritionist

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21^st century, with recent NHS figures revealing that one child under five is admitted to hospital because of obesity every week. The coronavirus pandemic and resultant lockdown has challenged already difficult circumstances and during this time many children were consuming more higher fat and/or sugar snacks, spending longer in front of screens and missing out on regular activity including physical education classes. Continue reading →

Dr Gill Harris, Consultant Paediatric Clinical Psychologist

Following his recent recovery from coronavirus, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has publicly blamed excess weight for his need for intensive care. He has subsequently declared a war on the UK’s obesity crisis and is planning a post-pandemic public health drive to battle the growing problem. Continue reading →

Katie Fox, Primary School Teacher

Due to coronavirus, playgroups and nurseries are shut and those children due to start school in a few months will be out of routine and away from friends. It is understandable that many parents are worried about getting their children ready for September. Children learn and progress at different rates so there are no set criteria on what they need to be able to know or do when they first start nursery, but if they have had some experience learning at home it could help to make it a smoother transition. Turn taking games, imaginative play, reading, and developing fine and gross motor skills can promote independence, build confidence and help develop simple skills.
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Dr Gill Harris, Consultant Paediatric Clinical Psychologist
Dr Maddy Harris, Clinical Psychologist

In times of crisis – such as the one we are currently living in – parents may find that the normal stresses of everyday life are magnified and additional worries and concerns emerge. Knowing how to cope may prove difficult, but an approach which has widely been discussed in the media and on social media is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).The premise of ACT is that fears and anxieties are seen as real and cannot be ‘challenged’ away, unlike with cognitive behavioural therapy. By concentrating on our actions we are able to work past our fears. This method may help those struggling with this new chaotic routine we find ourselves in. The Infant & Toddler Forum are here to help with our top tips on how to apply this intervention.

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Lucy Upton, Specialist Paediatric Dietitian and Nutritionist

As social distancing policies are put in place, and schools and nurseries shut their doors indefinitely, keeping your toddlers entertained and active for hours on end during COVID-19 may seem daunting and at times virtually impossible! Parents and carers have been thrown into a cozy and chaotic ‘new normal’ and may wonder how they can meet the recommended three hours a day of physical activity for under-fives who are walking. But do not panic, the Infant & Toddler Forum are here to help make sure you have plenty of ideas to keep your toddler happy and entertained whilst encouraging physical activity.

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Dr Gill Harris, Consultant Paediatric Clinical Psychologist

In today’s digital age, it is no surprise that the amount of screen time suitable for children is a highly debated topic, with the subject regularly dominating media headlines. Children are spending more time than ever before immersed in screens from a very young age; this includes time spent watching television, playing a video game, or using an electronic device with a screen (such as a smartphone or tablet). While evidence is still limited as to the effects, it is thought that screen time affects sleep, interactive play and obesity – but it is not yet clear which type of screen time and when screen time might have the most impact.

In our latest blog post, we examine the evidence and aim to provide clarity on how much is too much when it comes to screen time.

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Expert-led not-for-profit organisation, the Infant & Toddler Forum CIC (ITF), today announces its 2020 campaign focus of making prevention ACTIONABLE for both parents, parents-to-be and healthcare professionals.

The ITF’s rallying cry for individuals in the early years sphere to embrace preventative action is borne out of the need for a new approach to halt the tidal wave of ill health due to obesity and obesity related illnesses.

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Lucy Upton, Specialist Paediatric Dietitian and Nutritionist

The start of a new year is a good time to consider establishing healthy feeding habits for the year ahead. Toddlers’ nutritional requirements differ greatly from those of older children and adults. Rapidly growing and with small stomachs, toddlers require more nutrients in each mouthful of food.

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Dr Gill Harris, Consultant Paediatric Clinical Psychologist

Yesterday marked an exciting point in the history of the Infant and Toddler Forum!

After fifteen years of supporting parents and professionals in early years’ nutrition and development, we are transitioning to become a Community Interest Company (CIC).

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Atul Singhal, Professor of Paediatric Nutrition and Chair of the Infant & Toddler Forum

At the Infant & Toddler Forum (ITF), we are committed to giving every child the healthiest start in life. As an expert-led, not-for-profit organisation we have dedicated our work to early life nutrition, from pregnancy to pre-school, because we know that healthy eating habits established in childhood are more likely to last a lifetime.

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