Your baby’s brain is making a million new connections every second, making the first two years so important for their healthy development.

That means building strong connections during this period of your baby’s life lays the groundwork for their future well-being and mental health.

Lovingly meeting your baby’s needs helps them to learn to manage their emotions and build their confidence, and reduces the risk of future mental health issues.

Babies don’t come with a manual, but they do work hard to try to be understood. Knowing how to interpret their body language, facial expressions, noises, and cries can help you effectively meet their needs.

Start for Life’s ‘If They Could Tell You…’ campaign is aimed at helping parents understand their baby’s needs, enabling them to foster strong relationships.

For the latest advice on how best to build your relationship with your baby, you can find support and free resources, including tips and learning materials, at the Start for Life Hub.