12 September 2025

The Role of the Health Visitor in Promoting Your Newborn Baby’s Safety

Health visitors are qualified nurses or midwives with specialist training in child and family health. They work with families from pregnancy through to when a child starts school, delivering the Healthy Child Programme. Their role is to offer expert advice, support, and reassurance - helping every child get the best possible start in life.

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How health visitors help keep your baby safe

Health visitors play a vital role in helping parents create a safe, nurturing environment for their newborn. Here’s how they support baby safety:

1. Safe sleep advice
  • Guidance to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
  • Promoting the “ABC” of safe sleep: Alone, on their Back, in a Cot
  • Advice on safe room temperature, bedding, and sleep positions.

2. ICON - Coping with crying

  • Supporting parents to understand and manage infant crying
  • Introducing the ICON message: “Babies cry, you can cope”
  • Encouraging the use of a crying plan and reassuring parents that it’s okay to walk away if feeling overwhelmed.

3. Feeding safely

  • Support with safe breastfeeding and formula feeding
  • Advice on preparing formula safely and recognising feeding cues.

4. Accident prevention

  • Tips on safe handling, preventing falls, and keeping small objects and hot drinks out of reach
  • Guidance on safe bathing, water safety, and sun protection
  • Signposting to trusted resources for further information.

5. Pet safety

  • Discussing how to safely manage interactions between pets and babies
  • Helping parents recognise signs a dog may be uncomfortable
  • Raising awareness of illegal dog breeds and safety considerations.

6. Home safety

  • Encouraging parents to think about home safety (for example smoke alarms, stair gates, safe storage of medicines and cleaning products)
  • Signposting to local safety equipment schemes and support services.

7. Recognising health concerns early

  • Helping parents understand what’s normal for newborns and when to seek medical advice
  • Supporting early recognition of signs of illness.

8. Emotional support for parents

  • Listening to and addressing parental concerns
  • Promoting parental wellbeing - because a parent’s health and confidence directly impact their baby’s safety and development.

By working in partnership with families, health visitors help parents and carers feel confident, informed, and supported - laying the foundation for a safe and healthy start in life for their baby.

Contact your health visitor:

Where to Find Out More

 

 

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