Baby behaviour
Read time: 3 minutes
Your baby's behaviour is their response to everything they experience. Things they like and don't like, things that scare or excite them, things that upset or soothe them.
As babies develop and their understanding of the world grows, their behaviour changes. And as they become better at communicating, their behaviour becomes easier to understand.
As your baby gets to know you, they'll begin to show their pleasure at being with you and others who care for them. But your baby may also show a dislike or fear of new things – a car horn beeping, a stranger's face, or a new toy.
Your baby will show this in their behaviour – they might cry, or wriggle and kick their legs and wave their arms. This can be frustrating! Particularly if you're in the middle of changing a nappy or trying to hold on to a wriggling baby in the bath.
It's important to remember that your baby isn't trying to make things hard for you. Even when things seem difficult! Your baby is telling you how they feel in the only way they can. When you are calm and caring your baby learns to feel safe as they experience new things. And over time, you'll learn from your baby's behaviour what things make them calm and make them happy.
Distraction vs reaction
As they grow, babies start to learn by doing. They try new things to find out how it feels and what happens next. Your baby may tug on a necklace while you are trying to feed them. If they get a reaction, they are likely to try it again! They've learnt that they can make something happen. But they don't yet understand that necklaces can break.
Babies don't understand right from wrong. You have to distract them from the behaviour you don't want. You'll need to do this a lot! Babies don't remember things in the same way that adults and even older children do.
Staying calm and caring when you distract your baby helps them to feel safe. And feeling safe allows them to explore new things and learn all about their world.
'No, you can't eat the dog biscuits'
Some babies love to put everything they find in their mouth! It might be their own toes or it might be the dog's biscuits. But this is how your baby is trying to explore and understand the objects it encounters.
Unfortunately, babies don't understand danger. They won't know they can choke on an object, or that it might be dirty or poisonous. As babies become more mobile, it's important to keep your home as baby-safe as possible. You'll need to help your baby understand what they can explore and what's off-limits.
You can do this by giving your baby lots of praise and positive attention when they are exploring safely. If they want to explore things that could hurt them or someone else, you can gently remove them. And distract them by giving them something safe to explore. For example, take away the dog biscuit and give them a teething ring. You might say ' we don't eat dog biscuits as they're dirty, but you can chew on your teething ring!'
Top tips for responding to your baby's behaviour
Read time: 1 minute
- Remember, your baby needs you to be calm and caring, even when you are finding their behaviour tricky.
- Babies can't remember things like we do. So try to accept that you'll have to move or distract your baby a lot!
- Your baby is not behaving this way to wind you up. Babies cannot think like that! Your baby is trying to learn about the world in the only way they can.
- You are not alone! If your baby's behaviour is frustrating you, worrying you or getting you down, reach out and ask for help.
Look after yourself!
Having a new baby can feel wonderful, but it can also feel overwhelming, exhausting and scary. Remember, parenting is a tough job, so don't forget to be kind to yourself!
If you are feeling helpless and unsure of the best approach to take, don't worry. There are many helpful websites and support services out there for you. Try to stay positive, and if you feel you need a helping hand, reach out.
Information from external websites
Barnardo's Family Space has a helpful article on baby's first year
The NCT has a useful article on understanding why all babies are different. They also have 100's of articles to help you care for your baby. And they have 100's of articles on life as a parent - perfect for making sure you look after yourself!
Struggling and need to talk?
Action for Children offer 1:1 chat with a parenting coach (Mon - Fri). If they are closed you can leave a message and a parenting coach will get back to you within 3 working days.
Family Lives has a free, confidential helpline, offering emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life. Call the Family Lives helpline on 0808 800 2222 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm and on weekends from 10am to 3pm).
NSPCC has a free, confidential helpline for parents looking for advice. Call 0808 800 5000 (Monday to Friday 8am – 10pm or 9am – 6pm at the weekends).
The Surrey Children and Family Health Advice Line is available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). They can provide support on all aspects of child health, development and parenting for families with children from birth to 19 years old. Call the Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line on 01883 340 922
Face-to-face support
You could also talk to your health visitor or your GP.
Useful videos about baby behaviour
Have a watch of this NSPCC video of parents giving top tips on looking after yourself when you have a new baby.
The Baby Buddy App has some great videos, like this introduction to understanding your baby's behaviour and this traffic light system for understanding your baby's behaviour.
The NCT has this video of top tips on how to cope with a newborn
If you need tips on looking after yourself, try tip 1 from the help with difficult behaviour section of the Families Under Pressure video collection.
Helpful tools and apps
Baby Buddy is an award-winning mobile app, created by mums, doctors and midwives and recommended by Children and Family Health Surrey and the NHS.
The app has lots of helpful information and videos about all aspects of being a new parent.
A web-based version is also available.
The Paediatric HANDi App is approved by Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Partnership. It offers straight forward advice and support on symptoms of common childhood illnesses.
DadPad is a practical guide for new dads, developed with the NHS.
New dads often feel excited, but may also feel left out, unsure or overwhelmed. The DadPad can help by giving you the knowledge and practical skills that you need to give your new baby the best start in life.
The NSPCC recognise that all parents can come under pressure or stress from time to time. The Positive Parenting guide shares practical advice and tips for parenting techniques that work well for children of all ages – from babies to teenagers.
Surrey's Family Learning and Adult Learning teams have developed a family wellbeing resource, with lots of tips on looking after yourself and your family during these challenging times.
Online parenting guides
Surrey residents get free access to an online guide that include top tips from childcare, education and NHS health experts
How to register
Registration is quick and easy. Go to the OurPlace website and use the access code 'ACORN' to get your free guide.
- Understanding your pregnancy, labour, birth and your baby
- Understanding your baby
- Understanding your child 0-19 years
Access to the guide is unlimited with no expiry date, so you can return as and when you need and want to. Why not watch the Child and Family Health video to find out more.
Community support, courses and local help
Choose the area you live in for local services. Please note that due to coronavirus (Covid-19) very few community services are currently running.
The Children and Family Health Surrey Advice Line (Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line)
The Surrey Children and Family Health Advice Line is available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). They can provide advice about your baby and parenting. Call the Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line on 01883 340 922
Home Start COVID-19 Zoom Postnatal Support Group for Surrey
Join us on our COVID-19 postnatal group run on Zoom offering encouragement and support for new parents. It is available for all new mums in Surrey.
The course is expertly designed and will cover a range of informative topics to help you navigate those early weeks and months. The course is run by trained professionals in early years care.
For more information, please complete the online self referral form.
Alternatively, please Email: enquiries@home-start-elmbridge.org.uk
Family Learning
Surrey Adult Learning's Family Learning programme aims to increase parent's skills and help them to support their children. It's free to parents, carers and even grandparents!
You can do online workshops and courses in parenting, wellbeing, anxiety and behaviour as well as phonics, English for EAL families, maths, science and healthy eating. Here's what one parent said about an 'Exploring Behaviour Strategies' course
"What a lovely course…. really constructive with lots of practical tips to go away and work on. I felt much more in control as a parent after last week's class alone! Thank you for being so open and inclusive, and providing a safe environment for us parents to share experiences."
You can enrol on up to 3 free courses and workshops each half term. For further information email family.learning@surreycc.gov.uk or call 0300 200 1044.
National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Now more than ever, it's important for you to feel supported and connected to local parents. Some local NCT communities are hosting live online activities and meet-ups so you can feel connected without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Visit the NCT website and scroll down to the find local activities and meet ups section. Type in your postcode to see what's happening in your local area.
Parent and Infant Mental Health Service
The Parent-Infant Mental Health Service, known as PIMHS, works with parents expecting a baby and with babies up to the age of one year. They are a small team of specialist health visitors, child psychotherapists and perinatal therapists.
They support parents when they struggle to relate to or have any positive feelings about their babies.
If you are expecting a baby or have a baby less than a year old and are finding it difficult to develop a positive relationship with your baby, the PIMHS team may be able to help.
If you think you might need support from PIMHS talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP. They will make an assessment and a referral to the team if they think PIMHS is the right support for you.
View the Child and Family Health Surrey video for further information on PIMHS.
The Children and Family Health Surrey Advice Line (Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line)
The Surrey Children and Family Health Advice Line is available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). They can provide advice about your baby and parenting. Call the Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line on 01883 340 922
Home Start COVID-19 Zoom Postnatal Support Group for Surrey
Join us on our COVID-19 postnatal group run on Zoom offering encouragement and support for new parents. It is available for all new mums in Surrey.
The course is expertly designed and will cover a range of informative topics to help you navigate those early weeks and months. The course is run by trained professionals in early years care.
For more information, please complete the online self referral form.
Alternatively, please Email: enquiries@home-start-elmbridge.org.uk
Home-Start Elmbridge
Home Start Elmbridge is a voluntary organisation that offers support through friendship and practical help to parents in the Borough of Elmbridge who have at least one child under five and are struggling to cope - from illness, poverty and isolation through to domestic violence and poor mental health. Support is free, confidential and non-judgemental.
If you live in Elmbridge, have at least one child under 5 and are looking for support, simply complete their online self-referral form. Or to find out more about what's on offer visit the Home Start Elmbridge website or email enquiries@home-start-elmbridge.org.uk
Elmbridge Family Centres
The Elmbridge Family Centres are able to support all families in the area with 0-11's who wish to access support through courses.
Currently we can offer online courses to support parenting and child behaviour. We have tablets to loan if families do not have a suitable device.
We directly offer the Parenting Puzzle course on a rolling basis. and link with many partners who are offering other courses including talking teens, supporting challenging behaviour.
We will resume face to face sessions as soon as the government guidelines allow. These would generally be run at one of our buildings in Walton, Molesey, Cobham or in the local community. We will confirm the exact venue details when your place is confirmed. Please contact us for further details:
- Call: 01932 229103
- Email: elmbridge@spurgeons.org
Or visit the Elmbridge Family Centres website or Elmbridge Family Centres Facebook page.
Family Learning
Surrey Adult Learning's Family Learning programme aims to increase parent's skills and help them to support their children. It's free to parents, carers and even grandparents!
You can do online workshops and courses in parenting, wellbeing, anxiety and behaviour as well as phonics, English for EAL families, maths, science and healthy eating. Here's what one parent said about an 'Exploring Behaviour Strategies' course
"What a lovely course…. really constructive with lots of practical tips to go away and work on. I felt much more in control as a parent after last week's class alone! Thank you for being so open and inclusive, and providing a safe environment for us parents to share experiences."
You can enrol on up to 3 free courses and workshops each half term. For further information email family.learning@surreycc.gov.uk or call 0300 200 1044.
National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Now more than ever, it's important for you to feel supported and connected to local parents. Some local NCT communities are hosting live online activities and meet-ups so you can feel connected without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Visit the NCT website and scroll down to the find local activities and meet ups section. Type in your postcode to see what's happening in your local area.
Parent and Infant Mental Health Service
The Parent-Infant Mental Health Service, known as PIMHS, works with parents expecting a baby and with babies up to the age of one year. They are a small team of specialist health visitors, child psychotherapists and perinatal therapists.
They support parents when they struggle to relate to or have any positive feelings about their babies.
If you are expecting a baby or have a baby less than a year old and are finding it difficult to develop a positive relationship with your baby, the PIMHS team may be able to help.
If you think you might need support from PIMHS talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP. They will make an assessment and a referral to the team if they think PIMHS is the right support for you.
View the Child and Family Health Surrey video for further information on PIMHS.
Parenting Puzzle Course via Zoom
Find out how to get the best out of family life. This 10 week Nurturing Programme is for parents and carers living in Elmbridge. This course encourages and supports parents and carers to enjoy bringing up children of all ages. The sessions are informal, fun and a great confidence booster.
28 April 2021 - 7 July 2021 (break for half term) Wednesdays 10am- 11.30am via Zoom.
£50 per family, but concessions and free places available so please ask.
To find out more contact
- Michelle - michelle@thewellbeingsupervisor.com Call: 07772 348182 or
- Teresa - t.doe@orchard.surrey.sch.uk
The Children and Family Health Surrey Advice Line (Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line)
The Surrey Children and Family Health Advice Line is available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). They can provide advice about your baby and parenting. Call the Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line on 01883 340 922
Home Start COVID-19 Zoom Postnatal Support Group for Surrey
Join us on our COVID-19 postnatal group run on Zoom offering encouragement and support for new parents. It is available for all new mums in Surrey.
The course is expertly designed and will cover a range of informative topics to help you navigate those early weeks and months. The course is run by trained professionals in early years care.
For more information, please complete the online self referral form.
Alternatively, please Email: enquiries@home-start-elmbridge.org.uk
Home-Start Epsom, Ewell and Banstead
Home-Start Epsom, Ewell and Banstead can support any parent living in the local area, including Epsom, Ewell, Banstead and surrounding villages, who has one or more children under the age of 5 and who wants help at a difficult time in their life.
There are many reasons why parents need support and these can include:
- Feeling isolated, maybe with no family nearby and struggling to make friends
- Suffering with post-natal depression and maybe finding it hard to talk to anyone about it
- Having a hard time coping with your child's illness or disability
- Being affected by the death of a family member
- Struggling with the emotional and practical demands of twins, triplets or children under 5
- Finding it hard to cope with relationship difficulties
- Feeling exhausted or depressed
- Coping with your own illness or disability
For more information please look at the self-referral information.
Ewell Family Centre
Ewell Family Centre supports local families with children aged 0-11 years. Parenting support is currently being offered via online workshops.
For more information please visit the Ewell Family Centre website or call the centre to speak to staff on 020 8337 7310
Family Learning
Surrey Adult Learning's Family Learning programme aims to increase parent's skills and help them to support their children. It's free to parents, carers and even grandparents!
You can do online workshops and courses in parenting, wellbeing, anxiety and behaviour as well as phonics, English for EAL families, maths, science and healthy eating. Here's what one parent said about an 'Exploring Behaviour Strategies' course
"What a lovely course…. really constructive with lots of practical tips to go away and work on. I felt much more in control as a parent after last week's class alone! Thank you for being so open and inclusive, and providing a safe environment for us parents to share experiences."
You can enrol on up to 3 free courses and workshops each half term. For further information email family.learning@surreycc.gov.uk or call 0300 200 1044.
National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Now more than ever, it's important for you to feel supported and connected to local parents. Some local NCT communities are hosting live online activities and meet-ups so you can feel connected without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Visit the NCT website and scroll down to the find local activities and meet ups section. Type in your postcode to see what's happening in your local area.
Parent and Infant Mental Health Service
The Parent-Infant Mental Health Service, known as PIMHS, works with parents expecting a baby and with babies up to the age of one year. They are a small team of specialist health visitors, child psychotherapists and perinatal therapists.
They support parents when they struggle to relate to or have any positive feelings about their babies.
If you are expecting a baby or have a baby less than a year old and are finding it difficult to develop a positive relationship with your baby, the PIMHS team may be able to help.
If you think you might need support from PIMHS talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP. They will make an assessment and a referral to the team if they think PIMHS is the right support for you.
View the Child and Family Health Surrey video for further information on PIMHS.
The Children and Family Health Surrey Advice Line (Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line)
The Surrey Children and Family Health Advice Line is available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). They can provide advice about your baby and parenting. Call the Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line on 01883 340 922
Home Start COVID-19 Zoom Postnatal Support Group for Surrey
Join us on our COVID-19 postnatal group run on Zoom offering encouragement and support for new parents. It is available for all new mums in Surrey.
The course is expertly designed and will cover a range of informative topics to help you navigate those early weeks and months. The course is run by trained professionals in early years care.
For more information, please complete the online self referral form.
Alternatively, please Email: enquiries@home-start-elmbridge.org.uk
Home-Start Guildford
Home-Start Guildford is a voluntary organisation offering non-judgmental, practical and emotional support to help build a family's confidence and ability to cope. Our volunteers provide weekly support to include visits, as well as remote support such as telephone contact, texts, video calls etc.
There are many reasons why parents need support and these may include:
- Feelings of isolation, perhaps with no family nearby and struggling to make friends
- Coping with the demands of twins, triplets or several pre-school children
- Dealing with ill health, disability or special needs of children or self
- Bereavement
- Mental health problems or post-natal depression
- Lone parent
- Young parents
- Grandparents caring for grandchildren
- Relationship difficulties or breakdown
If you live in Guildford, have at least one child under 5 years and are looking for support, please complete the online contact form
Or to find out more about what's on offer, please visit the Home-Start Guildford website or call 01483 511181 (Mon-Fri 9:00-4:30pm)
Home-Start Guildford are also active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter where you can find out more about them.
Guildford Family Centre
Guildford Family Centre offer FREE weekly Family Advice Sessions (1:1 call with a family support worker).
These sessions are offered on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 09:15 - 09:45 or 09:45 - 10:15.
Book your free 30 minute, one to one session with a Family Support Worker now. Call 01483 510 570.
Booking is essential as spaces are limited.
Family Learning
Surrey Adult Learning's Family Learning programme aims to increase parent's skills and help them to support their children. It's free to parents, carers and even grandparents!
You can do online workshops and courses in parenting, wellbeing, anxiety and behaviour as well as phonics, English for EAL families, maths, science and healthy eating. Here's what one parent said about an 'Exploring Behaviour Strategies' course
"What a lovely course…. really constructive with lots of practical tips to go away and work on. I felt much more in control as a parent after last week's class alone! Thank you for being so open and inclusive, and providing a safe environment for us parents to share experiences."
You can enrol on up to 3 free courses and workshops each half term. For further information email family.learning@surreycc.gov.uk or call 0300 200 1044.
National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Now more than ever, it's important for you to feel supported and connected to local parents. Some local NCT communities are hosting live online activities and meet-ups so you can feel connected without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Visit the NCT website and scroll down to the find local activities and meet ups section. Type in your postcode to see what's happening in your local area.
Parent and Infant Mental Health Service
The Parent-Infant Mental Health Service, known as PIMHS, works with parents expecting a baby and with babies up to the age of one year. They are a small team of specialist health visitors, child psychotherapists and perinatal therapists.
They support parents when they struggle to relate to or have any positive feelings about their babies.
If you are expecting a baby or have a baby less than a year old and are finding it difficult to develop a positive relationship with your baby, the PIMHS team may be able to help.
If you think you might need support from PIMHS talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP. They will make an assessment and a referral to the team if they think PIMHS is the right support for you.
View the Child and Family Health Surrey video for further information on PIMHS.
The Children and Family Health Surrey Advice Line (Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line)
The Surrey Children and Family Health Advice Line is available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). They can provide advice about your baby and parenting. Call the Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line on 01883 340 922
Home Start COVID-19 Zoom Postnatal Support Group for Surrey
Join us on our COVID-19 postnatal group run on Zoom offering encouragement and support for new parents. It is available for all new mums in Surrey.
The course is expertly designed and will cover a range of informative topics to help you navigate those early weeks and months. The course is run by trained professionals in early years care.
For more information, please complete the online self referral form.
Alternatively, please Email: enquiries@home-start-elmbridge.org.uk
Home-Start East Surrey
Home-Start East Surrey helps families become more resilient, supporting them until they are strong enough to cope on their own. They provide non-judgmental, practical and emotional support to help build the family's confidence and ability to cope.
Who can Home-Start East Surrey help?
- Lonely or isolated parents
- Families with twins, triplets or several pre-school children
- Families where there is ill health, disability or special needs
- Families who have suffered bereavement
- Parents who have mental health problems/ post-natal depression
- Families from all backgrounds
- Lone parents
- Young parents
- Grandparents caring for grandchildren
- Step parents
- Adoptive parents
- Foster parents
- Families where a parent is in the armed forces
- Families where a parent is in prison
Any family with at least one child under 5, who is experiencing difficulties, can contact Home-Start for support. If that's you, please call 01737 770220 or email using the contact form. For more information you can visit the Home-Start East Surrey website.
Mole Valley Family Centre
Being a parent doesn't mean that you have to stop building your confidence and skills. Mole Valley have a range of courses and groups focusing on your needs. These are always welcoming, fun and interactive! And run at times to suit you and your family.
Visit the Mole Valley Family Centre website for information about courses and groups for you and your baby. See what's on at the moment.
To find out more, please contact Mole Valley Family Centre on 01306 740095 or email familycentre@dorking.surrey.sch.uk
Family Learning
Surrey Adult Learning's Family Learning programme aims to increase parent's skills and help them to support their children. It's free to parents, carers and even grandparents!
You can do online workshops and courses in parenting, wellbeing, anxiety and behaviour as well as phonics, English for EAL families, maths, science and healthy eating. Here's what one parent said about an 'Exploring Behaviour Strategies' course
"What a lovely course…. really constructive with lots of practical tips to go away and work on. I felt much more in control as a parent after last week's class alone! Thank you for being so open and inclusive, and providing a safe environment for us parents to share experiences."
You can enrol on up to 3 free courses and workshops each half term. For further information email family.learning@surreycc.gov.uk or call 0300 200 1044.
National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Now more than ever, it's important for you to feel supported and connected to local parents. Some local NCT communities are hosting live online activities and meet-ups so you can feel connected without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Visit the NCT website and scroll down to the find local activities and meet ups section. Type in your postcode to see what's happening in your local area.
Parent and Infant Mental Health Service
The Parent-Infant Mental Health Service, known as PIMHS, works with parents expecting a baby and with babies up to the age of one year. They are a small team of specialist health visitors, child psychotherapists and perinatal therapists.
They support parents when they struggle to relate to or have any positive feelings about their babies.
If you are expecting a baby or have a baby less than a year old and are finding it difficult to develop a positive relationship with your baby, the PIMHS team may be able to help.
If you think you might need support from PIMHS talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP. They will make an assessment and a referral to the team if they think PIMHS is the right support for you.
View the Child and Family Health Surrey video for further information on PIMHS.
The Children and Family Health Surrey Advice Line (Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line)
The Surrey Children and Family Health Advice Line is available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). They can provide advice about your baby and parenting. Call the Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line on 01883 340 922
Home Start COVID-19 Zoom Postnatal Support Group for Surrey
Join us on our COVID-19 postnatal group run on Zoom offering encouragement and support for new parents. It is available for all new mums in Surrey.
The course is expertly designed and will cover a range of informative topics to help you navigate those early weeks and months. The course is run by trained professionals in early years care.
For more information, please complete the online self referral form.
Alternatively, please Email: enquiries@home-start-elmbridge.org.uk
Home-Start East Surrey
Home-Start East Surrey helps families become more resilient, supporting them until they are strong enough to cope on their own. They provide non-judgmental, practical and emotional support to help build the family's confidence and ability to cope.
Who can Home-Start East Surrey help?
- Lonely or isolated parents
- Families with twins, triplets or several pre-school children
- Families where there is ill health, disability or special needs
- Families who have suffered bereavement
- Parents who have mental health problems/ post-natal depression
- Families from all backgrounds
- Lone parents
- Young parents
- Grandparents caring for grandchildren
- Step parents
- Adoptive parents
- Foster parents
- Families where a parent is in the armed forces
- Families where a parent is in prison
Any family with at least one child under 5, who is experiencing difficulties, can contact Home-Start for support. If that's you, please call 01737 770220 or email using the contact form. For more information you can visit the Home-Start East Surrey website.
Home-Start Epsom, Ewell and Banstead
Home-Start Epsom, Ewell and Banstead can support any parent living in the local area, including Epsom, Ewell, Banstead and surrounding villages, who has one or more children under the age of 5 and who wants help at a difficult time in their life.
There are many reasons why parents need support and these can include:
- Feeling isolated, maybe with no family nearby and struggling to make friends
- Suffering with post-natal depression and maybe finding it hard to talk to anyone about it
- Having a hard time coping with your child's illness or disability
- Being affected by the death of a family member
- Struggling with the emotional and practical demands of twins, triplets or children under 5
- Finding it hard to cope with relationship difficulties
- Feeling exhausted or depressed
- Coping with your own illness or disability
For more information please look at the self-referral information.
The Red Oak Family Centre
The Red Oak Family Centre works with families with children aged 0-11 years old. We have a team of qualified family support workers who work closely with families to support them in a range of areas including parenting, special educational needs, behaviour, mental health and much more.
The family centre is also a one stop shop for local families to get advice and support. The centre offers a wide range of groups and activities for families; including baby groups, play sessions for parents and carers of children with additional needs, 1-2-1 parenting sessions, parenting courses and child health and development support.
We offer advice and information mornings for parents and carers to pop along twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays to get help with topics including housing, finances and benefits, education, form filling, FEET funding and childcare advice, foodbank requests and emergency support and healthy start vitamins.
Our groups and activities will all be up and running shortly once restrictions are lifted and we look forward to welcoming families in the community back into the centre!
Please keep up to date with all the latest information from The Red Oak Family Centre or on The Red Oak Family Centre Facebook page
Welcare Family Centre Redhill
Welcare Family Centre Redhill normally offer a range of courses and sessions, including Mummy and Me, a series of play-based sessions for mums and their pre-walking baby focusing on emotional wellbeing and bonding.
In line with National lockdown requirements Welcare Family Centre is currently closed. However, staff continue to offer information and advice and 1:1 family support remotely.
If you would like information and advice or are struggling and think 1:1 family support might help, please call the centre on 01737 780884 or email redhill@welcare.org to discuss your needs.
Family Learning
Surrey Adult Learning's Family Learning programme aims to increase parent's skills and help them to support their children. It's free to parents, carers and even grandparents!
You can do online workshops and courses in parenting, wellbeing, anxiety and behaviour as well as phonics, English for EAL families, maths, science and healthy eating. Here's what one parent said about an 'Exploring Behaviour Strategies' course
"What a lovely course…. really constructive with lots of practical tips to go away and work on. I felt much more in control as a parent after last week's class alone! Thank you for being so open and inclusive, and providing a safe environment for us parents to share experiences."
You can enrol on up to 3 free courses and workshops each half term. For further information email family.learning@surreycc.gov.uk or call 0300 200 1044.
National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Now more than ever, it's important for you to feel supported and connected to local parents. Some local NCT communities are hosting live online activities and meet-ups so you can feel connected without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Visit the NCT website and scroll down to the find local activities and meet ups section. Type in your postcode to see what's happening in your local area.
Parent and Infant Mental Health Service
The Parent-Infant Mental Health Service, known as PIMHS, works with parents expecting a baby and with babies up to the age of one year. They are a small team of specialist health visitors, child psychotherapists and perinatal therapists.
They support parents when they struggle to relate to or have any positive feelings about their babies.
If you are expecting a baby or have a baby less than a year old and are finding it difficult to develop a positive relationship with your baby, the PIMHS team may be able to help.
If you think you might need support from PIMHS talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP. They will make an assessment and a referral to the team if they think PIMHS is the right support for you.
View the Child and Family Health Surrey video for further information on PIMHS.
The Children and Family Health Surrey Advice Line (Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line)
The Surrey Children and Family Health Advice Line is available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). They can provide advice about your baby and parenting. Call the Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line on 01883 340 922
Home Start COVID-19 Zoom Postnatal Support Group for Surrey
Join us on our COVID-19 postnatal group run on Zoom offering encouragement and support for new parents. It is available for all new mums in Surrey.
The course is expertly designed and will cover a range of informative topics to help you navigate those early weeks and months. The course is run by trained professionals in early years care.
For more information, please complete the online self referral form.
Alternatively, please Email: enquiries@home-start-elmbridge.org.uk
Home-Start Runnymede and Woking
Home Start Runnymede and Woking is a voluntary organisation that offers support through friendship and practical help to parents in the Runnymede and Woking areas who have at least one child under five and are struggling to cope. Support is free, confidential and non-judgemental.
Do you ever feel like this?
- Isolated in your community, unable to get out and about, with no family nearby and struggling to make friends?
- Suffering with post-natal illness but finding it hard to talk to anyone about it?
- Having a hard time coping with either your own or your child's illness or disability?
- Overwhelmed by the death of a loved one, or separation, or divorce?
- Struggling with the emotional and physical demands of having twins, triplets or more?
- Struggling to cope with behavioural issues?
- Tired, unhappy and exhausted?
….or any similar problems.
Current support includes
- 1:1 volunteer or staff support (Zoom or phone)
- Group support on Zoom for parents with children with additional needs and new mums
If you live in Runnymede or Woking, have at least one child under 5 and are looking for support, visit the Home Start Runnymede and Woking website for more information or phone 01483 740367 to discuss what you need and what they might be able to offer.
Runnymede Family Centre
Runnymede Family Centre offer a number of parenting courses for parents of children from 0 to11 years who are looking for that extra bit of support, including:
- 9 week Parenting Toolkit via Zoom (starts Thursday 22/04/2021)
For more information please phone 01784 464395 or email info.runnymede@hythe.surrey.sch.uk
Family Learning
Surrey Adult Learning's Family Learning programme aims to increase parent's skills and help them to support their children. It's free to parents, carers and even grandparents!
You can do online workshops and courses in parenting, wellbeing, anxiety and behaviour as well as phonics, English for EAL families, maths, science and healthy eating. Here's what one parent said about an 'Exploring Behaviour Strategies' course
"What a lovely course…. really constructive with lots of practical tips to go away and work on. I felt much more in control as a parent after last week's class alone! Thank you for being so open and inclusive, and providing a safe environment for us parents to share experiences."
You can enrol on up to 3 free courses and workshops each half term. For further information email family.learning@surreycc.gov.uk or call 0300 200 1044.
National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Now more than ever, it's important for you to feel supported and connected to local parents. Some local NCT communities are hosting live online activities and meet-ups so you can feel connected without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Visit the NCT website and scroll down to the find local activities and meet ups section. Type in your postcode to see what's happening in your local area.
Parent and Infant Mental Health Service
The Parent-Infant Mental Health Service, known as PIMHS, works with parents expecting a baby and with babies up to the age of one year. They are a small team of specialist health visitors, child psychotherapists and perinatal therapists.
They support parents when they struggle to relate to or have any positive feelings about their babies.
If you are expecting a baby or have a baby less than a year old and are finding it difficult to develop a positive relationship with your baby, the PIMHS team may be able to help.
If you think you might need support from PIMHS talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP. They will make an assessment and a referral to the team if they think PIMHS is the right support for you.
View the Child and Family Health Surrey video for further information on PIMHS.
The Children and Family Health Surrey Advice Line (Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line)
The Surrey Children and Family Health Advice Line is available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). They can provide advice about your baby and parenting. Call the Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line on 01883 340 922
Home Start COVID-19 Zoom Postnatal Support Group for Surrey
Join us on our COVID-19 postnatal group run on Zoom offering encouragement and support for new parents. It is available for all new mums in Surrey.
The course is expertly designed and will cover a range of informative topics to help you navigate those early weeks and months. The course is run by trained professionals in early years care.
For more information, please complete the online self referral form.
Alternatively, please Email: enquiries@home-start-elmbridge.org.uk
Home-Start Spelthorne
Do you ever feel like this?
- Isolated in your community, with no family nearby and struggling to make friends.
- Suffering with post-natal illness but finding it hard to talk to anyone about it.
- Having a hard time coping with your child's illness.
- Struggling to cope with a disability or relationship problems.
- Tired, unhappy, exhausted or any similar problems.
Many parents need help, friendship, advice or support during those early years when children are young.
There is no rulebook for raising a family and sometimes it can seem overwhelming, particularly if your family is going through difficult times. But if you can get the support you need when you need it, then day-to-day family life and your children's future can be so much brighter.
If you are a parent in Spelthorne with at least one child under five and are looking for support you can contact Home-Start Spelthorne directly on 01784 463200 and speak to a member of the team, or simply complete their contact us form.
Clarendon Family Centre
Clarendon Family centre can offer support to families with child 0-11 years old in Spelthorne. This includes information and advice and parenting courses.
If you'd like to find out more please call 07585 658690
Family Learning
Surrey Adult Learning's Family Learning programme aims to increase parent's skills and help them to support their children. It's free to parents, carers and even grandparents!
You can do online workshops and courses in parenting, wellbeing, anxiety and behaviour as well as phonics, English for EAL families, maths, science and healthy eating. Here's what one parent said about an 'Exploring Behaviour Strategies' course
"What a lovely course…. really constructive with lots of practical tips to go away and work on. I felt much more in control as a parent after last week's class alone! Thank you for being so open and inclusive, and providing a safe environment for us parents to share experiences."
You can enrol on up to 3 free courses and workshops each half term. For further information email family.learning@surreycc.gov.uk or call 0300 200 1044.
National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Now more than ever, it's important for you to feel supported and connected to local parents. Some local NCT communities are hosting live online activities and meet-ups so you can feel connected without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Visit the NCT website and scroll down to the find local activities and meet ups section. Type in your postcode to see what's happening in your local area.
Parent and Infant Mental Health Service
The Parent-Infant Mental Health Service, known as PIMHS, works with parents expecting a baby and with babies up to the age of one year. They are a small team of specialist health visitors, child psychotherapists and perinatal therapists.
They support parents when they struggle to relate to or have any positive feelings about their babies.
If you are expecting a baby or have a baby less than a year old and are finding it difficult to develop a positive relationship with your baby, the PIMHS team may be able to help.
If you think you might need support from PIMHS talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP. They will make an assessment and a referral to the team if they think PIMHS is the right support for you.
View the Child and Family Health Surrey video for further information on PIMHS.
The Children and Family Health Surrey Advice Line (Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line)
The Surrey Children and Family Health Advice Line is available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). They can provide advice about your baby and parenting. Call the Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line on 01883 340 922
Home Start COVID-19 Zoom Postnatal Support Group for Surrey
Join us on our COVID-19 postnatal group run on Zoom offering encouragement and support for new parents. It is available for all new mums in Surrey.
The course is expertly designed and will cover a range of informative topics to help you navigate those early weeks and months. The course is run by trained professionals in early years care.
For more information, please complete the online self referral form.
Alternatively, please Email: enquiries@home-start-elmbridge.org.uk
Home-Start Surrey Heath
Home-Start Surrey Heath is a voluntary organisation that offers support through friendship and practical help to parents in Surrey Heath who have at least one child under five and are struggling to cope. Support is free, confidential and non-judgemental.
Home-Start Surrey Heath may be able to help if you:
- live in the Borough of Surrey Heath.
- have one or more children under the age of 5
- family groups for parents who feel isolated and lack confidence
- are going through a difficult time in your life
There are many reasons why you may need support. Perhaps you are:
- feeling isolated, maybe with no family nearby and struggling to make friends
- suffering with post-natal depression and maybe finding it hard to talk to anyone about it
- having a hard time coping with your child's illness or disability
- being affected by the death of a family member
- struggling with the emotional and practical demands of twins, triplets or children under 5
- finding it hard to cope with relationship difficulties
- feeling exhausted or depressed
- coping with your own illness or disability
- you have a child with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)
If you are looking for support please call 01276 681121. You can also visit the Home-Start Surrey Heath website or look at the referrals page for more information.
Surrey Heath Family Centre Barnardos
Surrey Heath Family Centre are currently running a rolling programme of parenting courses, workshops and short sessions via zoom, including:
- The full 10 week parenting puzzle course that encourages parents and carers to enjoy bringing up children and get the best out of family life.
- 4 x Parenting puzzle workshops
- GroBrain post natal course focusing on bonding and brain development
For more information about any of the opportunities offered via the above programmes, please call Surrey Heath Family Centre on 07565 202058.
Family Learning
Surrey Adult Learning's Family Learning programme aims to increase parent's skills and help them to support their children. It's free to parents, carers and even grandparents!
You can do online workshops and courses in parenting, wellbeing, anxiety and behaviour as well as phonics, English for EAL families, maths, science and healthy eating. Here's what one parent said about an 'Exploring Behaviour Strategies' course
"What a lovely course…. really constructive with lots of practical tips to go away and work on. I felt much more in control as a parent after last week's class alone! Thank you for being so open and inclusive, and providing a safe environment for us parents to share experiences."
You can enrol on up to 3 free courses and workshops each half term. For further information email family.learning@surreycc.gov.uk or call 0300 200 1044.
National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Now more than ever, it's important for you to feel supported and connected to local parents. Some local NCT communities are hosting live online activities and meet-ups so you can feel connected without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Visit the NCT website and scroll down to the find local activities and meet ups section. Type in your postcode to see what's happening in your local area.
Parent and Infant Mental Health Service
The Parent-Infant Mental Health Service, known as PIMHS, works with parents expecting a baby and with babies up to the age of one year. They are a small team of specialist health visitors, child psychotherapists and perinatal therapists.
They support parents when they struggle to relate to or have any positive feelings about their babies.
If you are expecting a baby or have a baby less than a year old and are finding it difficult to develop a positive relationship with your baby, the PIMHS team may be able to help.
If you think you might need support from PIMHS talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP. They will make an assessment and a referral to the team if they think PIMHS is the right support for you.
View the Child and Family Health Surrey video for further information on PIMHS.
The Children and Family Health Surrey Advice Line (Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line)
The Surrey Children and Family Health Advice Line is available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). They can provide advice about your baby and parenting. Call the Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line on 01883 340 922
Home Start COVID-19 Zoom Postnatal Support Group for Surrey
Join us on our COVID-19 postnatal group run on Zoom offering encouragement and support for new parents. It is available for all new mums in Surrey.
The course is expertly designed and will cover a range of informative topics to help you navigate those early weeks and months. The course is run by trained professionals in early years care.
For more information, please complete the online self referral form.
Alternatively, please Email: enquiries@home-start-elmbridge.org.uk
Home-Start East Surrey
Home-Start East Surrey helps families become more resilient, supporting them until they are strong enough to cope on their own. They provide non-judgmental, practical and emotional support to help build the family's confidence and ability to cope.
Who can Home-Start East Surrey help?
- Lonely or isolated parents
- Families with twins, triplets or several pre-school children
- Families where there is ill health, disability or special needs
- Families who have suffered bereavement
- Parents who have mental health problems/ post-natal depression
- Families from all backgrounds
- Lone parents
- Young parents
- Grandparents caring for grandchildren
- Step parents
- Adoptive parents
- Foster parents
- Families where a parent is in the armed forces
- Families where a parent is in prison
Any family with at least one child under 5, who is experiencing difficulties, can contact Home-Start for support. If that's you, please call 01737 770220 or email using the contact form. For more information you can visit the Home-Start East Surrey website.
Family Learning
Surrey Adult Learning's Family Learning programme aims to increase parent's skills and help them to support their children. It's free to parents, carers and even grandparents!
You can do online workshops and courses in parenting, wellbeing, anxiety and behaviour as well as phonics, English for EAL families, maths, science and healthy eating. Here's what one parent said about an 'Exploring Behaviour Strategies' course
"What a lovely course…. really constructive with lots of practical tips to go away and work on. I felt much more in control as a parent after last week's class alone! Thank you for being so open and inclusive, and providing a safe environment for us parents to share experiences."
You can enrol on up to 3 free courses and workshops each half term. For further information email family.learning@surreycc.gov.uk or call 0300 200 1044.
National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Now more than ever, it's important for you to feel supported and connected to local parents. Some local NCT communities are hosting live online activities and meet-ups so you can feel connected without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Visit the NCT website and scroll down to the find local activities and meet ups section. Type in your postcode to see what's happening in your local area.
Parent and Infant Mental Health Service
The Parent-Infant Mental Health Service, known as PIMHS, works with parents expecting a baby and with babies up to the age of one year. They are a small team of specialist health visitors, child psychotherapists and perinatal therapists.
They support parents when they struggle to relate to or have any positive feelings about their babies.
If you are expecting a baby or have a baby less than a year old and are finding it difficult to develop a positive relationship with your baby, the PIMHS team may be able to help.
If you think you might need support from PIMHS talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP. They will make an assessment and a referral to the team if they think PIMHS is the right support for you.
View the Child and Family Health Surrey video for further information on PIMHS.
The Children and Family Health Surrey Advice Line (Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line)
The Surrey Children and Family Health Advice Line is available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). They can provide advice about your baby and parenting. Call the Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line on 01883 340 922
Home Start COVID-19 Zoom Postnatal Support Group for Surrey
Join us on our COVID-19 postnatal group run on Zoom offering encouragement and support for new parents. It is available for all new mums in Surrey.
The course is expertly designed and will cover a range of informative topics to help you navigate those early weeks and months. The course is run by trained professionals in early years care.
For more information, please complete the online self referral form.
Alternatively, please Email: enquiries@home-start-elmbridge.org.uk
Home-Start Waverley
Home-Start in Waverley is a voluntary organisation that offers support through friendship and practical help to parents in the Runnymede and Woking areas who have at least one child under five and are struggling to cope. Support is free, confidential and non-judgemental. Home-Start Waverley may be able to help if you:
- live in the Borough of Waverley which includes Farnham, Haslemere, Cranleigh, Godalming and surrounding districts
- have at least one child under the age of 5
- are going through a difficult time in your life
There are many reasons why you may need support. Perhaps you are:
- feeling isolated, maybe with no family nearby and struggling to make friends
- suffering with post-natal depression and maybe finding it hard to talk to anyone about it
- having a hard time coping with your child's illness or disability
- being affected by the death of a family member
- struggling with the emotional and practical demands of twins, triplets or more than one child under 5
- finding it hard to cope with relationship difficulties
- feeling exhausted or depressed
- coping with your own illness or disability
If you are a parent looking for support, visit the Home-Start Waverley website for more information or call 01252 737 453 to chat about your needs. You can get in touch by email too - info@homestartwaverley.org
Family Learning
Surrey Adult Learning's Family Learning programme aims to increase parent's skills and help them to support their children. It's free to parents, carers and even grandparents!
You can do online workshops and courses in parenting, wellbeing, anxiety and behaviour as well as phonics, English for EAL families, maths, science and healthy eating. Here's what one parent said about an 'Exploring Behaviour Strategies' course
"What a lovely course…. really constructive with lots of practical tips to go away and work on. I felt much more in control as a parent after last week's class alone! Thank you for being so open and inclusive, and providing a safe environment for us parents to share experiences."
You can enrol on up to 3 free courses and workshops each half term. For further information email family.learning@surreycc.gov.uk or call 0300 200 1044.
National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Now more than ever, it's important for you to feel supported and connected to local parents. Some local NCT communities are hosting live online activities and meet-ups so you can feel connected without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Visit the NCT website and scroll down to the find local activities and meet ups section. Type in your postcode to see what's happening in your local area.
Parent and Infant Mental Health Service
The Parent-Infant Mental Health Service, known as PIMHS, works with parents expecting a baby and with babies up to the age of one year. They are a small team of specialist health visitors, child psychotherapists and perinatal therapists.
They support parents when they struggle to relate to or have any positive feelings about their babies.
If you are expecting a baby or have a baby less than a year old and are finding it difficult to develop a positive relationship with your baby, the PIMHS team may be able to help.
If you think you might need support from PIMHS talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP. They will make an assessment and a referral to the team if they think PIMHS is the right support for you.
View the Child and Family Health Surrey video for further information on PIMHS.
The Children and Family Health Surrey Advice Line (Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line)
The Surrey Children and Family Health Advice Line is available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). They can provide advice about your baby and parenting. Call the Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line on 01883 340 922
Home Start COVID-19 Zoom Postnatal Support Group for Surrey
Join us on our COVID-19 postnatal group run on Zoom offering encouragement and support for new parents. It is available for all new mums in Surrey.
The course is expertly designed and will cover a range of informative topics to help you navigate those early weeks and months. The course is run by trained professionals in early years care.
For more information, please complete the online self referral form.
Alternatively, please Email: enquiries@home-start-elmbridge.org.uk
Home-Start Runnymede and Woking
Home Start Runnymede and Woking is a voluntary organisation that offers support through friendship and practical help to parents in the Runnymede and Woking areas who have at least one child under five and are struggling to cope. Support is free, confidential and non-judgemental.
Do you ever feel like this?
- Isolated in your community, unable to get out and about, with no family nearby and struggling to make friends?
- Suffering with post-natal illness but finding it hard to talk to anyone about it?
- Having a hard time coping with either your own or your child's illness or disability?
- Overwhelmed by the death of a loved one, or separation, or divorce?
- Struggling with the emotional and physical demands of having twins, triplets or more?
- Struggling to cope with behavioural issues?
- Tired, unhappy and exhausted?
….or any similar problems.
Current support includes
- 1:1 volunteer or staff support (Zoom or phone)
- Group support on Zoom for parents with children with additional needs and new mums
If you live in Runnymede or Woking, have at least one child under 5 and are looking for support, visit the Home-Start Runnymede and Woking website for more information or phone 01483 740367 to discuss what you need and what they might be able to offer.
Family Learning
Surrey Adult Learning's Family Learning programme aims to increase parent's skills and help them to support their children. It's free to parents, carers and even grandparents!
You can do online workshops and courses in parenting, wellbeing, anxiety and behaviour as well as phonics, English for EAL families, maths, science and healthy eating. Here's what one parent said about an 'Exploring Behaviour Strategies' course
"What a lovely course…. really constructive with lots of practical tips to go away and work on. I felt much more in control as a parent after last week's class alone! Thank you for being so open and inclusive, and providing a safe environment for us parents to share experiences."
You can enrol on up to 3 free courses and workshops each half term. For further information email family.learning@surreycc.gov.uk or call 0300 200 1044.
National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Now more than ever, it's important for you to feel supported and connected to local parents. Some local NCT communities are hosting live online activities and meet-ups so you can feel connected without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Visit the NCT website and scroll down to the find local activities and meet ups section. Type in your postcode to see what's happening in your local area.
Parent and Infant Mental Health Service
The Parent-Infant Mental Health Service, known as PIMHS, works with parents expecting a baby and with babies up to the age of one year. They are a small team of specialist health visitors, child psychotherapists and perinatal therapists.
They support parents when they struggle to relate to or have any positive feelings about their babies.
If you are expecting a baby or have a baby less than a year old and are finding it difficult to develop a positive relationship with your baby, the PIMHS team may be able to help.
If you think you might need support from PIMHS talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP. They will make an assessment and a referral to the team if they think PIMHS is the right support for you.
View the Child and Family Health Surrey video for further information on PIMHS.
