Your child’s development

Support and guidance to help you understand your child’s milestones, growth, and learning from birth to age five, for parents and carers.

The government has published, guidance to help parents of under 5s navigate screen time, offering practical advice to support informed choices to help little brains develop healthy screen habits.  

For babies and toddlers under 2, avoid screens, except for shared family activities that encourage bonding and interaction. For 2 to 5s, try to keep it to no more than an hour a day - less where possible.

Choose slow-paced content with simple stories and clear speech, as fast paced, over stimulating social media style videos may affect how young children learn to concentrate, so it’s best to avoid them.  

Keep mealtimes and bedrooms screen free, and try swapping screens for reading, play, and conversation.

Young children copy your habits, so try to limit your own screen use around them. An important point to remember is that screens shouldn’t replace a young children’s sleep, physical activity, play or quality time. For more advice on how to help little brains to develop healthy screen habits visit the Best Start in Life website. 

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Support for starting toilet training with confidence, including signs of readiness and practical tips to help your child progress.

Toilet training tips

If your baby or child learning to use the potty or toilet instead of a nappy, these parent tips provide some top tips for toilet training – as national guidance on potty training has changed.

ERIC, The Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity is the UK’s leading charity supporting all children and teenagers with a bowel or bladder problem.

ERIC : Education And Resources For Improving Childhood Continence.

Also known as the wee and poo experts! You can visit their website where you will find this information available from ERIC in other languages.

Helpful tips for introducing tummy time safely, supporting your baby’s physical development, strength and coordination from the early months.

Clear information on baby walker safety, risks and recommended alternatives that better support your baby’s natural development.

24 Magic Months App

It's a free app developed by Liverpool City Council. It's designed to help you make magic moments and mark every incredible milestone in the first two years of your baby’s life. 

Further information