In response to plans to roll out a Healthy Babies programme to every local authority in England, RCPCH Vice President for Policy, Dr Mike McKean, said:
These early years services play a vital role in supporting children’s health and wellbeing. By providing support on nutrition, child development, parental mental health and financial wellbeing, they can help give children the best start in life and reduce the risk of poorer long-term outcomes, including obesity, poor mental health and school absence.
This investment is urgently needed. Our recent State of Child Health report revealed a worrying picture of children's health across the UK, with progress stalling or going backwards in key areas, including vaccination uptake, oral health, obesity and even infant mortality. Strengthening support in the early years is by far one of the most effective ways to improve children's life chances and prevent problems before they become entrenched.
We urge the Government to build on this momentum by continuing to invest in early years services. It is vital that all families, particularly those facing the greatest challenges, can access the support they need to give their children the healthiest possible start in life.