Infant health

Document

State of Child Health 2026: Early childhood development

This indicator assesses whether children have met the expected developmental outcomes as they enter primary school. It provides an indication of their overall health and wellbeing at a key milestone, and whether children have received access to the support they needed to ensure the best start in lif...

Infant health

Document

State of Child Health 2026: Infant mortality

Infant mortality is defined as the death of a child under the age of one year and is measured as deaths per 1,000 live births. This includes the neonatal (first 28 days) and post-neonatal (28 days to 1 year) periods.

Child and adolescent mortality

Health policy

Infant health

Topic page

Strong foundations

The early years of a child’s life provide the foundation for their health, development and long‑term outcomes. Our Strong foundations campaign is calling for strengthened health services that support babies, young children and their families.

News

RCPCH responds to the introduction of Awaab’s Law

28 October 2025

Awaab’s Law, introduced on 27 October 2025, will be a step change for children as the new law seeks to improve housing conditions and tenant safety in social housing.

News

RCPCH responds to The Lullaby Trust's newest data

20 October 2025

The Lullaby Trust have published new polling data showing that nearly one in three parents of babies delay contacting doctors due to fears of wasting NHS time.

News

End of the year update from the President

20 December 2024

Pulling it all together through the lens of our new strategy.

News

Conversations with policy makers - with Dame Andrea Leadsom MP

19 July 2023

In a first for our podcasts, we delve into the world of government and parliament. RCPCH President Camilla Kingdon speaks with Dame Andrea Leadsom MP, Conservative Member of Parliament for South Northamptonshire about her experiences of advocating for infant and child health.

News

RCPCH and BAPM statement – response to the Ockenden review

30 March 2022

On 30 March 2022 Donna Ockenden published the ‘findings, conclusions and essential actions’ following her independent review of maternity services at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust.

News

Getting to grips with climbing as a family

25 January 2022

Dr John McCabe is a Consultant Paediatrician, married with four-year-old and two-year-old sons. He is a member of the British Mountaineering Council and has been climbing for over 20 years. Here, he shares his love of climbing, and advises how best to ensure your children are safe and healthy if you...

News

Our history, your future - Toyin Ocholi

7 October 2021

As RCPCH celebrates its 25th birthday, 25 members have shared stories about a case that stayed with them. These stories will be published throughout 2021.