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What can I do as a parent?

This is for all children and parents – to promote good speaking and listening.

What can I do?

Hungry Little Minds

From the moment they're born a baby needs food for their tummy to help their body grow.

Did you know they need food for their mind to help their brain grow too?

Feeding a hungry little mind is easy - you don’t need special skills, time or toys.

You are all they need!

And we’re here to show you how - Hungry Little Minds Staffordshire is a free service provided for families of 0 to 2 year olds by Staffordshire County Council and Stoke on Trent City Council.

1001 days

1001 days (conception until 2 years) are critical in a child’s life and directly impact on their development and future outcomes. Your child’s brain will be developing rapidly during the first 2 years of life.

Positive relationships with consistent loving care from parents and carers are crucial for optimum development. Knowing your baby and toddler is especially important. Recognising when they are tired, hungry or want a cuddle and offering them comfort and understanding helps them to feel safe and secure.

Babies are born primed for social interaction. They will be familiar with your voice at birth and recognise Mum’s face a few hours later.

Skin-to-skin contact at any time a baby needs comforting, can calm your baby and help develop a close, loving relationship. Your new born baby loves faces. From the moment they are born your baby will love you to smile, talk and sing to them.

Baby’s and children need to live and play in a healthy home environment. Everyday positive experiences will help shape their brain and provide opportunities for them to learn and grow.

You do not need expensive toys. Interacting with you and other important people in their lives, playing, chatting and helping them to explore their world safely is the best kind of support you can give your baby and child.

Your child will have a review at 9-12 months, before your child’s 9 – 12 month review you will be sent an Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) to complete. This allows you time to observe your childs development in the familiar surroundings of your own home.