Tips on how to care for your baby's mental health during lockdown from Blackpool experts

Child development experts in Blackpool are warning about the impact of lockdown on the mental health of babies.
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The Blackpool Centre for Early Child Development will be helping to highlight the importance of babies’ emotional wellbeing during Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, from June 7 to 12.

They say the annual campaign, organised by The Parent-Infant Foundation, is particularly significant during the Covid-19 pandemic due to the impact the crisis is having on families and their support systems.

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Senior development manager Clare Law said: “Babies and young children are likely to be affected by the anxiety of their parents and other adults, huge changes to their routine and not being able to see family members or playmates.

Experts warn babies can be affected by the anxiety of those around themExperts warn babies can be affected by the anxiety of those around them
Experts warn babies can be affected by the anxiety of those around them

“There are small ways we can try to look at the world through their eyes to help minimise impact as much as possible.”

Clare has set out advice for parents to help their babies.

* Talk to your baby about what they can see and what you and they are doing. Spending time holding your baby skin-to-skin can be a good way to feel close and create a sense of calm.

* Think about how your baby may be feeling; if they may be missing nursery or if they have been separated from a carer. Acknowledging a baby’s distress helps them feel safe and manage feelings.

Clare LawClare Law
Clare Law
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* Create new routines or maintain existing ones which can help babies to feel safe.

* Set a daily time to play together, read or sing songs.

* Babies can recognise stress and worry in adults who should also look after their own mental health.

Merle Davies, director of the Centre for Early Child Development, added: “Throughout these difficult times we are helping to support local families with tips and advice from healthcare experts via our social media channels.

“On June 10 we will be discussing the importance of infant mental health and healthy brain development on an episode of Talking Dads, our new forum set up specially to support dads in Blackpool.”

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