Real advice. Every stage.

The Crib

Practical baby care guides for UK parents. Explore teething, sleep, weaning and developmental milestones, with clear explanations and links to trusted sources to help you through the early years.

FeedingAny age
A woman holding a baby under a blanket
  • by Infatot

Blocked nose in babies: how to help them feed and sleep

Saline drops can ease a stuffy nose. Under-6s shouldn't have cough and cold remedies or decongestants unless a GP or pharmacist advises it.

Read moreabout Blocked nose in babies: how to help them feed and sleep

SafetyAny age
A child on shoulders watching fireworks explode at night
  • by Infatot

Fireworks and babies: protecting sleep and hearing around Bonfire Night

Protect your baby's hearing and sleep around Bonfire Night: safe distances, baby ear defenders, a quieter room and settling after bangs.

Read moreabout Fireworks and babies: protecting sleep and hearing around Bonfire Night

SafetyAny age
Baby's smiling photography
  • by Infatot

What should a baby wear to bed when the house gets colder?

In a room at 16 to 20°C, a sleepsuit and a 2.5 tog sleeping bag usually work. No hats indoors. Check their chest, not their hands.

Read moreabout What should a baby wear to bed when the house gets colder?

Activities6 months+
A baby dressed in a carrot costume crawling on the floor
  • by Infatot

Halloween with a baby or toddler: costumes, face paint and sweets

Safer costumes, patch-tested face paint, which sweets to hold back from young children and a calm bedtime routine after a Halloween night out.

Read moreabout Halloween with a baby or toddler: costumes, face paint and sweets

Baby CareAny age
A mother lovingly holds her baby wrapped in a towel after bath time, creating a warm and tender moment.
  • by Infatot

Baby eczema and dry skin when the heating goes on

Heated rooms and cold air can trigger baby eczema flare-ups. Emollient routines, bath habits, fabrics, and when to see a GP or call 111.

Read moreabout Baby eczema and dry skin when the heating goes on

HealthPregnancy
Close-up of a mother holding her baby's hand, capturing a tender and intimate moment.
  • by Infatot

Flu and RSV vaccines in pregnancy: when to have each one this autumn

Book the flu jab now via GP, pharmacy, NHS App or maternity service. RSV is offered from 28 weeks by your maternity service or GP, and some pharmacies.

Read moreabout Flu and RSV vaccines in pregnancy: when to have each one this autumn

Health3 months+
Close-up of a baby's hand gently held by a parent, symbolizing love and care.
  • by Infatot

Croup in babies: what the barking cough means and when to call 111

Croup causes a barking cough and noisy breathing, often at night. When to call 111, how to help at home and the signs that mean 999.

Read moreabout Croup in babies: what the barking cough means and when to call 111

HealthAny age
Baby in gray shirt lying on bed
  • by Infatot

Fireworks and babies: protecting sleep and hearing around Bonfire Night

Firework cut-off times, safe distances, sparkler rules and when to get your baby's hearing checked around Bonfire Night.

Read moreabout Fireworks and babies: protecting sleep and hearing around Bonfire Night

SafetyAny age
Baby in white onesie lying on white and blue bed
  • by Infatot

What temperature should your baby's room be once the heating goes on?

Keep your baby's room at 16 to 20°C. Which sleeping bag tog to use, what goes underneath, and how to check if your baby is too hot.

Read moreabout What temperature should your baby's room be once the heating goes on?

FeedingAny age
A newborn baby peacefully breastfeeding, capturing an intimate moment of mother-child bonding.
  • by Infatot

Vitamin D drops for babies: who needs them from October

Breastfed babies, even partly, need 8.5 to 10mcg of vitamin D daily from birth, all year. Formula-fed babies on 500ml or more a day don't.

Read moreabout Vitamin D drops for babies: who needs them from October

Baby CareAny age
Winter, child, girl, snowsuit, nature, toddler, baby, outdoors, snow
  • by Infatot

How to dress your baby for cold-weather pram walks

Dress your baby in one more layer than you, check their chest rather than their hands, and take outer layers off indoors and before the car seat.

Read moreabout How to dress your baby for cold-weather pram walks

Baby CareAny age
A serene image of a sleeping baby lying peacefully indoors. Captured in soft and gentle lighting.
  • by Infatot

The clocks go back on 25 October: how to shift your baby's sleep

The clocks go back on 25 October. Shift bedtime 10 to 15 minutes later every few nights beforehand, or switch on the day, and darken early mornings safely.

Read moreabout The clocks go back on 25 October: how to shift your baby's sleep

Baby CareNewborn 0–3 months
Gentle care for newborn baby delicate skin
  • by Infatot

Newborn Skin Care: A Simple Guide for UK Parents

Newborn skin is delicate, sensitive, and needs minimal intervention. Here's what the latest NHS guidance says about caring for your newborn's skin in the first weeks and months.

Read moreabout Newborn Skin Care: A Simple Guide for UK Parents

Baby Care3 months+
A smiling baby shows their first two bottom teeth in a bright room
  • by Infatot

Your Baby's First Teeth: What to Expect and How to Care for Them

When babies get their first teeth, the signs of teething, how to soothe sore gums and when to start brushing and see an NHS dentist.

Read moreabout Your Baby's First Teeth: What to Expect and How to Care for Them

Baby CareNewborn 0–3 months
A father holds his sleeping newborn, wrapped snugly in a thin grey patterned muslin
  • by Infatot

How to Swaddle a Baby: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Parents

Swaddling can soothe a fussy newborn and help them sleep longer. Here's the correct technique, when to stop, and the safety rules every UK parent needs to know.

Read moreabout How to Swaddle a Baby: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Parents