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.

A heartwarming image of a mother and baby sharing a joyful, affectionate moment indoors.
  • by Infatot

Sleeping at Grandma's over Christmas: setting up a travel cot safely

Where to put the travel cot, what goes in it, how warm the room should be and how to keep bedtime familiar when you stay with family this Christmas.

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Baby in a grey patterned hat holding a blue and yellow rattle, sitting in a green pushchair beside white flowers.
  • by Infatot

Teether on the floor again: what to do when you're out with the pram

Swap a dropped teether for a clean spare and wash it at home. Never use cords round the neck, and pack the changing bag to cut down on drops.

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Baby in white long sleeve shirt sitting on white high chair
  • by Infatot

Gagging or choking when your baby starts solids

Gagging is loud and normal while your baby learns to eat. Choking is quiet. How to tell them apart, what to do, and how to cut food from around 6 months.

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A baby with a toothbrush in its mouth
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How many teethers does a baby actually need?

Two or three teethers in different textures is usually enough: one in use, one clean in the fridge and one in the changing bag.

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Woman in gray and white striped long sleeve shirt carrying baby in gray and white stripe
  • by Infatot

Molars at 12 to 18 months: helping a toddler with back-teeth teething

First molars usually arrive at around 12 months and second molars at 24. Signs, safe teethers, NHS painkiller doses by age and when to see a GP or dentist.

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A mother feeding her baby boy a bottle while sitting indoors, capturing a tender moment.
  • by Infatot

Sickness bug in babies and toddlers: spotting dehydration early

Watch wet nappies, tears and the soft spot. Call 111 if a child under 5 shows signs of dehydration, or 999 if they're hard to wake, pale or breathing fast.

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Mother holding smiling baby beside a beautifully decorated Christmas tree indoors.
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Christmas trees, decorations and button batteries: baby-proofing for December

Hang decorations high, check lights and novelties for loose button batteries, and go straight to A&E or call 999 if one may have been swallowed.

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Norovirus in babies and toddlers: how to keep them hydrated

Keeping a baby or toddler hydrated through norovirus: milk feeds, signs of dehydration, the 48-hour nursery rule and when to call 111.

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A sleeping baby in a white and pale blue top, wrapped in a soft brown fleece blanket with one hand by its cheek.
  • by Infatot

Condensation and mould in your baby's bedroom: what to do

Why damp and mould matter for babies, what causes them, and how renters can get mould fixed, using government guidance for England.

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A woman holding a baby under a blanket
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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.

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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.

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A baby dressed in a carrot costume crawling on the floor
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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.

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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.

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Close-up of a baby's hand gently held by a parent, symbolizing love and care.
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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.

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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.

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