Parent and Toddler Group Support
Information for Parent and Toddler Groups
Looking for a baby and toddler group?
Please click the link below to see the list of Toddler groups in Newcastle.
Groups are also available to view by days on our Facebook page
What is a Parent and Toddler Group?
It is an informal group of adults who care for children under 5 who meet together in their local communities. Groups provide:
- A range of play activities for children which help them in their early stages of development.
- Peer support for adults from others who have similar experiences.
Groups vary in size, resources, volunteers and finance. Parent and Toddler groups welcome children and adults whatever their religion, culture, ability and means.
To see a full list of Parent and Toddler Groups in the city you can:
- Click the link provided above.
- Email NAPI admin@napi.org.uk
Tel: 0191 2656158
Volunteers
Please click on the link below if you have an interest in vounteering at a toddler group.
Why do people volunteer to be a parent and toddler group leader?
- They are concerned about and care about the development of babies and young children.
- They want babies and children to grow to be the best people that they can be.
- They believe that everyone can be actively involved in their local community.
- They care about people and community.
Could you be a volunteer in a parent and toddler group?
Could you set up a group for the people in your community?
If the answer is YES you can be part of a caring vocation that holds love for and concern for babies. Children and their families at its heart.
Health and Wellbeing
Drinks at Snack Time
You may have seen recent campaigns encouraging a reduction in sugar intake. Current guidelines for daily sugar consumption are:
- Under 12 months: Avoid all sugars
- 1–4 years: Less than 19g (4 teaspoons)
- 4–6 years: Maximum 19g (4 teaspoons)
- Adults: 30g
So what does this mean for the drinks you provide? The recommended options are milk or water. If you choose to provide juice, please follow these guidelines:
- Use no added sugar juice
- Check the sugar content before purchasing
- Dilute juice according to instructions—Robinsons recommends extra water for toddlers
- If using fresh fruit juice, dilute well (1 part juice to 10 parts water)
Vitamin Supplements
The Department of Health recommends that all children aged 6 months to 5 years are given daily vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D.
- Breastfed babies should receive a vitamin D supplement from birth
- It is difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone, as it naturally occurs in very few foods
For more information, including guidance on vitamin drops if you qualify for Healthy Start and recommendations for bottle- and breastfed babies, visit the NHS website:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/vitamins-for-children
Useful Resources
- Tyneside Women’s Health – A charity established in 1985 providing mental health support for women in a women-only environment. Access their website here:
https://www.tynesidewomenshealth.org.uk/ - Healthworks – Supporting people across the North East to maintain and improve health, wellbeing, and life outcomes. Learn more here:
https://www.healthworksnewcastle.org.uk/
1001 Critical Days
What is 1001 critical days?
The publication sets out a vision for brilliance in the 1,001 critical days from conception to age 2.
We know that these 1,001 critical days are a unique period for a baby that sets the foundations for lifelong emotional and physical wellbeing.
Follow the link below to find out more about the importance of 1001 critical days.
