Review launched on babies' and children's health

A new review into improving health outcomes in babies and young children has launched by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Led by Early Years Health Adviser Andrea Leadsom, the review will look at reducing inequalities in young children from birth to age 2-and-a-half, aiming to ensure every baby is given the best possible start in life. This is because research shows that the first 1,000 days of childhood are critical for development, and have a significant impact on physical health, mental health and opportunity throughout life.

However research also indicates that children living in households in the lowest socio-economic groups have significantly worse health outcomes than other children.

The review will seek to show how to reduce disparities in low birth weight, social and emotional development in early years, and reduce impacts of vulnerability and adverse childhood experiences in this stage of life.

Leadsom said: “Ensuring that every baby has the best start in life is my passion in politics and I am delighted to be asked by the Prime Minister to chair a review of early-years services on behalf of the government. Infant mental health is about more than babies. It’s about improving our whole lives and striving for better outcomes that have a profound effect from cradle to grave.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock added: “All parents aspire to provide their children with the best possible start in life and this government is committed to ensuring that no child is left behind. Everybody should have a solid foundation on which to build their health and this review will look to reduce the barriers and improve early childhood experiences. We are determined to level up the opportunities for children, no matter where they come from or grow up.”