There’s no need to buy lots of toys or have big days out. Wherever you are, simply chatting back and forth, answering your child’s questions and sharing special moments together all help their brain to grow and develop secure and strong connections. Just what they need to get off to the right start at school.

90% of your child's brain growth happens before the age of 5. Right from the start, all those little moments you spend together with your child are building their brain.

Every smile, cuddle, chat and game makes a huge difference, helping them learn to communicate, develop confidence and make friends.

The Start for Life website is packed with simple ideas from other parents on how to build these little moments into each day. It includes lots of examples of tips and activities for you to do together with your child at different ages, as well as links to find further support in your local area.

A new film has also been released to explain how children’s brains develop during the early years, and the crucial role parents play through all the little moments they spend together with their child.

Visit the Start for Life online hub for other simple tips and activities - 

• Week-by-week guide to pregnancy
• Healthy pregnancy 
• Preparing for labour and birth 
• Baby basics 
• Early learning and development 
• Weaning 
• Your mental health