Infant feeding
Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses. Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life.
Barking and Dagenham 0-19 Universal children’s services aim to provide a high standard of care, so you get the support you need to breastfeed successfully and the correct information for responsive formula feeding. Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby.
Health professionals are available to offer support and information in your chosen feeding method.
Visit Barking and Dagenham's Start for Life pages to find out more about feeding babies and toddlers and a range of other information and support for families experiencing the first 1001 days of a child's life, from conception to their 2nd birthday.
Infant feeding drop-in groups
Please see below the locations/times of our infant feeding drop-in groups.
Mondays
Dagenham Library Family Hub
1 Church Elm Lane
Dagenham
RM10 9QS
10am to 12pm
Run by Start for Life 
Wednesdays
Babyzone at Future Youth Zone
201-205 Porters Avenue
Dagenham
RM9 5YX
10am to 11.30am
TERM TIME ONLY
Run by NELFT 
Five Elms Health Centre
Five Elms Road
Dagenham
RM9 5TT
1.30pm to 3.30pm
Run by NELFT
Marks Gate Family Hub
Rose Lane
Dagenham
RM6 5NJ
9.30am to 11.30am
Run by Start for Life
Thursdays
The Child and Family Health Centre
79 Axe Street
Essex
IG11 7LZ
10am to 11.30am
Run by NELFT
The White House
884 Green Lane
Dagenham
RM8 1BX
12.30pm to 2.30pm
Run by Start for Life
Infant feeding useful links and resources
NHS Resources
Feeding your baby can feel quite overwhelming at first – whether you are breastfeeding, bottle feeding or a combination of both. We have lots of guidance to support you, along with hints and tips from other parents.
There is a lot of evidence to show how beneficial it is to breastfeed your baby, especially in the early weeks. However, it can take time to get the hang of, and there may be reasons why you cannot breastfeed. If you have any feeding worries or concerns, the best thing to do is speak to your midwife or health visitor.
Start for Life - Feeding Your baby - Breastfeeding
Start for Life - Feeding Your Baby - Bottle feeding
Start for Life - Feeding Your Baby - Mixed feeding
UNICEF Resources (Available in 11 languages)
Here are a range of resources on infant feeding, relationship building, as well as information on common breastfeeding challenges:
UNICEF - Benefits of breastfeeding
UNICEF - Breastfeeding in the UK
Global Health Media Resources
Here you will find short engaging videos to understand and remember critical points when breastfeeding (available in over 30 languages). Click here to watch a video about 'Attaching your baby to the breast'.
Websites
- Bliss
- The Breastfeeding Network
- La Leche League
- Lactation Consultants of Great Britain: Find a lactation consultant near you
- Twins Trust: Feeding twins and triplets
- National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
- UK Association for Milk Banking
Helplines
- National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212
- Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300 330 5453
- La Leche League: 0345 120 2918
- National childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300 300 0700
- The Breatfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300 456 2421
Introducing solids
It is recommended the introduction of solid foods begins at 6 months of age. We recommend you attend one of our introducing solids workshops, once your baby turns 4 months, where our dedicated team of nursery nurses & health improvement practitioners will advise and support you on this exciting new journey with your baby.
Introduction to Solids Workshops take place on the following days:
2nd Wednesday of the month
Future Youth Zone
201-205 Porters Avenue
Dagenham
RM9 5YX
TERM TIME ONLY
1:00 to 2:00
3rd Thursday of the month
The Child & Family Centre
79 Axe Street
Barking
IG11 7LZ
1:00 to 2:00
Starting Solids resources
Please click here for further information and support to introduce solid foods to your baby. Packed with NHS-endorsed advice, videos and tips, plus simple, healthy recipes, and everything you could want to know!