Vulnerability of Babies resources
The Vulnerability of Young Babies
Young babies are particularly vulnerable because they are entirely reliant on caregivers for their safety, care, and emotional wellbeing. They are unable to verbalise concerns, remove themselves from harmful situations, or access support independently. Any neglect, abuse, or unmet health needs can have a profound impact on their immediate wellbeing and long-term development, making early identification of risk factors and timely intervention crucial.
Recent local and national reviews have also highlighted the need for a focus on the vulnerability of babies.
This page will provide you with a list of resources, if you are worried about the welfare of a baby, including presentations from experts.
Pre Birth Assessments
NSPCC – Understanding Pre-Birth Assessment (Podcast)
https://youtu.be/kTlh5tiJL6k?si=KYeZh4wx6SNj4g_S
Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse in pregnancy: expert insight videos
Domestic abuse in pregnancy: expert insight videos | NSPCC Learning
Domestic abuse support in Slough : Slough Domestic Abuse Cranstoun
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
24-hour helpline: 0808 2000 247
Safe Sleep
Safe Sleep Guidance
Safer sleep overview | The Lullaby Trust
Vodcast on Safer Sleeping
https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2026/07/safer-sleep-in-early-years-settings-qa/
Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel’s National review into the death of baby Victoria Marten
Protecting all vulnerable babies better – National review into the broader safeguarding issues raised by the death of baby Victoria Marten or Summary of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel's National review into the death of baby Victoria Marten
Parental Substance use during pregnancy
Alcohol and Pregnancy Leaflet
Cannabis & Pregnancy Leaflet
Cocaine & Pregnancy Leaflet
Heroin & Pregnancy Leaflet
Methadone & Pregnancy Leaflet
Vulnerable babies
Babies under 1 make up the highest proportion of serious child safeguarding incidents, and this age group experiences the highest fatality rate. This page brings together key information, examples and practical resources to help professionals understand the risks and take appropriate action
https://childsafeguarding.independent-panel.uk/hub-topic/vulnerable-babies/#toc-heading-briefing-papers-and-learning
Bruising in Babies
Bruising/Suspicious Marks on Children Not Independently...
ICON - Babies Cry, You Can Cope
https://iconcope.org
Parenting Resources
CBeebies Parenting – advice, tips and podcasts for parents
Coram Family Lives - Parenting and Family Support
Support & advice for families | NSPCC
Baby (0-2 years) - Best Start in Life
Best Start in Life - Best Start in Life
Life - The charity for women facing the unexpected
Home | The Lullaby Trust
How a child's brain develops through early experiences
Baby Sling Safety – Keep your baby close and keep your baby safe. When you’re wearing a sling or carrier, don’t forget the T.I.C.K.S.
Bonding With Babies: Nurturing Your Connection | Triple P
How to be Kinder to Yourself as a Parent | Triple P
Helping parents avoid ‘burnout’ amid extra stress | Triple P
Look, Say, Sing, Play - Brain-building tips | NSPCC
Caring-for-Baby-at-Night-2025.pdf
Positive parenting
Child Accident Prevention Trust | A safer world for all our children
Togetherness – previously Solihull Parenting -free for Slough residents – password PARENTING
Slough Family Information Service (FIS)
Information, advice and signposting for families with children aged 0-19, including SEND support, parenting programmes and local services.
https://www.sloughfis.co.uk
Slough Children's First