A bill aimed at improving support for babies, parents and carers has passed its second reading in the House of Commons.
The Infants, Parents and Carers Bill, known as the Babies Bill, passed its second reading on Friday meaning it will now move to the committee stage.
First introduced by Conservative MP Sir Desmond Swayne, the bill focuses on the first 1,001 days of a child’s life, from pregnancy to their second birthday. Supporters say this is a crucial period for a child’s health and development.
While speaking to the BBC, Swayne said the bill should ‘give children the best start in life’.
‘We spend so much time picking up pieces later in life – whereas if we’d supported children and parents earlier in life, perhaps those problems could have been avoided later,’ he added.
If it becomes law, the bill would require the government to ensure babies up to the age of two, as well as their parents and carers, can access services such as midwife checks and health visits.
The legislation wouldn’t create a new national service for families. Instead, it would call for the government to look at what support is needed and report to Parliament on what is being provided.
Dame Andrea Leadsom, founder and executive chair of the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, which supports the bill, said: ‘More than a decade ago, the 1001 Critical Days manifesto brought politicians from different parties together around one simple truth: what happens from pregnancy to age two lays vital foundations for a child’s lifelong health, wellbeing and development.’
‘Babies do not have a political voice and their needs do not change when governments change,’ Leadsom continued. ‘This Bill offers the opportunity to place their needs, and the support required by parents and carers, on an enduring legal foundation.’
During the Commons debate last week, MPs raised concerns about gaps in services, including health visits and maternity care.
They also discussed perinatal mental health, baby loss, parental leave, support for fathers, babies with additional needs and advice on screen use.
Will Quince, chief executive of the 1001 Critical Days Foundation and a former children and families minister, said: ‘The debate demonstrated not only the breadth of cross-party support, but a real understanding of the challenge. Provision remains uneven, parents can struggle to find or access help, and intervention too often comes only after difficulties have escalated.’
While last week’s progress is a step in the right direction, the bill still has several stages to pass before it can become law.
The date for the committee stage – a line-by-line examination of a proposed law’s clauses – has yet to be announced.
Image: Shutterstock
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