Home-Start UK is proud to be part of a coalition of leading children’s charities supporting the launch of a new Manifesto for Babies in Scotland, calling on the next Scottish Government to put babies’ wellbeing at the heart of policy and decision-making.

Led by the Parent-Infant Foundation, the manifesto has been developed in partnership with Home-Start UK, Save the Children Scotland, NSPCC Scotland, the Mental Health Foundation, Parenting Across Scotland and Starcatchers. Together, we are urging political parties to prioritise babies’ early relationships, development and emotional wellbeing ahead of the Holyrood elections in May.

 

Why this matters

Babies rely on sensitive, responsive care to grow and thrive. But many parents face challenges such as isolation, poor mental health, or the impact of trauma from their own childhoods, making the early months especially difficult.

It is estimated that more than 9,000 babies in Scotland are vulnerable, and over 14% of babies have at least one developmental concern recorded at their 13–15 month health visitor check. Inequality is already visible in the earliest stages of life.

At Home-Start, we see every day how early, compassionate support can strengthen families and help babies get the best possible start.

 Jodie Reed, Co-CEO, Home-Start UK said “At Home-Start, we see every day how crucial the earliest years of a child’s life are. We welcome this manifesto’s call for a joined-up, cross-government approach that recognises the vital role of early, community-based support in helping families cope and thrive.”

Eliza Waye, Chief Executive at Home-Start Edinburgh said “The Manifesto for Babies speaks to what we see every day at Home-Start: when parents are supported early, babies thrive. By standing up for babies’ rights, relationships and mental health, we are ensuring they have the best start in life now, and can reach their potential.”

What the manifesto calls for

The Manifesto for Babies in Scotland sets out key recommendations, including:

• Speaking up for babies.
• A cross-government strategy for babies, recognising that early years policy is currently fragmented across different directorates.
• Greater investment in integrated whole-family support, ensuring parents and babies can access help early.
• Strengthening infant mental health services.
• Upskilling the workforce around babies’ rights and early development.
• Keeping The Promise to babies, ensuring Scotland’s care system truly works for its youngest children.

 

Alongside the manifesto, charities are asking candidates standing in May’s Holyrood elections to pledge to “Speak up for babies in Scotland” if elected.