NCT Exeter & East Devon

Get your deal today 💚

We've been voted Best Antenatal Class and Best Antenatal Education Course for 2026, so we’re celebrating the best way we know how: Save 20% on all NCT Antenatal courses starting in March!

Our award‑winning courses give you:
💚 Trusted, evidence‑based info
💚 Support from experienced NCT course leaders
💚 Practical tools for birth and early parenthood
💚 A ready‑made community of parents due at the same time

Spaces will go quickly, so grab one while you can - no need for a code, the discount will already be applied!

Book today with NCT 🔗 www.nct.org.uk/courses-workshops/nct-antenatal-course

Brilliant news for NCT 💚

It’s important to remember to fill up your own cup 💚 Some great ideas below!

Leaving this here for the parents who need it 💜

Image description: Purple graphic with self-care ideas to fill up your cup: chat with a friend, go outside, screen-free time, read, play music, move.

Worried about the recent formula recall? 🍼 Take a look at the great tips and advice below from First Steps Nutrition 👇

🍼 Struggling to find milk for your formula-fed baby because of the ?

TOP TIPS
🤱 If you’re mixed feeding, more if you can

1️⃣ You can use any first infant formula for 0-12 months, whether powdered or liquid – they all provide the nutrients your baby needs. You may notice changes in your baby’s poo but switching between first infant formulas is safe

2️⃣ Follow on formula can be used for 6-12 months (whether powdered or liquid) but NEVER give follow-on formula to babies under 6 months old

3️⃣ 4️⃣ NEVER give growing up or toddler milks or drinks to babies under 12 months

❌ Be aware that no formula milks are necessary at all for children over 12 months

❗ Only use a specialised formula milk (lactose-free, anti-reflux, comfort) on the advice of a medical professional

REMEMBER
🦠 Powdered formula milks are NOT STERILE: Always follow the NHS advice on making up and storing formula to minimise the risk of bacterial contamination which can make your baby sick.

🤖 Formula preparation machines often do not produce water that is hot enough to kill any bacteria in the formula powder, so it’s best to avoid using them at all.

For more *independent*, expert information on formula for parents who use formula to feed their babies, see www.firststepsnutrition.org/parents-carers

NHS Food Standards Agency Professor Amy Brown - Breastfeeding Uncovered National Breastfeeding Helpline UK Institute of Health Visiting

Exciting news! We have an Instagram account 🥳

Follow us to stay up to date with everything NCT Exeter and East Devon 💚

Planning on bottle feeding your baby? 🍼

Derbyshire Family Health Service have highlighted some great tips on effective paced bottle feeding👇

Not only does this way of feeding prevent over feeding, it reduces wind intake and creates an overall calmer feeding experience.

Paced bottle feeding is all about giving your baby more control during a feed. By slowing things down and creating natural pauses, you’re helping them stay comfortable, avoid taking in too much too quickly, and tune in to their own hunger cues.

How to pace a bottle feed:
• Sit your baby upright, roughly a 45-degree angle, with their head and neck supported. This helps them manage the flow more easily.
• Invite the latch by brushing the teat against their lip and waiting for that wide, ready mouth before offering the bottle.
• Keep the bottle horizontal, so the teat is only half-filled with milk. This stops the milk from pouring in and gives your baby a chance to set the pace.
• After three to five sucks, gently lower the bottle to pause the flow. These small breaks let them breathe, swallow, and reset before carrying on.
• Keep an eye on their fullness cues. Turning away, pushing the bottle out, or drifting off are all signs they’ve had enough.

Why it matters:
Pacing helps prevent overfeeding, reduces wind and posseting (where baby overflows milk), and makes feeds feel much calmer. It’s also brilliant for babies who switch between breast and bottle, as it mirrors the natural stop-start rhythm of breastfeeding. Most importantly, it supports responsive feeding, letting your baby lead the way and learn when they’re hungry and when they’re full.

[Image description: Step-by-step infographic from Derbyshire Family Health Service on paced bottle feeding, with gentle holding tips and illustrations.]

The The Lullaby Trust have partnered with iCandy to highlight vital information about which pushchairs are the safest for new born babies 👇

Are you a proactive and entrepreneurial individual with a knack for communication and a desire to support a great cause? 😃💚 We're looking for a motivated Advertising Volunteer to help us secure vital sponsorship and advertising opportunities.

This role is a fantastic chance to utilise your skills to make a real impact, and it offers flexibility, requiring approximately one
hour per week (with the option to dedicate more time if you wish).

In this role, you'll have the autonomy to work independently and drive our advertising efforts forward.

What you'll be doing:
👉 Collaborating with your team to identify and maximise sponsorship and advertising opportunities
👉 Inspiring local businesses and organisations to advertise in and sponsor our branch publications, events, and services
👉 Working closely with our newsletter editor and activity organisers to ensure all advertising and sponsorship aligns with NCT's Commercial Activities Policy
👉 Ensuring invoices are raised and funds are promptly banked and accounted for with the branch treasurer
👉 Liaising with other NCT branches to keep our advertising rates competitive
👉 Connecting with the Volunteering Team before approaching any companies with a UK-wide or significant regional presence to avoid duplication

What we're looking for:
👉 Proactive and entrepreneurial; you're a self-starter who can take initiative
👉 Confident communication skills; you're comfortable engaging with a variety of people
👉 Some comfort with numbers; you're not afraid to work with financial details
👉 Creative problem-solver; you can devise and present innovative solutions to meet advertisers' needs
👉 Negotiation skills are a plus
👉 Willingness to learn and adhere to NCT policies and charity law (e.g., VAT)

What can you expect from us:
👉 A rewarding volunteer experience where you'll meet new people and develop valuable skills
👉 Excellent support from experienced volunteers and our dedicated Volunteering Team
👉 Access to an online platform packed with all the tools, resources, and training you'll need
👉 Most importantly, the chance to make a real and lasting difference to parents in your local community!

If you're ready to take on a rewarding volunteer role where your contributions will directly benefit our branch, we'd love to hear from you! Email [email protected] to get involved 💚

Are you a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with a passion for making a difference? 🤩💚 We're looking for a Fundraising Volunteer to inspire our branch team and play a vital role in supporting millions of parents every year. In this role, you'll have the exciting opportunity to devise and implement a fundraising plan, organising events throughout the year to raise crucial funds for both local NCT services and the wider work of our charity.

What you'll be doing:
👉 Helping the team to raise as much money as possible for local NCT services and
the wider work of the charity
👉 Analysing team finances to ensure a healthy return on investment (ROI) for each branch fundraising event
👉 Being a positive and motivational organiser and delegator, empowering your
fellow volunteers
👉 Maintaining an overview of the team's income from various sources, including
grants, events, and commercial support

This is a flexible role designed to fit around your existing commitments. You could volunteer with as little as 2 hours per week, though the exact time commitment will depend on the frequency and duration of your events.

When you join the NCT family as a fundraiser, you'll receive:
👉 A rewarding volunteer experience where you'll meet new people and develop
valuable skills
👉 Excellent support from experienced volunteers and our dedicated Volunteering
Team
👉 Access to an online platform packed with all the tools, resources, and training you'll need
👉 Most importantly, the chance to make a real and lasting difference to parents in
your local community!

If you're ready to use your creativity and organisational skills to generate vital funds and help us continue our essential work, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] today 💚

Are you an organised and confident leader with a passion for supporting parents and the environment? 🍃💚 Become an NCT Nearly New Sale Volunteer and lead a team of volunteers to plan and organise fantastic events that make pre-loved baby clothes, toys, and equipment accessible to every parent. This flexible role allows you to play a part in protecting the environment for future generations.

NCT Nearly New Sales are a trusted and much-needed service, providing a way for parents to buy and sell pre-loved items.

What's involved:
👉 Event management and leading and motivating a team of volunteers
👉 Attracting sellers, buyers, and helpers
👉 Marketing and publicity including coordination with the Social Media Manager to engage and support local parents
👉 Celebrating the difference Nearly New Sales make to local parents

Our Nearly New Sale Volunteers are:
👉 Organised
👉 Confident leaders and strong communicators
👉 Able to plan and delegate tasks
👉 Able to motivate and inspire others

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments and availability. We ask that you commit to organising at least one NCT Nearly New Sale per year in your local area. The time commitment will vary throughout the year depending on the size of the sale you decide to organise. As the lead volunteer, it is important that you are able to attend the event on the day.

What can you expect from us:
👉 A great volunteer experience where you can meet new people and develop skills
👉 Excellent support from experienced volunteers and our Volunteering Team
👉 Access to an online platform with all the tools, resources, and training you will
need
👉 You will have the opportunity to make a real difference to parents in your local
community

Become a Nearly New Sales Volunteer today and help to make a difference to parents and the environment. Email [email protected] to register your interest 💚

If you're interested in setting up your own local event, get in touch by emailing [email protected] 💚

From Walk & Talks to Bumps & Babies groups, NCT runs friendly local events where you can connect with other expectant and new parents 💚

Whether you’re pregnant, on parental leave, or just looking for people who get it, our local meet-ups offer space to talk, listen, and feel less alone 🔗 https://www.nct.org.uk/local-activities-meet-ups