A new report into the health of under-fives over the past two decades finds that inequalities between disadvantaged and advantaged children are increasing.
Meanwhile, separate research suggests the pandemic has created a widening inequality gap between children living in the North and South of England (see box).
Evidence review: Trends in early childhood health in the UK, published by the Nuffield Foundation, concludes that while young children are healthier than they were 20 years ago, progress on improving the health of under-fives has ‘stalled’ and there is now a ‘reversal’ of some of the long-term improvements.
According to the research, vaccination uptake and breastfeeding rates have increased; however, tooth decay is more prevalent in children and the pandemic has led to a ‘spike’ in rates of childhood obesity, worsening parental and child mental health and reduced services.
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