The Department for Health has launched a campaign called Start for Life designed to dispel myths, such as the idea that hugging a child too much makes them "clingy" or that sobbing babies should be left to "cry it out".
Parents today are being encouraged to shower newborns with cuddles. And experts warn getting it wrong can damage a young child's mental health, with the effects continuing into adulthood.
Ms Atkins said: "As our understanding has improved, so too must our communication of that advice to parents.
"That is very much what the Start for Life programme is about. I think it's very interesting that there's a focus on hugging and facial expressions and smiles.
"The moment you see your baby smile for the first time is just a magical moment.
"The more we can help parents understand what facial expressions mean, for example, and what that may mean the baby needs, that is a really positive step forward for everyone.
Esta historia es de la edición April 07, 2024 de Sunday Express.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 07, 2024 de Sunday Express.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Brownhill brilliant for Parker's men
SKIPPER Josh Brownhill's insatiable appetite for goals made it nine unbeaten games on the spin for Scrooge-like Burnley.
Japan favours 39 authentic flavours of UK
A TRADING breakthrough means much of Britain's best-loved food and drink could soon appear more often on menus in Japan.
Alarm over 'epidemic of loneliness'
FEELING lonely at Christmas could affect around 32 million people, research suggests.
Great War airfield can reach for skies once more
THE best preserved First World War airfield has secured its future for another year thanks to the generosity of the public.
Sir Elton won't let the sun go down on writing new songs
SIR ELTON John has revealed he is working on new songs despite having quit touring and suffering a severe infection that has left him unable to see out of his right eye.
World Cup hero George dies
TRIBUTES have flooded in for George Eastham, a member of England's winning 1966 World Cup squad whose death was announced yesterday.
Should I quit while I'm ahead, ponders Lesley as 70th looms
SOPRANO Lesley Garrett has revealed her impending 70th birthday has made her think about quitting singing.
French truckers' threat over checks for migrants
SURLY French lorry drivers have threatened to block goods from entering the UK unless checks to stop migrants arriving become more lenient.
Biden could save 40 from death row
PRESIDENT Joe Biden is considering commuting the death sentences of most - if not all of the 40 prisoners awaiting execution in US federal jails, it has been revealed.
'Time to come clean on mystery drones'
DONALD Trump has urged President Joe Biden to explain thousands of sightings of mysterious, SUV-sized drones reported across at least five US states.
