More attention to giving children a healthy start, but impact on health is lagging behind

Increasing attention is being paid to giving all children in the Netherlands a healthy start in life. Nearly all municipalities now offer initiatives to support parents, parents-to-be and children as part of the national Solid Start approach. Even so, there has been no improvement to young children’s health over the past few years. More than 10 per cent of two-year-olds are overweight, compared to just 8 per cent in 2018. In 2024, following a years-long decline, there was also a slight increase in the number of children born into families living in difficult circumstances. This is according to the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)’s latest report on the progress of the Solid Start approach.

Under the Solid Start approach, municipalities have been able to set up initiatives with relevant parties to support parents before, during and after pregnancy since 2018. Since 2019, on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, RIVM has been monitoring the extent to which such initiatives have been established and how young children’s health is developing. This is the seventh report. 

In 2025, most municipalities (92 per cent) had established agreements with parties such as midwives, maternity care organisations and well-baby clinics concerning the Solid Start approach. Collaboration is important to ensure that problems are identified early, timely referrals are made, and existing or expectant parents receive the support they need. In addition, nearly all municipalities offer an increasing number of initiatives as part of the Solid Start approach, such as Nu Niet Zwanger (Not Pregnant Now). This initiative helps people have open conversations about whether they want to have children, sexuality and contraception.