About the tool
BASICS is a practical, scalable tool that enables professionals to identify and support early parent–infant attachment during pregnancy — a critical period often overlooked in service delivery. Policy aligned, it enables frontline staff to act early, signpost support and measure change from interventions.
How it works
Pregnancy BASICS is available in two formats to suit different settings and levels of need.
The free paper-based version provides a simple, accessible way for professionals to begin observing and supporting parent–baby attachment during pregnancy. For those looking to scale impact, track outcomes, and integrate with wider systems, the digital upgrade offers enhanced features including real-time reporting, data dashboards, and tailored support pathways.
Both versions follow the same core framework — flexible enough to use during quick antenatal check-ins or extended home visits, and designed to empower early action where it matters most. Both versions are based on 4 core elements:
Conversation Starters
Open-ended questions for each trimester, such as:
- “How did you feel when you first felt the baby move?”
- “Do you ever talk or sing to your baby?”
- “What are you most looking forward to when your baby arrives?”
These prompts are designed to invite reflection, explore emotions, and spark parent-led dialogue — without judgement or pressure. They provide an attachment focused landscape for the Practitioner to observe attachment behaviours and reflect on what was observed.
Observations & Reflections
There are six core areas of observation to notice signs of bonding:
- Physical engagement
- Verbal engagement
- Sensitivity engagement
- Emotional engagement
- Lifestyle behaviours
- Nesting behaviours
These observations are informal, non-intrusive, and based on authentic interactions — a parent cradling their bump, using a nickname, adjusting to baby’s movements, or speaking warmly about the baby.
Attachment Observation Scale
BASICS uses a simple 4-level scale to help professionals interpret what they see and hear during antenatal contacts. It provides a clear framework for identifying the strength of the parent–baby bond:
- Strong – A clear, consistent nurturing connection
- Building / Positive – A developing bond with positive signs
- Neutral / Unclear – Limited or uncertain signs of attachment
- Concerning – Indicators that support may be needed
The scale makes it easier to recognise when to celebrate, monitor, or offer additional help — and brings consistency to conversations across teams and services.
Support Pathways
Pregnancy BASICS isn’t just about identifying attachment needs — it’s about knowing what to do next. The tool helps professionals make informed decisions about when to offer universal encouragement, early support, or specialist referral, based on what they observe.
Whether a parent needs reassurance, practical ideas to build connection, or more targeted help, BASICS offers a clear and supportive pathway forward — ensuring no one slips through the net.
Choose from the FREE BASICS or Upgrade to the Digital Tool
The Two Options Use the Same Core Approach
Pregnancy BASICS is built around four core elements outlined above. Both the free paper version and the digital upgrade enable practitioners to use the tool effectively — whether in a 10-minute antenatal appointment or a longer home visit.
Free Paper Version
- Provides printable conversation prompts and observation guidance
- Includes scoring sheets for the 4-Level Attachment Scale
- Offers manual signposting suggestions and practitioner reflection notes
- Simple, accessible, and quick to implement in any setting — no tech required
Digital Upgrade
- Delivers the full BASICS framework in an intuitive digital format
- Practitioners complete a 3-hour training course to build confidence in using conversations, making consistent and fair observations, and navigating the tool
- BASICS Accreditation and CPD certification within the course
- Includes a digital assessment form that captures observations and scores
- Automatically generates real-time reporting via a secure data dashboard
- Offers tailored signposting suggestions based on practitioner input
- Gives access to a wide range of supporting materials, including conversation guides, observation examples, downloadable resources, and practice tips
- Enables teams and services to track change over time, evaluate outcomes, and support early intervention at scale
Both versions empower professionals to identify and respond to parent–fetal attachment needs early — but the digital upgrade adds training, accreditation, automation, and insight to scale impact and ensure consistency across teams.
Would You Or Your Team Benefit From Using Pregnancy BASICS?
Register your interest to Access the Pregnancy BASICS Toolkit for FREE