Connecting2u: Free Text Message Service Supporting Queensland Families From Pregnancy to Age Five

Over 20,000 Queensland Families Already Signed Up

More than 20,000 expectant parents, parents, and carers across Queensland have now registered for Connecting2u — a free text messaging program that delivers trusted health, parenting, and child development advice directly to your phone. Launched in 2014 by Children's Health Queensland (CHQ), the service has rapidly expanded to become one of the state's most widely used family support tools, with 17,000 active subscribers currently receiving regular messages.

The program delivers evidence-based guidance from as early as six weeks of pregnancy through to a child's fifth birthday, covering the critical first 2,000 days of development that shape long-term health outcomes.

Two Tailored Messaging Streams for Every Stage

Connecting2u offers two distinct messaging streams designed to meet families where they are in their parenting journey. The antenatal stream (March 2025) sends up to three messages weekly on nutrition, physical changes, baby development, bonding, and health check reminders.

The zero-to-five stream offers tips on feeding, sleep, milestones, and vaccinations, with frequency adjusting from several per week to weekly.

Key Facts at a Glance

• 20,000+ families across Queensland have registered since launch in 2014
• 17,000 parents and carers currently receive active messaging support
• 3 messages per week during pregnancy; reduces to weekly for 0-5 age group
• March 2025 — antenatal stream expanded to all Queensland expectant parents
• Age range: from 6 weeks of pregnancy to child's 5th birthday
• Cost: completely free — opt in by visiting childrens.health.qld.gov.au/c2u

Expert Voices: Reducing the Overwhelm of New Parenthood

Alanna Philipson, Principal Program Officer for Connecting2u at Children's Health Queensland, said the antenatal messaging is designed to address the anxiety many expectant parents face. "Connecting2u offers clear, reassuring messages designed to help reduce the overwhelm many soon-to-be parents face during pregnancy," Ms Philipson said. "Feedback from families tells us there is a need for this kind of information and support, and we're pleased to make it easily accessible to all Queensland families when and where they need it."

She added: "Families who register for the program consistently report feeling more confident in their parenting and better equipped to make informed decisions about their child's health."

Culturally Tailored Support for Diverse Families

Recognising Queensland's diverse community, Connecting2u provides culturally tailored messages specifically designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and carers. Families with more than one child can sign up for every pregnancy and infant under five — each child receives a personalised code during registration to keep messages organised and relevant.

The service also includes dedicated messages for dads, along with self-care and emotional wellbeing content supporting the physical and mental health of all carers during the demanding early years of parenthood.

Why Digital Health Support Matters for Families Everywhere

Programs like Connecting2u demonstrate how mobile health (mHealth) interventions can bridge the gap between clinical care and daily parenting. Research published in 2025 through Griffith University examined the program's effectiveness in supporting Queensland mothers and children during the first two years of life, finding that text-based guidance significantly improved parental confidence and health literacy.

For Libyan families navigating similar challenges in early parenthood, the model offers valuable lessons. Access to evidence-based parenting information — delivered in a simple, accessible format — can reduce anxiety, improve health outcomes for children, and empower parents regardless of their location or background. Digital health tools are increasingly vital in regions where access to regular clinical support may be limited.

How to Sign Up

Queensland residents can register for Connecting2u free of charge by visiting childrens.health.qld.gov.au/c2u. Messages are automatically generated and responses are not monitored. For health concerns, parents are advised to contact 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or call triple zero (000) in an emergency. To opt out at any time, simply reply STOP to any message.

As digital health programs continue to expand globally, Connecting2u stands as a proven example of how simple technology — a text message — can make a meaningful difference for families during the most important years of a child's life.

— LibyaPress / Entertainment Desk