Baby Week 2026

Baby Week 2026 runs from 14 to 20 November across Coventry, with the launch event on Saturday 14 November from 11am to 2pm at The Salvation Army on Upper Well Street in the city centre. It's Coventry's third Baby Week, part of a national initiative that's grown across England over the last decade, bringing together families, health professionals and community partners to celebrate, learn and connect while showcasing free and low-cost services for families with children under five.

The launch is hosted by Coventry Best Start Family Hubs, and from there the activities spread out to family hubs and libraries across the city. The programme covers a lot of ground: Baby and Me groups, Baby First Aid, Buggy Fitness, Wellbeing Walks and Coffee Mornings, Baby Massage, the Five to Thrive Baby Showcase and Smiles from the Start oral health sessions. There are also new 'First Words Together' sessions this year.

At the heart of it all are the city's eight family hubs, which support children and young people aged 0-19, and up to 25 for those with a specialist need. The 'Chat, Play, Read with Me' campaign runs alongside everything, encouraging families to make the most of everyday moments to help children develop communication, social and emotional skills. Jane Moffat, Operational Lead for Early Help at Coventry City Council, says these interactions build strong relationships and lay the foundations for lifelong learning, wellbeing and future success.

There's also a new Best Start for Life hub at the City of Coventry Health Centre, which brings antenatal care with midwives and family hub services under one roof. Everything is free, and the whole week runs from 14 to 20 November, starting with the launch at The Salvation Army on Saturday 14 November, 11am to 2pm.