WELCOME TO LEEDS
Baby Week was founded in Leeds in 2016 by Lucy Potter and brought to life by Sadiya Salim through Child Friendly Leeds and ambassadors. It is inspired by Brazil’s UNICEF-supported Semana do Bebê programme and has since grown into a national initiative taking place across the UK each year in November.
Each year, Baby Week Leeds brings together more than75 partner organisations to deliver a city-wide programme of free and low-cost events, activities and support for families from pregnancy through to age five. Families can explore activities in Family Hubs and Children’s Centres, libraries, museums, leisure centres and community venues, while learning about services available throughout the year.
Baby Week also creates opportunities for organisations across Leeds to work together, share learning and strengthen support for families. Through a focus on the first 1,001 days and early childhood development, Baby Week helps raise awareness of the importance of giving every child the best possible start in life. We look forward to welcoming you and working together to make a real difference.
EVENTS
Local information
Family Hubs and Children's Centres
Local support, activities, parenting programmes and family services across Leeds communities.
Leeds Maternity Services
Support and information for pregnancy, birth and early parenthood provided by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
0-19 Public Health Service (PHINS)
The 0 – 19 PHINS is a team that supports children and families to stay healthy. We want every child to grow up happy, healthy, and well.
Leeds Libraries
Free Story & Rhyme sessions, sensory play opportunities and welcoming spaces for babies, toddlers and families across the city.
Child Friendly Leeds
Leeds has an ambition to be the best city for children and young people to grow up in. From the influential first years of life, we’re here to promote all thats on.
Contact us
We’d love families and organisations to get involved, add your events or contact the team to find out more: childfriendlyleeds@leeds.gov.uk.
Our Key Partners
10,000 attendees
Over the last decade, Baby Week UK has expanded across England, helping thousands of parents, carers, professionals, and community members connect, learn, and access support. By showcasing free and low-cost services, activities, and opportunities, Baby Week aims to reduce barriers and improve awareness of the support available for families with children under five. Here are just a few reflections from attendees on the difference Baby Week has made.
“Baby week is an absolutely fantastic initiative in out city it bought together professionals from across the sector and gave families time to chat, learn and share their experiences of parenthood. Over 200 attendees at one of our launch event and using a city centre location and offering lots of activities for the age range (0-5) worked well.”
– Baby Week Regional Organiser
“It’s a fantastic way to bring communities together to learn how to offer support to your child in everyday life”
– Parent
Join Baby Week from anywhere in the world
Baby Week offers a wide range of free online and hybrid events, making it easy to take part wherever you are. Parents and carers can access sessions such as baby first aid and baby massage, while professionals can join daily ‘Lunch & Learn’ webinars led by national experts. Many events, including our National Conference in Nottingham, are available virtually, enabling participation from across the UK and beyond. Explore the online calendar to find out more.
