Chat, Play, Read With Me: Together We Build the Best Start
Baby Week brings people and organisations together to promote the best start in life, celebrate early childhood and connect families with practical support.
In 2026, our campaign turns the spotlight on the small, everyday interactions that help babies and young children learn, communicate and thrive.
Throughout Baby Week, organisations across the UK will come together to showcase local activities, share practical advice, connect families with support, and celebrate the importance of giving every child the best start in life.
This year’s theme aligns with Best Start in Life priorities, speech, language and communication development, school readiness, parent-infant relationships and the National Year of Reading.
Baby Week 2026 celebrates the simple everyday moments that help babies and young children learn, communicate and thrive. Chat, Play, Read With Me: Together We Build the Best Start is designed to feel positive, achievable and inclusive. It starts from a simple truth: families are already doing many of the things that matter.Our job is to notice those moments, celebrate them and make it easier to do a little more. Whether it’s chatting during daily routines, sharing stories, singing songs, exploring through play or spending time together, these interactions help build strong foundations for learning, wellbeing and healthy relationships.
Chat, Play, Read with me…
You’re already doing it. Every chat, every story and every playful moment helps build your child’s future.
- Small moments make a big difference.
- Talking, playing and reading help babies learn and grow.
- Families don’t need expensive resources to support development.
- Every parent, carer and family member can help build the best start.
- Baby Week is an opportunity to discover local support, activities and services.
- Together, we build stronger families and communities.
Get involved
- Family Hubs — Create a ‘You’re Already Doing It’ wall where families add everyday moments and ideas.
- Libraries — Run baby story sessions and use the campaign ideas to support families read more.
- NHS & health — Support the theme ‘chat, play, read with me’ to support that early development and bonding.
- Early years settings — Run a Chat-Play-Read challenge and invite families to share a favourite activity.
- Charities & community groups – Adapt the moments for local languages, cultures in partnership to reduce barriers to access.
- Retail / public spaces — Use posters, and think baby friendly in your places ‘How can you be more accessible and encourage more chat & play?’
Add your event, get in touch and get involved: info@babyweek.co.uk
