sunderland
Explore the programme below and join us in celebrating Baby Week 2026.
We’re delighted to bring Baby Week back to Sunderland for 2026!
Baby Week at Sunderland’s Best Start Family Hubs is all about celebrating babies, young children and their families, and helping every child in Sunderland get the best possible start in life. A baby’s first 1001 days, from pregnancy to their second birthday, are incredibly important. Baby Week is a chance to celebrate this special time and discover the free support, advice, activities and services available for families across Sunderland.
As well as all the activities you already love at our Family Hubs, we’ve got some extra-special events planned just for Baby Week. Expect a week full of giggles, learning, bonding and lots of free activities for you and your little ones to enjoy together!
EVENTS
Get Involved
For families:There are lots of ways for families to get involved in Baby Week Sunderland, with free activities and events taking place across the city from 14 to 20 November. Take a look at the events above or visit Links for Life Sunderland to find out what’s happening near you. Some activities are drop-in, while others need to be booked in advance.
Saturday 14 November, 10am to 1pm – Thorney Close Best Start Family Hub Start Baby Week with a special Saturday session for families. Come along for Stay and Play, outdoor play, Fathers Reading Every Day – FRED, the Toy Library and the chance to explore the Hub’s sensory room, with a special one-off baby massage session also planned, which will need to be booked.
Tuesday 17 November – 10am – 2pm – Culture House We’re also bringing Baby Week to Culture House for a special city-centre celebration. Current plans include stories and crafts, baby activities, information and support for families, and activities celebrating reading and the early years. The event is planned as a drop-in event for expectant parents and families with children up to four.
For professionals
Baby Week isn’t just for families. There will also be opportunities for professionals to learn, connect and share good practice. Baby Week overlaps with Sunderland Safeguarding Learning Week, taking place from 16 to 22 November, in partnership with Sunderland’s Best Start Family Hubs. This year’s theme is “Vulnerable Babies: Every Conversation Matters”, with learning opportunities around listening to families, professional curiosity, co-production and creating the right conditions for babies and young children to thrive.
Local information
Links for Life Sunderland
See what’s on through Links for Life Sunderland. Whether you’re expecting a baby, caring for a toddler or supporting an older child, we’re here to help you feel confident and give your child the very best start in life.
Best Start Family Hubs
Healthy Babies Programme
Contact Us
We welcome opportunities to work with local organisations, services, and community groups to help give every child the best start in life. Contact us at: Hayley.Ford@sunderland.gov.uk.
- Bunny Hill Best Start Family Hub:hubnorth@togetherforchildren.org.uk
- Coalfield Best Start Family Hub:hubhetton@togetherforchildren.org.uk
- Rainbow Best Start Family Hub:hubwashington@togetherforchildren.org.uk
- Thorney Close Best Start Family Hub:hubwest@togetherforchildren.org.uk
- Winnibell Best Start Family Hub:hubeast@togetherforchildren.org.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.
