Ready, Steady, Grow!

Learn about pregnancy, parenting and babies

Jigsaw of a family illustration

Did you know that you can support your child’s growth and development if you:

Learn about pregnancy, parenting and babies

Why is this important to you and your child?

It helps with your child's physical development, communication and Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Learning about pregnancy, parenting and babies can help you to prepare for having a newborn. Finding out ways to stay well and healthy in pregnancy and leaning about parenting can help give your baby the best start in life.

Things you can do

  • Attend antenatal and postnatal appointments
  • Your baby can hear from 24 weeks of pregnancy, talking to baby during your pregnancy can help with bonding. 
  • Take note during appointments
  • Attend appointments with a friend
  • Information and support groups are widely available
  • As a parent you can meet other local parents while your child socialises with their peers
  • Attend parent-baby groups
  • Allow time for siblings to get to know the baby
  • Space out visits from family so you don’t feel overwhelmed
  • Ask for support from family and friends with practical tasks at home
  • Touch is the first point of communication between you and your child
  • Have regular skin to skin with your baby
  • Hugs and gentle movement (eg rocking in a chair and dancing) can cheer up both of you
  • Holding them in your arms will help them feel warm, safe, and calm
  • Sharing books and songs with your child from the moment they are born will help build on their communication skills

If you’d like support, talk to

Other support available in Coventry

Learn more

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