Families across Coventry are invited to join the celebrations for National Baby Week 2026, taking place from 14-20 November.
This year’s theme is "Chat, Play, Read with Me", and there will be a range of events, including Baby and Me groups, Baby First Aid, Buggy Fitness, Wellbeing Walk and Coffee Mornings, Baby Massage, Five to Thrive Baby Showcase, Smiles from the Start oral health sessions, and more.
The week aims to highlight the importance of talking, playing and reading with babies and young children from the earliest stages of life.
The celebrations will begin with a special launch event hosted by Coventry Best Start Family Hubs at The Salvation Army on Saturday 14 November from 11am to 2pm, bringing together families, partners and community organisations.
The launch event will feature a range of fun, free and engaging activities for babies, young children and their families, providing opportunities to play, learn and connect with others.
Throughout the week, Coventry's Family Hubs and partner organisations will be promoting the importance of early communication and positive parent-child interactions through a variety of activities, events and resources across the city.
Families will have the opportunity to discover simple ways to support their child's development through chatting, playing and reading together every day.
Cllr Mal Mutton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, at Coventry City Council, said: “Talking, playing and reading are so important in the early stages of life, and they not only support a baby’s wellbeing and development, but they bring the family together.
“Baby Week is a great opportunity for people to join together with other parents and a range of childcare professionals across the city to learn and get some advice, or even just encouragement that they are doing the right thing for their baby and know that support is there for them when they need it.”
Jane Moffat, Operational Lead - Early Help in Coventry City Council’s Children’s Services, added: “As a child-friendly city, we are delighted to support National Baby Week, and to work with partners, communities and families across the city to show the importance of chatting, playing and reading from the very first days of life.
“These simple everyday interactions help build strong relationships, support communication and language development, and lay the foundations for lifelong learning, wellbeing and future success. There will be lots of free activities and advice throughout the week, so please go along to the launch event or your local Best Start Family Hub and join in.”
The "Chat, Play, Read with Me" campaign encourages families to make the most of everyday moments, helping children develop the communication, social and emotional skills they need to thrive.
For more information about National Baby Week events in Coventry, visit www.coventryfamilies.co.uk or speak to your local Family Hub.
For more on our Best Start Family Hubs, visit the website - Family hubs – Coventry City Council