Families in Calderdale are actively participating in various events to mark Baby Week, a week-long celebration of early childhood running from Monday 13th to Monday 20th November.
Commencing in 2016, Baby Week aims to establish the UK as the premier place for children to grow up by celebrating services and highlighting the significance of early childhood.
The Council, alongside other organizations in Calderdale, is collaborating with eight other locations, including Leeds and Bradford, to host events and activities for local families with infants aged 0 to 2 years.
Calderdale’s events include:
- A family swim at Sowerby Bridge Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre to engage children under 5 and their families in physical activity.
- Breastfeeding support groups with additional sensory play for children, specifically arranged for Baby Week.
- An informal coffee morning to discuss all things related to babies, including information on various groups and classes.
- A family walk around Wellholme Park in Brighouse, providing an opportunity to meet other families and enjoy a cup of tea.
- Baby and pre-natal yoga, messy play, music, dancing, story sessions, First Aid training for parents, and more!
For a comprehensive list of events, along with locations, dates, and times, please visit https://babyweek.co.uk/eventbrite_category/calderdale/
Baby Week in Calderdale will kick off with a special event on Monday 13th November for professionals working with babies, children, and families. Councillor Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Public Health, will open the event, where experts will share insights into the power of play and the crucial parent-child relationship, emphasizing its connection to play. Deborah Harkins, the Council’s Director of Public Health, will launch the Calderdale Starting Well Strategy.
The week will conclude with a play celebration at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax on Monday 20th November from 10 am to 4 pm. The event will feature unique activities for families, including hands-on galleries, story time sessions, sensory play, and an opportunity to engage with professionals. Book here.
Councillor Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Public Health, stated; “We take pride in celebrating Calderdale’s inaugural Baby Week, showcasing the available activities and support for parents and their babies across the borough. We encourage local families to attend these free or low-cost events.
Baby Week is part of the Calderdale Family Hub offer, aligning with the Calderdale Wellbeing Strategy’s priority for all children to be ready for school. Our vision for Calderdale in 2024 is for it to be a place where everyone can reach their potential, ensuring children have the best chance to be healthy, happy, and successful.”
The first 1000 days of a child’s life, from conception to age two, are crucial for rapid growth and brain development. Leading child health experts concur that the care provided during this period holds more influence on a child’s future than at any other time in their life.
This year’s Baby Week theme is play, as it enhances children’s physical, social, and emotional well-being. Through play, children learn about the world, build confidence, relate to others, and have fun.
Sadiya Salim, Director of Baby Week UK, remarked; “We recognize the critical importance of the early years, setting the foundation for a child’s future development. This is why Baby Week was established – to raise awareness about the significance of early childhood, promote the best start, and celebrate existing initiatives. We are delighted to witness the continuous growth of Baby Week, with more communities joining the celebration across the UK each year.”
