Coventry Celebrates National Baby Week with 'Chat, Play, Read' Theme
Families across Coventry are invited to a week of free events from 14-20 November, highlighting the importance of early communication and parent-child interaction.
By Aisha Mahmood
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of parents and babies participating in a community event focused on early development and interaction.
Families in Coventry are encouraged to participate in National Baby Week 2026, running from 14-20 November, with a focus on the theme "Chat, Play, Read with Me".
The week-long celebration aims to underscore the critical importance of engaging babies and young children in talking, playing, and reading from their earliest stages of life. A variety of events are planned, including Baby and Me groups, Baby First Aid, Buggy Fitness, Wellbeing Walk and Coffee Mornings, Baby Massage, a Five to Thrive Baby Showcase, and Smiles from the Start oral health sessions.
The festivities will commence with a special launch event hosted by Coventry Best Start Family Hubs at The Salvation Army on Saturday 14 November, from 11am to 2pm. This event will bring together families, partners, and community organisations for a range of free, engaging activities designed for babies, young children, and their families, fostering opportunities for play, learning, and social connection.
Throughout the week, Coventry's Family Hubs and partner organisations will promote the value of early communication and positive parent-child interactions through diverse activities and resources across the city. Families can discover simple methods to support their child's development through everyday conversations, play, and reading.
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"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."
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"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 maximise everyday moments, aiding children in developing essential communication, social, and emotional skills for thriving. For more information on events, visit www.coventryfamilies.co.uk or contact a local Family Hub. Details on Best Start Family Hubs are available on the Coventry City Council website.
