Baby Week Leeds: '˜Fifty things to do before you're five'

Baby Week Leeds toddles into town for the third time this week with more than 70 events happening across the city.
CHILD'S PLAY: Baby Week Leeds encourages play.CHILD'S PLAY: Baby Week Leeds encourages play.
CHILD'S PLAY: Baby Week Leeds encourages play.

Following the first Leeds Baby Week the city has been sharing best practice around the UK and this year is bringing the ‘50 things to do before you’re five’ project to the city.

The scheme was developed with families to produce a resource that offers low cost experiences to build skills and language, supports brain development in young children, as well as being great fun.

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Coun Lisa Mulherin, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said: “As a city, we are working hard to deliver on our ambition for Leeds to be the best city for children and young people to grow up in, and are committed to placing children and young people at the heart of everything we do.”

“So, ‘50 things to do before you’re five’ is a fantastic partnership initiative that encourages parents to get involved in a range of activities with their young children that will have a positive impact on their lives and help parents and their children share a variety of life experiences.

“The scheme not only supports vital bonding between parents and their children, but reflects Leeds’ core priorities to support all children and young people to have fun growing up, be happy and healthy, and be ready for school. Families and their experiences are at the heart of Baby Week Leeds 2018, with the theme of the week being ‘Better Conversations’ and the 50 things app was launched on November 12.

A host of fun, free events will also be going on across the city, including 50 activities for under fives. Baby Week Leeds is supported by Child Friendly Leeds, NHS Leeds, and sponsored by Leeds Cares.

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For the full schedule of events, visit https://www.babyweek.co.uk/babyweekleeds2018

Leeds Libraries will be launching their new programme ‘Ready Steady Readers’ and have events at libraries across the city, including a baby photo booth, Rockabye Roadshow and Opera North’s ‘Little Singers’ sessions.

Later in the week the NHS is inviting new parents and parents-to-be to help shape maternity, early years and breastfeeding in the city, by sharing their experiences of the support they have received.

There will also be an opportunity for them to give their views on NHS plans and suggests ways of having better conversations with professionals.

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Parents can drop in at the Kirkgate Market Event Space on Friday November 16, 12-3pm to take part in this session.

Also on Friday, Leeds City Museum is inviting babies to their Multi-Sensory Morning & Tiny Tigers Crafts.

The celebrations continue on into the weekend, with a Baby Week Play, Pamper & Parents event at The Light Leeds from 11am–4pm on Saturday with information stalls, sensory play, baby massage and some time to relax with Leeds Lush. Finally, on Sunday November 18, Leeds Dads will be hosting their monthly event at The Tetley for dads, grandads, uncles, etc. and their children.