New parents and expectant families in Wales are being encouraged to seek support through Baby Steps, a redeveloped perinatal service launched by NSPCC Cymru.
The programme is designed to support parents during pregnancy and the early stages of a child’s life, helping them build confidence and cope with the pressures that can come with caring for a new baby.
The service was officially launched at an event held at BT headquarters in London, attended by Duchess of Edinburgh, who is a Patron of the NSPCC, alongside celebrities and childcare professionals.
Baby Steps will be piloted from three NSPCC hubs, including the Wales hub, which will play a leading role in delivering the service.
Carl Harris, NSPCC Assistant Director for the Wales hub, said the evidence-based programme could make a significant difference for families.
Carl Harris said:“The early stages of a baby’s life can feel daunting to parents, as they face new challenges every day to give their child the best start in life.
“It is a crucial time for a child’s development and perinatal services like Baby Steps can offer enormous support to help parents through an exciting, but sometimes difficult period.
“NSPCC Cymru is proud to be leading the way in rolling out the service and supporting parents and children across Wales.”
The launch follows new figures from the NSPCC Helpline, which show that in 2024/25 more than 3,800 children under the age of two were referred to external agencies across the UK, including the police and social services. This represented almost a fifth, or 18 per cent, of all referrals made by the Helpline on behalf of a child during that year.
The Helpline says it regularly hears from parents who are struggling during the early weeks of parenthood.
A father who contacted the service said:“We just can’t get our baby into a routine. It’s been 8 weeks so we’re new to parenting and have different opinions, then our friends all have different advice. It’s causing major arguments and nothing’s working.”
Alongside Baby Steps, the NSPCC website offers a range of information and advice for parents and carers, including guidance on bonding with babies and raising children safely.
Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive of the NSPCC, said:“It’s always such a privilege to be part of a Royal visit and we were delighted that HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh was able to join us to celebrate our Baby Steps service.
“As this new NSPCC Helpline data illustrates, raising children in the first couple of years of their lives can be an extremely difficult time for parents, and it is so important that they are able to access support. Our Helpline hears first hand from parents who are struggling with the pressures of a newborn, or from concerned members of the community.
“The Baby Steps service provides building blocks to help parents navigate the very first stages of a child’s life to ensure they thrive. Parents who require any support or advice, can always contact the NSPCC Helpline.”
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