January 28, 2026 - 178 views
New and expectant parents across North Wales are being encouraged to access extra support through a newly launched NSPCC programme aimed at helping families cope with the early challenges of caring for a baby.
The service, known as Baby Steps, has been redeveloped by the children’s charity to provide guidance and reassurance to parents during pregnancy and in the first months of a child’s life.
The NSPCC says the programme is designed to give parents the confidence and tools they need at what can be a joyful, but often stressful, time.
Baby Steps is being piloted from three NSPCC hubs, including the charity’s Wales hub, which will play a leading role in delivering the service and supporting parents across the country.
Carl Harris, Assistant Director for the NSPCC Wales hub, said the early stages of parenting can feel overwhelming, especially for those facing new pressures for the first time.
He 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 charity hopes the programme will benefit families in communities across the North Wales coast, including Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Anglesey and Wrexham.
The service was officially launched this week at an event at BT headquarters in London.
HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, Patron of the NSPCC, attended the launch alongside celebrities and childcare professionals to highlight the importance of early support for parents.
The NSPCC says its Helpline continues to hear from parents who are struggling with the pressures of life with a newborn.
New figures show that in 2024/25, the NSPCC Helpline referred more than 3,800 children under the age of two to external agencies across the UK, including the police and social services.
That accounts for almost a fifth (18%) of all referrals made by the charity last year.
One father who contacted the service said: “We just can’t get our baby into a routine. It’s been eight 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.”
Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive of the NSPCC, said the first years of a child’s life can be one of the most difficult times for parents, and early help is vital.
He said: “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.
“The Baby Steps service provides building blocks to help parents navigate the very first stages of a child’s life to ensure they thrive.”
The NSPCC is reminding all parents, carers and members of the public that its Helpline is available for any adult who needs advice or has concerns about a child.
More information about Baby Steps and other parenting support services can be found on the NSPCC website or by contacting babysteps@nspcc.org.uk.
