BABY AND TODDLER GROUPS
Supporting families, not just children
Alliance early years development manager, Alison Heseltine, reflects on the role of baby and toddler groups in supporting parents and carers as well as young children
Alison is an early years development manager, specialising in communication and language, wellbeing, and baby and toddler groups.
Baby and toddler groups play a vital role in early childhood, but they also offer something equally important: support for parents and carers when they need it most. These community spaces can be a lifeline during the early years of parenthood, helping to tackle loneliness by giving families the chance to connect with others, build confidence, and feel noticed, valued and supported.
Many new parents and carers talk about how lonely the early years can feel, often going long periods with little or no adult company. Baby and toddler groups provide a safe, welcoming environment where families can connect with others, feel part of their community and build friendships with people going through similar experiences.
Attending a group each week can become an important part of a family’s routine, offering a welcome change of scene during a long day of caring for a little one.
Further support and guidance from group leaders can provide those caring for young children with trusted information and valuable local knowledge. Through the activities they run, leaders can build relationships with families, celebrate children’s achievements, and help parents and carers better understand child development.
Families attending baby and toddler groups in Bradford were invited to share what the groups meant to them:
I would be lost without it
Everyone is so warm and welcoming I feel accepted
It helps me make friends
I get to chat with other mums which I find very good for my wellbeing
I benefit as much as my son does – I can chat with other mums and reassure myself
Coming every week is now a key part of our Friday routine
It gets me out and breaks up the day
Group leaders can give this vital support to parents and carers by simply being present and noticing when someone may need extra support. A reassuring smile or a quick check-in can make a big difference.
Be a good listener: Often, being heard is all that is needed. Saying out loud what is troubling them can be the first step towards dealing with their worries.
Show empathy: Families face a wide range of pressures that may be different from your own experiences. Acknowledging this can help them feel supported and understood.
Ask if there is anything you can do to help: Small practical gestures, such as helping someone find a place to sit or bringing them a drink, can be enough to show that someone cares and that they are not alone.
Stay informed: Find out what support is available locally. This might include parenting programmes or specialist support groups at the local family hub, or services offered at the library, from children’s activities to adult learning.
Know where to signpost families for specialist advice and support: This may include guidance on funding entitlements that families may be eligible for, or where to go for help with health or developmental concerns.
Be observant and sensitive: Parents and carers don’t always ask for help. Trust your instincts, and if you have any safeguarding concerns, follow the appropriate procedures and seek advice.
Look after your own wellbeing: You can’t support others if you don’t take care of yourself first.
As part of its membership, the Alliance offers free EYA Learn modules on a wide range of topics, as well as our popular Alliance Connect sessions. As members, baby and toddler group leaders get a discount on our CPD accredited training offer of Virtual Classrooms, Spotlights, Insights as well as tickets to our in-person Connect Roadshows.
Find out more on EYA Central: tinyurl. com/U5-EYALearn.
Being part of a community matters. Baby and toddler groups can become safe havens where families feel understood and valued. By supporting the adults as well as the children, they help build confident parents and carers, giving every family the chance to thrive.
Under 5 magazine
The magazine of the Early Years Alliance