Baby Steps: support through pregnancy, birth and beyond

Helping vulnerable parents prepare for having
a baby

Baby Steps is aimed at parents who are likely miss out on existing antenatal provision, but could benefit from it the most.

We want to tackle and reduce the harm caused when parents misuse alcohol or take drugs - as early as possible in children's lives.

Antenatal classes in the UK can often focus only on giving birth rather than helping parents learn to care for a baby, and prepare for the impact that a baby will have on their lives.

Many parents - particularly dads, young parents, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds - often do not get any antenatal education at all.

Listen: Kate, NSPCC BabySteps, on the benefits for new parents

Setting a template for positive parenting

Parents are often looking for help and support during pregnancy and the weeks immediately after the birth of a baby.

We help them to learn about how to care for their baby and prevent their baby being harmed.

Working with parents at this time can build strong foundations, and the benefits can last a life time.

Working in partnership to give parents the support they need

Local NSPCC teams work with midwives and other local services to identify parents who might benefit from the service.

Our children's services practitioners, health visitors and midwives work in pairs to deliver the programme to groups of parents.

Mums and dads attend nine group sessions, six during pregnancy and three after the baby is born.

Sessions cover infant development, how parenting can affect their relationships, health and wellbeing, how to care for a baby and where they can get support.