The council’s Parent and Infant Wellbeing team is proud to support Infant Mental Health Awareness Week (8–14 June 2026), highlighting this year’s theme of ‘Attunement’, the ability to tune in and connect with babies on an emotional level.
Attunement plays a vital role in early relationships, helping babies feel safe, loved and understood. When parents and carers can recognise and respond sensitively to their baby’s cues, it supports emotional development and lays the foundations for positive mental health throughout life.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and community, said: “Infant Mental Health Awareness Week is a fantastic opportunity to highlight just how important early relationships are.” Cllr. Jacqui Coogan, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Education, added: “Attunement is at the heart of everything we do: supporting parents to understand their babies, respond with confidence and build strong, nurturing bonds that last a lifetime.”
Throughout the week, families and professionals are encouraged to reflect on how attunement is supported in everyday interactions and to explore tools and resources that help strengthen these early connections. The Parent and Infant Wellbeing Team delivers a range of free activities for families with babies up to 18 months old, all designed to strengthen these important early bonds and improve wellbeing.
These include:
Baby Massage
A five-week course helping parents learn safe massage techniques to support relaxation, reduce colic and build communication and bonding with their baby.
Sessions: Mondays at Best Start Family Hub Bingley (11am–12.15pm) and Thursdays at Best Start Family Hub Dove (10am–11.15am), during term time.
Home and Away
A group supporting parents preparing to return to work, covering childcare options and helping families manage this transition.
Sessions: Mondays at Best Start Family Hub Dove (9.45–11.30am) and Best Start Family Hub Whitmore Reans (1.30–3pm), during term time.
Baby and Me
Weekly sessions combining sensory play, crafts, and peer support to enhance wellbeing and strengthen the parent-baby bond.
Sessions: Tuesdays at Best Start Family Hub Children’s Village (10.15–11.30am), during term time.
Babies, Bumps and Buggies Walk
A weekly outdoor group walk encouraging connection, fresh air and social support.
Sessions: Tuesdays at 1pm from Best Start Family Hub Children’s Village.
Sling Support
Guidance on safely using slings and carriers to promote bonding and support baby development.
Sessions: Monthly across Best Start Family Hub Children’s Village, Wolfies Den (Molineux Stadium), and Bilston Library and Craft Gallery.
Parents Coffee Morning
A relaxed monthly session offering peer support, advice and signposting.
Sessions: First Thursday of every month, 10am–11.30am, Best Start Family Hub Children’s Village.
All activities delivered by the Parent and Infant Wellbeing Team are free and designed to support both babies’ development and parents’ wellbeing. Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 runs from 8th to 14th June, focusing on the theme of ‘Attunement’ to support babies’ emotional development.
