Baby Week 2026
Closing the Gap
Celebrating 10 Years of Improving Me
16 to 22 November 2026
Baby Week is back for 2026, and this year is extra special as we celebrate 10 years of Improving Me and our seventh annual Baby Week.
Over the years, Baby Week has brought together families, communities, professionals, volunteers, and organisations from across the world to Cheshire and Merseyside to champion the health and wellbeing of women, babies and families.
From family activities and community events to conversations that inspire change, Baby Week has become a powerful platform for learning, sharing and celebrating.
Why Baby Week Matters
The story of Baby Week begins more than 100 years ago. The first national Baby Week was held in 1917, during the First World War, at a time when the health and wellbeing of babies and families had become a national concern.
A century later, Baby Week was reborn in Cheshire and Merseyside during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the circumstances were different, both periods highlighted an important truth: when society faces challenges, inequalities become more visible, and those who care for others often carry the greatest burden.
The pandemic also shone a spotlight on another challenge that continues to affect lives today: the gender health gap. This refers to the differences in health outcomes, experiences and access to healthcare between men and women, often resulting in women being overlooked, misdiagnosed or facing delays in treatment.
Closing the gender health gap means better research, fairer treatment, earlier diagnoses and healthier futures for everyone. Women's health is not a niche issue. It impacts families, communities and future generations.
Pregnancy, birth, postnatal mental health, pelvic health, reproductive health and menopause are fundamental health issues. When women's health is prioritised, babies thrive, families flourish and communities become stronger.
Closing the Gap Together
As we celebrate a decade of Improving Me, Baby Week 2026 is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come and the work still to do.
This year's theme, Closing the Gap, encourages us all to listen to women and families, recognise health inequalities and support healthcare systems that put prevention, wellbeing and equity at their heart.
Together, we can help create a future where every woman, baby and family has the opportunity to achieve the best possible health outcomes.
Join the Celebration
We're inviting families, community groups, schools, charities, healthcare organisations, businesses and local partners to get involved in Baby Week 2026.
Whether you're attending an event, hosting an activity, sharing resources, supporting families or helping spread the word, every contribution helps make a difference.
Join us as we celebrate 10 years of Improving Me, champion women's health, and work together to close the gap for future generations.
Get Involved
Contact the Baby Week team:
Email: wham.engagement@cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk