The 1001 Critical Days Foundation is supporting the Infants, Parents and Carers Bill, known as the ‘Babies Bill’.

The Babies Bill is a Private Member’s Bill introduced by Sir Desmond Swayne MP. It focuses on support for babies, parents, carers and prospective parents and carers during the 1,001 days, from pregnancy to age two.

The Bill received its First Reading in the House of Commons on 17 June 2026. Its Second Reading is currently scheduled for Friday 4 September 2026. Parliament notes that future parliamentary dates may be provisional.

The Babies Bill at a Glance:

Official title: Infants, Parents and Carers Bill

Campaign name: The Babies Bill

Sponsor: Sir Desmond Swayne MP

Type of Bill: Private Member’s Bill, Ballot Bill

First Reading: 17 June 2026

Second Reading: Currently scheduled for 4 September 2026

Current status: The full Bill text is currently being written. This page will be updated when the detailed Bill wording becomes available.  

What Is the Babies Bill?

The Babies Bill is intended to give support during pregnancy and the first two years of a babies life a stronger and more enduring foundation in law.

Its official long title says that the Bill will make provision about support for infants, parents and carers, including the assessment of needs and reporting requirements. 

The current proposal would make provision for:

• Assessing the needs of babies, parents, carers and expectant  parents and carers;

• Providing appropriate information, services and support;

• Giving important support during the first 1,001 days a stronger statutory foundation;

• Requiring annual reporting to Parliament on the support being - provided and the difference it is making.

Because the full Bill is currently being written, the detailed provisions may change as the legislation is drafted.

What would The Babies Bill change?

The Babies Bill is not intended to create a new system of support or introduce new services. It aims to provide an enduring legal foundation for support already being delivered through Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies programme, as it relates to pregnancy and the first two years.

Relevant services includes:

• Maternity

• Health visiting;

• Parenting support and the home learning environment;

• Infant feeding support;

• Perinatal mental health support;

• Parent-infant relationships support;

• Safeguarding;

• SEND.

• Current delivery expectations for Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies are set out in non-statutory government guidance covering April 2026 to March 2029. The Babies Bill aims to place this support on a Statutory footing and strengthen accountability to Parliament. 

Why do the 1,001 critical days matter?

The 1,001 Critical Days – from pregnancy to age two – are a time of astonishing growth. During this short window, a baby’s brain develops faster than at any other stage, laying the foundations for lifelong health, learning and wellbeing.

This knowledge isn’t new. Decades of research across disciplines – from attachment theory to neuroscience – have shown how vital these early experiences are. A baby’s relationships, environment and experiences during this time shape everything from their stress response system to their immune system, and their social, emotional and cognitive development.

This period helps set the foundations for a child’s cognitive, emotional and physical development. Timely, high-quality support for babies and families can improve outcomes and help address health inequalities.  Babies need to feel safe and secure to thrive and their parents and carers need access trusted support early to meet their babies needs.

The Babies Bill is about supporting families, not judging them. It is about early intervention; making sure help is available before difficulties become crises.

Why is The 1001 Critical Days Foundation supporting the Bill?

The mission of the 1001 Critical Days Foundation is to provide policymakers around the world with the evidence and information they may need to prioritise the 1001 critical days. We believe the first 1,001 days should be visible in law, policy and public services. Support for babies and families should be seen as the foundation of a healthy society.

The Foundation is supporting the Babies Bill by

• Providing evidence and expertise about the first 1,001 days; helping explain the Bill clearly to policymakers, the early years sector and the public;

• Encouraging cross-party parliamentary support;

• Working with charities, practitioners and families to build awareness.

• The Bill is sponsored by Sir Desmond Swayne MP. The 1001 Critical Days Foundation remains independent and apolitical.

What happens next?

The Babies Bill’s Second Reading is currently scheduled for Friday 4 September 2026.

Second Reading is when MPs debate the overall purpose and principles of a Bill. MPs then decide whether it should proceed to its next parliamentary stage. Private Members’ Bills follow the same principal stages as government Bills, including Second Reading, Committee Stage, Report Stage and Third Reading. 

View the official Infants, Parents and Carers Bill record on the UK Parliament website: https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/4156

For more info: Watch the recorded Webinar Here; Access the Webinar Slides

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