{"id":63727,"date":"2026-11-05T08:18:51","date_gmt":"2026-11-05T08:18:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/suffolkcommunitylibraries.co.uk\/?p=63727"},"modified":"2026-11-05T08:42:06","modified_gmt":"2026-11-05T08:42:06","slug":"how-libraries-support-parents-national-baby-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/suffolkcommunitylibraries.co.uk\/bn\/how-libraries-support-parents-national-baby-week\/","title":{"rendered":"How libraries are supporting new and expecting parents"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.3em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

By Lucy Neill | 5 November 2026<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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Libraries are for everyone \u2013 no matter how young or old! All of our 45 libraries across Suffolk are welcoming and safe spaces for all.<\/p>\n

To celebrate National Baby Week<\/strong> from the 14 to 20 November, we\u2019re highlighting a few ways Suffolk\u2019s libraries can help support new and expecting parents.<\/p>\n

We also have a great selection of baby books<\/a> available to borrow for free with your library card, including high contrast colours, sensory touch and feel pages, as well as lift-the-flaps to excite and engage little ones.<\/p>\n

Baby Week brings together sectors, services and communities to promote the best start in life for babies and young children.<\/p>\n

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All-ages library card<\/h3>\n

There\u2019s no minimum age to get a library card, and it\u2019s free to sign up! A library card lets you borrow books from any of our 45 libraries across Suffolk. You can sign up for a card<\/a> at any library.<\/p>\n

We don\u2019t charge replacement fees for accidental damage to board and picture books while young children are learning how to look after them, so you can enjoy worry-free borrowing.<\/p>\n

We also don\u2019t charge overdue fines on any children\u2019s titles.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.3em” link_font_size=”19px” link_line_height=”1.3em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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Free baby weighing facilities<\/h3>\n

After a recent expansion, 30 of our libraries across the county now offer baby weighing facilities<\/a> so you monitor the weight and health of your baby or toddler to complement the baby weighing clinics offered by health visiting teams.<\/p>\n

These scales are free to use (you don\u2019t need to have a library card!). You can find the full list of participating libraries, including dates and times when they\u2019re available, on our baby weighing page.<\/p>\n

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Breastfeeding friendly venues<\/h3>\n

All our libraries are registered breastfeeding-friendly venues, so little ones can always find a welcoming and safe space to feed.<\/p>\n

Some libraries also have private areas which can be used. Find your nearest library<\/a>.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.3em” link_font_size=”19px” link_line_height=”1.3em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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Baby & Toddler groups<\/h3>\n

Bring your little ones to a regular baby and toddler group at the library for a relaxed and informal opportunity to meet other parents and carers, share experiences and chat!<\/p>\n

Our parent and tots groups are a chance for parents to socialise and give their babies and young children a fun, interactive musical play session that engages their senses and helps their development. These sessions are suitable for under 5s.<\/p>\n

Browse all regular events and activities<\/a> for early years.<\/p>\n

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Recommended parenting books<\/h3>\n

Parenting comes with its ups and downs. That\u2019s why our librarians have curated special parenting booklists<\/a> to help you discuss the big issues with your little ones.<\/p>\n

From changing families to potty training,\u202fto dealing with tantrums and teaching kindness, find a book from our collection.<\/p>\n

Our libraries also stock the Reading Well for Families<\/a> collection from The Reading Agency, which supports parents and carers to look after their wellbeing during pregnancy and the early years.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.3em” link_font_size=”19px” link_line_height=”1.3em” global_colors_info=”{}”] <\/p>\n

Explore the Forest of Stories together<\/h3>\n

Reading with your child is a wonderful way to help them grow and learn. Creating a daily routine of sharing stories and rhymes helps your child to develop their communication skills and begin to understand the world around them.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also a great bonding time for you and your little one!<\/p>\n

Our libraries stock free Forest of Stories packs which have everything a family needs to begin their reading journey at home and build reading into their daily routine, whether by reading at bedtime or just finding some quiet moments each day to share a story together.<\/p>\n

You can pick up a free Forest of Stories pack<\/a> from any of our libraries.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.3em” link_font_size=”19px” link_line_height=”1.3em” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Family hubs and local support<\/strong><\/p>\n