The Pledge for Babies in Wales was introduced at the Children’s Rights in Early Years (CREY) Network conference. It urges individuals, professionals, and organizations involved with babies to consider their needs, experiences, and perspectives in decision-making processes.
The initiative aims to highlight the baby's perspective, offering a chance for caregivers and those working with families to recognize and respond to babies' voices and needs. The pledge is led by Dr. Jacky Tyrie from Swansea University’s School of Social Science and Anna Westall from Children in Wales. Funding was provided by Swansea University IAA Fund and Children in Wales.
The CREY Network co-produced the pledge through consultations with professionals, parents, caregivers, and their babies. An expert steering group also played a role in advising on its development. The process included two rounds of consultation to ensure it accurately reflects what matters most to babies and their supporters.
This pledge encourages adults to listen to babies during everyday interactions, within care settings, and when making broader service and policy decisions. It emphasizes community support for families and highlights the importance of assisting adults in meeting babies’ needs. The launch marks the start of a campaign aimed at embedding the voice of the baby into policy across Wales.
Welsh Minister for Children and Care Dawn Bowden attended the conference, emphasizing young children's rights and supporting the Network's efforts.
The first stage calls on everyone—from parents to practitioners—to commit to prioritizing babies in decision-making processes.