The Babies Bill (Infants, Parents and Carers 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.
This matters because babies do not vote, lobby or fill MPs’ inboxes. But decisions made in Parliament shape the support available to them and their families.
Good news: On Friday 4 September 2026 the Bill passed its Second Reading in the House of Commons unopposed, with cross-party support. It now moves to Committee stage.
MPs were encouraged by organisations including the Royal College of Physicians, the Twins Trust, the Other Half, the 1,001 Critical Days Foundation, and SPUC. We thank every supporter who contacted their MP – your messages helped secure this important step forward.
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 to 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.
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