On 23rd June 2026 Brazelton Centre UK were in Parliament highlighting how babies communicate from birth and why early relationships matter. An APPG meeting is an informal, cross-party groups run by and for Members of Parliament (MPs) and House of Lords members who share a common interest in a specific policy area, region, or industry.
Alongside partners from across the early years sector, we showed MPs what’s possible when we work together around babies and families. We demonstrated the Newborn Behavioural Observation system with a family and their baby, giving MPs the chance to see early infant communication in real time. Watch our short video:
Inge Nickell, Director of Brazelton Centre UK also met Desmond Swayne MP in Parliament to discuss the landmark Bill on the 1,001 Critical Days – and share why parent‑infant communication is so central to the work of Family Hubs. When parents and practitioners can truly see a baby, notice their cues and understand their experience, it strengthens the foundations for healthy development.
We were pleased to explore how the Bill can help reinforce the importance of parent-infant communication and we look forward to working with Sir Desmond and the 1001 Critical Days Foundation as the Bill moves through parliament. You can read more about the bill here.
Together, we’re championing the importance of early relationships and ensuring every baby gets the best possible start.
New Commissioner announced
We also welcomed the announcement in June of the UK’s first Maternity and Neonatal Commissioner, a role created to ensure women, babies and families are listened to and that their experiences shape safer, fairer and more consistent care across England.
At the Brazelton Centre UK, we see every day how powerful it is when practitioners pause, notice a baby’s cues and respond with sensitivity. Early communication strengthens trust and healthy development, and we are encouraged to see national leadership recognising the importance of these earliest relationships.
We look forward to contributing our expertise in infant communications and working with the commissioner when they are appointed. You can read more about the announcement here