At Children in Wales, we are committed to promoting the rights of babies and very young children, in line with our vision:
“Building a Wales where all babies, children and young people have all their rights fulfilled.”
While the rights of babies and young children under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) often focus on protection and provision, it’s equally important to uphold their right to participate.
Article 12 of the UNCRC states:
“Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously.”
Babies are born ready to communicate. They have their own minds, unique needs, and a right to be heard and responded to, long before they can use words.
Babies and young children have a range of nonverbal ways of expressing themselves. This can be through sounds, but also physicality: body language such as reaching or nodding, or facial expressions such as smiling.
However, many participation tools are designed for children who use verbal language, which can unintentionally exclude younger children and those with additional needs. To address this, Children in Wales has developed resources to help babies and young children to have a voice and to support the Early Years workforce in becoming confident advocates for their rights.
You can explore our videos and printable resources by visiting: Children in Wales | Early Years Resources
The Pledge for Babies in Wales
In May, we launched the Children in Wales | Pledge for Babies in Wales —a major step forward in recognising and responding to the unique rights and needs of babies.
The Pledge calls on all individuals, professionals, and organisations involved in the lives of babies to commit to acknowledging their distinct needs, experiences, and perspectives in every decision that affects them.
The pledge has been developed to highlight the perspective of the baby, it provides an opportunity for all those caring and working with babies and their families, to recognise, value and respond to the voice and needs of babies.
Developed in partnership with Swansea University and co-produced with parents, carers, their babies and professionals, the Pledge is grounded in the UNCRC and focuses on the First 1000 Days of life. Guided by the CREYN network, it reflects a wide range of academic, professional, and lived experiences, and was shaped through two rounds of consultation.
The Pledge encourages adults to listen to babies in everyday interactions, in care settings, and in wider service and policy decisions. It also highlights the vital role of communities in supporting families and ensuring that adults are equipped to meet babies’ needs.
The Pledge is more than words—it’s a commitment to giving every baby in Wales the best start in life.
When babies thrive, we all thrive. Let’s put babies at the heart of Wales.
