From bumps to babies, it's all about the little ones in Manchester this week as the city invites parents, carers, and tiny tots themselves to make the most of Baby Week - the city's annual celebration of everything baby related.
The six-day programme sees a week filled from start to finish with free activities and information sessions taking place throughout the city - all designed to support a child's development from birth and before, to two years old.
From the latest advice and information for new parents, parents-to-be, and old hands alike, as well as a host of fun activities of all kinds, there's lots of different things happening all week for babies and their carers to enjoy and take part in.
The week kicked off on Monday at Manchester Art Gallery which opened its doors for the day with a packed programme of non-stop fun-filled activities and advice sessions for parents, carers, and their tots - with everything from baby DJing sessions courtesy of Reform Radio, TinyTalk baby signing classes, prepare and taste food workshops, and plenty of creative messy play!
The rest of the week sees all these and even more free activities in every part of the city. From Moss Side to Miles Platting, Woodhouse Park to Whalley Range, Cheetham Hill to Chorlton and everywhere in-between, carers and their children can get involved with baby massage classes, yoga for youngsters, sensory play, parent and baby dance sessions and a whole lot more.
The week also sees lots of different information and advice sessions held around the city on subjects including feeding your baby, how babies learn to talk, keeping them safe, breast-feeding support, weaning, and the importance of self-care for mums and dads.
Baby Week ends this Saturday 20 June with a series of city-wide free Family Fun Days on Saturday from 10 am -1pm in six of the city's parks - Wythenshawe, Crumpsall, Broadhurst, Clayton, Crowcroft, and Alexandra Park.
Expect face-painting, circus skills workshops, henna tattoos, family arts and crafts, story and rhyme time, baby yoga, parachute games, music making, sports games, treasure hunts, bulb-planting, creepy crawly shows, and a whole lot more.
This year's Baby Week coincides with the announcement that Manchester has just gained recognition by UNICEF as a Child Friendly City - a place where children's rights are understood and embedded in everything the council does.
Councillor Julie Reid, Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People, Manchester City Council, said: "We're really proud that we've now been officially recognised by UNICEF as a Child Friendly City and are determined to make Manchester the very best place to bring up a baby and for a child to grow up in.
"As both a mother and now a grandmother though I know only too well that it's no easy thing being a parent. Caring for a tiny baby or toddler can be the most magical thing in the world one minute and the hardest the next.
"Having people around you to talk to and help guide you through the difficult things so you can enjoy all the good stuff is really important and helpful - and is a big part of what Baby Week is about.
"The week provides a brilliant chance for parents, carers and babies to meet up, get tips from each other and from professionals, to and really enjoy themselves as they explore what's available for families with tiny tots in the city."
For more information about what's on during Baby Week including the park Family Fun Days, visit manchester.gov.uk/baby-week