St Albans Family Centre Service

24/06/2026

What is measles and how can I prevent it?
Find out about the symptoms of measles and how the MMR or MMRV vaccines can protect against it.

Find out about the symptoms of measles and how the MMR or MMRV vacc...

24/06/2026

☀️ Keeping Your Baby Safe in Hot Weather ☀️

Warmer weather is lovely, but babies can get too hot very quickly. Keeping your little one cool is an important part of safer sleep and helps reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Top tips for hot weather:

🌡️ Keep your baby's room as cool as possible – ideally between 16–20°C.

👕 Dress your baby in light clothing and use lighter bedding with fewer layers. In very hot weather, a nappy or short-sleeved vest may be enough.

🪟 Keep curtains closed during the day and open windows safely to allow air to circulate. A fan can help cool the room, but don't point it directly at your baby.

🚼 Never cover prams or pushchairs with blankets or muslins. This can trap heat and stop air circulating. Use a clip-on sunshade or parasol instead.

🌞 Keep babies out of direct sunlight as much as possible and check them regularly by feeling their chest or the back of their neck to make sure they're not getting too hot.

🚗 If travelling by car, take regular breaks, check on your baby often and move them to a firm, flat sleep surface as soon as you reach your destination.

Small steps can make a big difference in helping your baby stay safe, cool and comfortable this summer.

Read more from The Lullaby Trust :

When the weather’s hot or you’re on holiday, these tips help keep your baby safe and comfortable this summer, reducing the risk of SIDS...

24/06/2026

Due to the expected extreme heat tomorrow (Thursday 25th June), our Peep Learning Through Play session, 10-11.30am at the Hilldyke Community Centre in Wheathampstead will be cancelled 🥵

Stay cool and we look forward to welcoming you back next week when it's not as hot!

For all other sessions, visit: https://mailchi.mp/oneymca/stalbansandhertsmere

23/06/2026

💦 Summer Water Safety 💦

Splashing around is a great way to relax and cool down in the summer, but drowning can happen quickly and often silently.

Keep these water safety tips in mind wherever you are – at home, the beach or on holiday:

👀 Be a water watcher – actively supervise children in and around water at all times. Never rely on older children to supervise younger ones.

🏊 Don’t assume a child is safe because they can swim. Even strong swimmers can get into difficulty quickly.

🌊 Stay alert to water hazards nearby, even if you’re not planning to be around water. Children can wander off unexpectedly.

⚠️ Expect the unexpected. Children can’t be relied on to keep themselves safe, even if they say they can.

🩱 Choose bright-coloured swimwear to make it easier to spot your child in the water.

A few simple precautions can make all the difference and help everyone enjoy a safe summer.

Find out more:

Summer water safety Splashing around is a great way to relax and cool down in the summer. But drowning happens quickly and often silently. So, it’s important you know how and where drowning happens and what you can do to prevent it. Top tips Whether you’re in the garden, at the beach or on holid...

23/06/2026

🌿 Less Nagging, More Connection 🌿
A 90‑minute online workshop for parents

Do you ever feel like you're repeating yourself… or having the same conversations with your child on loop?
If you’re craving calmer interactions, better communication, and more genuine connection at home, this workshop is for you.

✨ Discover how coaching can transform everyday conversations.

🧠 In this practical session, you’ll learn:
• How coaching differs from advising or rescuing
• Why children open up more when they feel heard
• Simple coaching questions that spark confidence
• Ways to reduce conflict and increase cooperation
• How to support without taking over
• Tools you can use straight away

💛 By the end, you’ll feel:
More confident, more connected, and equipped with a toolkit that makes family life calmer and more collaborative.

📅 Tuesday 7 July
⏰ 18:00–19:30
💻 Online
👨‍👩‍👧 £15 per family

Hosted by Bex Howe award‑winning trainer, coach, education specialist and author.

If your child is navigating confidence wobbles, friendship challenges, school pressures or growing independence, this session will give you the clarity and compassion to support them.

📩 Register your interest: [email protected]
🌐 howetoconsultancy.co.uk

22/06/2026

Staying cool in the heat 😎

With a hot week ahead here are some top tips to keep your little ones safe and cool in the heat:

🌞Play in the shade; try making a shaded den in the garden using umbrellas and parasols for them to play in.

🌞Make sure your little one wears sunscreen that covers any exposed skin - use plenty, and don't forget their shoulders, the back of their neck, the tops of their ears, nose and cheeks and the tops of their feet. Remember to reapply regularly.

🌞Wear a sun hat; a floppy sunhat that protects their face and neck whenever they're out in the sun is best. Hats with chinstraps are great if your child likes removing their hat!

🌞Wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from the bright sun rays.

22/06/2026

🚀 Physical Fun 🚀

Join us this week for one of our Physical Fun sessions!
Get moving and connect with other families while enjoying games and activities that support your child's physical growth and development. These sessions are perfect for kids aged 18 months to 5 years! 🧸✨

💷 Chargeable drop-in: £2.50 per family

Check out our timetable to find a session near you 👇
https://buff.ly/3Ux8wr3

21/06/2026

Happy Father’s Day! 💙

Here’s to all the dads and father figures making the little moments count, the cuddles, the chaos, the giggles, and the growing.

Thank you for showing up with love every day. You’re shaping strong, happy families, one small moment at a time. 💛

20/06/2026

Your child’s health and development is important to us.👶
Don’t forget to respond to your invitation at 10 and 27 months.

If you need to speak to someone about your child, please call 0300 123 7572 selecting your District then option ‘1’ to speak to Health Visiting.

Watch this link for more information ☟
https://buff.ly/3rTcBMn

19/06/2026