To combat this stigma and ensure that all parents feel confident accessing evidence-based support that is proven to work, whenever and wherever they need it, we have launched an online version of our Triple P for Baby parenting programme.

Triple P for Baby is designed to prepare parents for a positive transition into parenthood and to support them during their baby's first year. This period is critical for a child's development, and it is also the most demanding time for parents, as babies rely entirely on their parents and caregivers to provide a nurturing environment.

Triple P for Baby Online offers flexibility and accessibility, allowing parents to complete the programme at their own pace from the comfort of their homes. The programme is interactive, featuring a mix of videos and reflection exercises. It consists of seven modules: positive parenting, understanding your baby’s development, responding to your baby, developing a positive relationship with your child, and partner support, survival skills and conclusion.

Triple P for Baby Online promotes stronger parent-child bonds, supports an infant's emotional, physical, and cognitive development, and helps parents understand how to best support their baby's well-being.

In September 2023, the Middlesbrough Family Hubs launched the Triple P for Baby Online programme to provide residents with accessible support from the comfort of their homes. The initiative is part of Middlesbrough's universal model, which focuses on statutory health appointments. Every new parent is required to have contact with a health visitor shortly after the birth of their child. During these visits, health visitors ask parents if they would like to share their information with the local Family Hub.

Following this, the Family Hub reaches out to the parents to register them, providing access to the Triple P for Baby Online programme through a redeemable code. If parents do not use the programme, the unregistered codes are returned to the local authority after four weeks, ensuring that Family Hubs do not incur any financial losses.

The initiative in Middlesbrough has been a resounding success, demonstrating significant uptake from the local community. In 2024, 700 codes were issued, and 452 of these were registered, which means that nearly two-thirds (64.57%) of parents who received a code chose to access the programme for assistance and support.

From March 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, the Family Hub issued 912 codes; during this period, there were 1,799 live births in Middlesbrough, indicating that over half of the parents in the region were given access to these evidence-based support services.

The Family Hub has noted that the accessibility of the programme with being online has allowed transient families—those who move frequently—to participate, regardless of their location, even outside of Middlesbrough.

After enrolling in the programme, many parents observed a significant improvement in their confidence, their ability to listen to their child's needs, and their skill in interpreting their baby's cues. One parent shared that her "confidence and mental health were low before accessing the Triple P Baby Programme," but after enrolling, she noticed that "my husband and I talk more, and this helps both of us to care for our daughter well."

Parents who have accessed the programme also reported a significant increase in their confidence. One parent revealed, "As a first-time mam, I didn’t know if I was doing what I should be”, however after enrolling, she reported “I feel I have a better understanding and feel more confident." This boost in confidence has also helped parents overcome the stigma associated with seeking support. One parent mentioned the programme “Helped me to understand that my son relies on me for everything in life”, revealing how “the course has helped me accept that it's ok to ask for help if I need it so I can give him the best start I can”.

In addition to building confidence, the programme has taught parents valuable new skills and techniques to help manage their child's emotions. One parent explained, "I can help him settle better now; he enjoys skin-on-skin contact, so if he's a bit restless, I know that helps to calm him. I stroke his hair and sing quietly to him, and he’s starting to notice and smile."

The Family Hub in Middlesbrough noted in particular there was strong usage of the programme from parents during the antenatal phase, with first time parents trying to learn as much as possible about parenting before having their child. A parent revealed “I wanted to learn everything before my baby arrived as it was all new to me, I was anxious to get it right. Having this programme to refer to has been great.” Another stated how prior to accessing the programme she heavily relied on family members for help but that after accessing the online modules, she feels confident to “do things my way”.

Through accessing evidence-based support from Triple P for Baby Online, parents have improved their parenting skills and noticed a significant enhancement in their child's development. One parent shared that after completing the programme, their child had "come on leaps and bounds.” Other parents mentioned how the programme has notably strengthened their parental bond, with one revealing, "It has helped her bond with me more, and I feel I know how to manage more when she cries because I know how to settle her." Another stated that “I have gained more knowledge of how to understand my baby through watching the videos and trying to focus on developing my bond.”

We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Middlesbrough Family Hubs to provide valuable parenting support that has been shown to make a difference to their community.

To learn more about how Triple P for Baby can help you or to discuss the needs in your area, please contact one of our team members.