Why Parents Deserve Time With Their Baby!

This week marks 1 year since the launch of My Little Everything and 4 years since the vision was first given! Our mission so far has been to help families to connect, and celebrate the magic of early parenthood through books, journals, scrapbooks, videos, and blogs all made with love. I want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has supported this journey so far, to those who have bought and read our books with their little ones, documented their growth and special moments, and to the parents who have used our journals to heal, reflect, and grow.

This brand is for families for both the parent or caregiver and the baby or toddler. It has been such a joy to see our books embraced in the comfort of your homes, and we are truly grateful to be able to share this experience with you. If there’s one thing I hope to give to families, it’s more quality time together which is why our products and this movement exist.

This anniversary is about purpose. Because if this year has taught me anything, it’s that those first 2 years of a baby’s life, from conception to their second birthday are not just important, they’re everything. What we call The Glowlet Years, 0-2. A time frame that never had a name so we created one!

In the first 2 years, a baby’s brain grows faster than it ever will again. Every cuddle, every giggle, every moment of connection builds millions of neural pathways that shape who they become, their emotions, their confidence, their relationships, and their wellbeing for life.

The Parent-Infant Foundation have long shown how secure attachment and responsive care are the cornerstones of mental health and learning. When babies feel safe and loved, they thrive. The 1001 Critical Days Foundation, created just this year, is a UK charity dedicated to funding initiatives that support families during this crucial time. Their work highlights how small actions, community support, and awareness can make a massive difference in the earliest stages of life.

And yet, too often, parents don’t get the time they need to give that care. In the UK, many mothers return to work within months. Fathers often have just two weeks. Childcare is stretched thin. Families are tired and trying to do it all, when what babies really need is us.

A Vision for Families and the Future

I believe every parent deserves the chance to spend real, unhurried time with their baby not just to survive those early months, but to bond, to breathe, and to be present. Imagine a world where: parents have time to nurture, without financial fear or burnout. Workplaces value caregiving as essential human work, not a career gap. Communities provide support hubs where parents can connect and babies can flourish. In the grand scheme of life, 2 years isn’t long, but it lays the foundation for everything that follows. Yes, parents might need small pockets of time to work or for themselves and that balance matters but the real work happening here is the most important work any of us will ever do and we all must at least have a choice.

Remembering All Babies

While our focus is on helping parents spend time with their little ones, we also recognise that some babies don’t have safe, loving parents or caregivers. For them, the early years can be fragile, and their need for care, protection, and nurturing is urgent. For these children, it’s up to communities, social services, educators, and policymakers to step in to provide stable, secure environments and opportunities for attachment, so that every child has a chance to thrive.

At My Little Everything, our mission is rooted in the belief that all babies deserve love, care, attention, and the chance to flourish. While we celebrate loving parental time, we also support initiatives, charities, and movements like the 1001 Critical Days Foundation that reach vulnerable children and families in crisis. Every small action sharing knowledge, volunteering, donating, or advocating can make a difference for these little ones.

Learning from the World

Countries like Sweden have shown what’s possible: 480 days (16 months) of shared parental leave per child, most of it paid. Dedicated months reserved for each parent. Flexibility to take leave until the child turns eight. The result? Happier babies, healthier parents, stronger families, and a society that recognises caregiving as valuable work. Through small actions, awareness, community, storytelling, we can move closer to this model of care first living.

Our Movement

At My Little Everything, our mission is to help parents cherish the moments that matter most. Through our journals, books, and growing community, we’re creating space for families to reflect, connect, and remember that they’re doing the most important job in the world. Babies and parents belong together in those first 2 years and every child deserves love and care, no matter their circumstances. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, educator, or simply someone who cares about families your voice matters. Join us in spreading this love!

With gratitude,

Sophie xx

Mother | Educator | Founder, My Little Everything | Sociology & Social Policy Graduate