When children are baptised, we say: “We welcome you into the Lord's family.” Children are never too young to come to church. At church we belong to one big family. However, we do realise that bringing children, especially babies and toddlers to church can be hard work… ie, if a baby cries, yours is always the loudest (or so it seems at the time!).

Crèche Facilities

If toddlers get restless and want to walk about or do something different, there is a crèche provided in the side hall at St Stephen’s, supervised by two adults. You are very welcome to leave your child or stay with them as you wish. At St Thomas’ there is an area set aside at the back of the church for babies and toddlers.

You and Your Baby

If your baby is settled, please feel free to remain seated, even if others are standing. Please don’t be embarrassed if your baby cries. At St Stephen’s, there are comfortable chairs to sit in while feeding your baby in the area between the church and the front lobby and changing facilities are available in the disabled toilet area.

You and Your Child

A service can seem like a long time to a pre-school child. It may be helpful to have some quiet toys or books at your seats. These can be found in the side hall at St Stephen’s where the crèche is located, or at the back of the church at St Thomas’ (please return them to this area after the service).

Children learn by imitation. In church you can encourage your child to imitate what the adults are doing: standing on the seat beside you “singing” and sitting quietly at prayer times. You can encourage your toddler to respond to the music by moving or clapping when there is a strong rhythm.

If a service is Holy Communion, take your child with you to receive God’s blessing at the time of Communion.

We want children and parents to feel relaxed in church. We are conscious that children from the earliest age absorb the atmosphere of worship, and so begin their journey of Christian faith.