Gallery Babies: welcoming our youngest visitors

Gallery Babies is a free sensory play session that happens each month in our galleries.

It is aimed at pre-walking children as research shows that the first 2 years of a child’s life are crucial in their development. We also know that feeling welcome in a museum needs to start from birth.

In this blog we’re sharing feedback from the grown-ups who attend Gallery Babies – to see what they get out of coming along. Firstly, we were interested to find that many parents and carers talked about the cosy and relaxing feel of our galleries:

• “Church halls where lots of baby groups happen can be a bit drafty and cold but here’s warm and cosy.”
• “The high ceilings here give a feeling of space and light. It’s a nice environment and actually babies are sensitive to that.”
• “The gallery is a very chilled and relaxing place – you can feel it.”
• “This is a social group happening in a space that’s peaceful at the same time. The art helps create that atmosphere.”

It’s also special to hear that Gallery Babies is often a first for both adult and child.

• “This is my first baby group – and it’s my baby’s first trip out anywhere outside the house!”
• “I’ve never been to Salford Museum before. I moved to the area before having kids but never actually did many days out here – this is my first time looking at local things to do for families.”

It’s clear that this is a session which benefits the grown-up most:

• “It’s more of a day out for me – feels a bit more special than going to a community centre. I can go to the park outside if it’s sunny or go to the café.”
• “I actually enjoy seeing what exhibitions are on – so it’s a bit of time for me.”
• “I like that it’s an adult social setting – it has a baby social, but it’s somewhere I’d like to come anyway. I walked here – so it’s a bit of exercise too. I’ll chat to people, have a bit of a look around. Good morning out.”

Finally, the fact that Gallery Babies is free and drop in – no need to book – is a big plus point:

• “Quite a lot of baby groups you have to pay for now and it’s more like going to a class. Gallery Babies is more relaxed and social. I think you chat with other people more here.”
• “It’s a good time for me after dropping my other kids at school – I can make it here without rushing. And if I am a bit late it doesn’t matter.”

What about the babies themselves?

Many parents and carers talked about how their babies responded well to the new and unusual toys. It gave the grown-ups new things to talk about with their child in a natural way. With lots of conversations happening, it’s also noticeable how babies watch their grown-ups – turning their heads to follow the person talking. As the children themselves range from babes-in-arms, to back-kickers, tummy-timers, sitters and crawlers – it’s interesting to see the whole range of baby development in the gallery during the session.

What to expect if you come along?

Gallery Babies normally takes place in the Langworthy Gallery on the first floor. There’s a lift upstairs and places to store your buggy. Museum staff lay out loads of cushioned mats, sensory toys, books and materials across the gallery floor. Parents and carers take their shoes off (if they wish) and sit on the benches or comfy cushions on the floor. Although some friends attend together – many people come on their own. Gallery staff help everyone feel welcome. Once you sit down, sharing toys and experiences seems to make chatting easy. There’s a café and baby-changing facilities on the ground floor.

At Salford Museum & Art Gallery we’re keen to work closely with the widest range of families to ensure that everyone benefits from Gallery Babies. Get in touch if you’d like to learn more.