From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
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Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, has today unveiled the contents of the Little Baby Bundle, a welcome gift from the State for new parents welcoming a new arrival to their family. The gift is an acknowledgement from the State of the very significant and special moment for parents, and is designed to promote the health and wellbeing of newborns and support new parents in the first days and weeks after the birth of a baby.
The Minister also met with the Heads of Midwifery of the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin and University Hospital, Waterford to finalise the details of the Little Baby Bundle pilot initiative and its rollout across the two hospitals.
From February 2023, 500 expectant parents across both hospitals will be invited to participate in this pilot initiative by completing a form at their hospital following their 20-week scan. The Baby Bundle will be delivered to the homes of participating parents at a time of their choosing. Parents participating in the pilot initiative will subsequently share their views and experiences of the Baby Bundle and its contents, which will inform the development of proposals for wider roll-out.
The Little Baby Bundle has an estimated value of €300 and will be filled with a range of useful items, including play items to encourage early communication and bonding, household items for help with safe bathing and safe sleep, as well as a range of other items to support new parents after the birth.
Commenting on the plans, Minister O’Gorman said:
“I’m delighted to finalise plans to pilot the Little Baby Bundle, in collaboration with our partners – the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin and University Hospital, Waterford, and to unveil the contents of the baby bundle, which I hope will prove to be helpful to new mums and dads as they celebrate their new arrival.
"The first few weeks of a newborn’s life is so special to families, and we want to help new parents by providing them with practical supports while they navigate those first few weeks and months.
"The Little Baby Bundle is another initiative being rolled out by this government, which demonstrates our commitment to supporting families, and in ensuring children have the best start in life. I look forward to the pilot initiative beginning in February, and hearing the views and experiences of participating families so we can gather valuable feedback to inform future wider rollout of the baby bundles.”
Contracts for the managing agent for, and the independent evaluator of, the Little Baby Bundle pilot initiative have been awarded to Field Management Limited and RSM respectively, following competitive procurement processes.
The Little Baby Bundle is an initiative under First 5, a whole-of-government strategy for babies, young children and their families 2019-2028.
The pilot will also include key health messages on breastfeeding, safe sleep, and postnatal depression. All health information included will be provided in Irish and English.