The government will issue care packages worth €300 to new parents in a pilot scheme launching in February 2023.
Details about ‘The Little Baby Bundle’ first emerged during the summer when Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman announced its inception. The welcome gift will include items such as thermometers, nappies, baby monitors, alongside resources for early communication and baby bonding.
The pilot scheme mirrors similar initiatives in countries such as Scotland and Finland, where expectant parents receive ‘baby boxes’ from the State to support the wellbeing of new families. The project will be rolled out initially in both the Rotunda and University Hospital Waterford, although it is hoped that the pilot scheme will expand to other care facilities if successful.
READ MORE: Dublin doctor sees spike in cases of hypothermia in older people in unheated homes
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.”
He added: “"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.”
Parents can opt to have the care package delivered to their home address at a time of their choosing. Participants will later be asked to give feedback on the usefulness of the box, which will assist the wider roll out of the project.
The Little Baby Bundle is classified as an initiative under government strategy First 5. The policy was devised for young babies, children and families and first came into effect in 2019.
READ MORE
Circle K announces free hot drinks for emergency services this Christmas
Saint Vincent de Paul reports spike in calls as Christmas approaches this year
List of soup kitchens and pop-up foodbanks operating around Dublin on Christmas week
Ireland bank holidays 2023 explained - including big change on calendar next year
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
