Details of the Little Baby Bundle pilot initiative – a welcome gift from the State for new parents welcoming a new arrival to their family – were recently finalised when the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman met with the Heads of Midwifery of University Hospital Waterford and the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin.
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.
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 he was “delighted” to finalise plans to pilot the Little Baby Bundle.
“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.”
A ‘GOOD START IN LIFE’
Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh, has warmly welcomed the inclusion of University Hospital Waterford in the initial roll out:
‘This is something Minister O’Gorman and I wrote into the Programme for Government, and a project I’ve worked closely with him on since, and it’s great to see UHW leading the way. My own three children were born there, so I know at first hand the great work they do in the Maternity Department. It’s great to think that these babies, whatever walk of life their parents come from, will be getting a good start in life. It’s something that we as a government are committed to – supporting parents in every way we can to ensure best outcomes for all our children.’
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.
