Parents of more than 300,000 babies born across NSW over the past three years have benefitted from a package of essential items, given to them on the birth of their child.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced the milestone while visiting Westmead Hospital’s Maternity Unit, where they presented Baby Bundles to new parents on Mother’s Day.
Since the Baby Bundle initiative began in January 2019, more than 300,000 have been provided to families in public and maternity private hospitals across NSW, or directly to homes for NSW babies born at home or interstate.
“For the past three years, every baby born in NSW has been eligible to receive a Baby Bundle,” said Mr Perrottet.
“It is our way of ensuring parents and caregivers have products and information to support their baby’s health, development and wellbeing.”
Valued at an estimated $300, each Baby Bundle includes a sleeping bag, play and change mats, muslin wrap, bath thermometer, baby toothbrush, breast pads, first aid kit, Australian children’s books, wash cloth, baby wipes, hand sanitiser and barrier cream, along with a selection of NSW Health printed resources that complement the Blue Book.
“Baby Bundles help to support a healthy lifestyle and all-important parent-child attachment,” said Mr Hazzard.
“Products have been selected to support optimal child development and positive parenting, to help parents give their babies the very best start in life.”
All Baby Bundle suppliers are Australian-owned small to medium enterprises and all products meet Australian product safety standards. It is packed and distributed by Sydney-based social enterprise Civic Disability Services.
The Baby Bundle is part of the NSW Government’s $157 million parenting package, including more midwives and child and family health nurses, investment in testing and treatments for children’s diseases, and practical and emotional support to parents.