500 expectant parents to be gifted a Little Baby Bundle

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, 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.

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.

Little Baby Bundle Contents List:

Hooded Bath Towel

Baby Vest

Muslin Squares

Socks

Nappy Cream

Reusable Nappy

Reusable Nappy Liners

Nipple Cream

Nursing Pads

Maternity Pads

Reusable Wipes

Digital/Smart Thermometer

Soft-Bristle Hair Brush

Children’s Books (Irish and English)

Play Mat

Bath & Room Thermometer

Teething Ring

Baby Blanket

Mittens

Manual Breast Pump

Bath Sponge

Baby Grow

Sling

Soft Ball

Baby Toothbrush

Baby Monitor

Nasal Sucker

Travel Bag

Changing Mat

Dribble Bib

Feeding Bib

Sun Hat

Comforter

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.