A sleeping bag, play and change mats, thermometers and a first aid kit are just some of the practical items available to parents as they welcome their newborn into the world.
The NSW government is delivering on its promise to support families with a bag of essentials, valued at $300, to help take care of their precious babies.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced the contents of the Baby Bundle at Royal North Shore Hospital today.
"This Bundle is our gift for any baby born to a NSW family from the 1st of January – it’s a bundle of help for a bundle of joy," Ms Berejiklian said.
"The Baby Bundle will provide parents and caregivers with products and information to support the health, development and well-being of their babies."
"We know there are lots of expenses associated with having a child, so this bundle will also help alleviate some of those cost pressures," she said.
New mum Matilda Crofts got a sneak peek at the Baby Bundle after giving birth at Royal North Shore Hospital.
"The Baby Bundle is really useful, especially for a first-time mum like me. It’s quite hard to know what you really need for your baby so knowing a lot of the essential items have already been provided makes it a lot easier," Ms Crofts said.
Mr Perrottet said the Baby Bundle is part of the NSW Government’s $157 million parenting package, which also highlighted the offerings of Australian businesses.
"Our strong management of the economy is giving us the funds to boost the number of midwives and family health nurses, invest in testing and treatment for children’s diseases, and provide practical and emotional support to parents," Mr Perrottet said.
"We are also pleased to announce that all of the businesses are Australian, with four based here in NSW, guaranteeing parents receive top-notch essentials for their newborns."
Mr Hazzard said the Baby Bundle provides practical products as well as access to a free online first aid training program, as well as other useful advice on issues new parents often face.
"We’re focused on delivering the best possible health services. The Baby Bundle contains important health information for parents and other caregivers," he said.
"A new baby coming home is a great time but it also can be challenging and this bundle aims to help parents enjoy the moment rather than stressing out."
The contents of the Baby Bundle meet Australian safety standards and include:
- sleeping bag
- play and change mats
- muslin wrap
- bath and room thermometers
- baby toothbrush
- breast pads
- first aid kit
- board books
- face cloth
- baby wipes
- hand sanitiser
- barrier cream
- Blue Book
Resources on child development and parental wellbeing
The Baby Bundle will be packed and distributed by Sydney based social enterprise Civic Disability Services.
Parents will receive the Baby Bundle before being discharged from hospital, or after registering their child with NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages in instances where the birth does not occur in a hospital.
