In a pilot programme that will begin in February 2023, the government will give new parents care packages worth €300.
Roderic O’Gorman, the minister for children, first revealed information about “The Little Baby Bundle” during the summer.
The welcome gift will contain supplies for early communication and baby bonding, as well as items like thermometers, diapers, and baby monitors.
The pilot programme is modelled after similar efforts in nations like Scotland and Finland, where expectant parents get “baby boxes” from the government to support the welfare of new families.
The Rotunda and University Hospital Waterford will be the first locations where the project is implemented, though it is hoped that if the pilot programme is successful, it will spread to other care facilities.
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 choose to have the care package delivered at a time of their choosing to their home address.
In order to help the project’s wider rollout, participants will later be asked for feedback on the box’s usefulness.
The Little Baby Bundle is categorised as an endeavour under the First 5 government strategy. The policy first went into effect in 2019, and it was created for infants, kids, and families.