Baby bundle pilot begins in Wales

The first deliveries of ‘baby bundles’ are being received this week by expectant mothers as a pilot begins in Wales.

The pilot of 200 bundles will be delivered to mums-to-be in the Swansea Bay University Health Board area over the coming months.

The bundles will be filled with high-quality and neutral baby clothes, sleep sacks, play items to encourage early communication and bonding, household items for help with safe bathing and a range of support for women for after the birth.

Designed to promote the health and well-being of newborns and help parents in the first days and weeks of a baby’s life, the bundles mirror similar successful initiatives in Scotland and Finland.

There’s no financial cost for parents associated with receiving a bundle and parents are under no obligation to accept a bundle if they do not want or need one.

Some bundles will contain a baby wrap/sling whilst others contain a re-useable nappy starter pack. The bundles also contain useful guidance for new parents as well as links to the Welsh Government’s online parenting information.

Karys Davies and her husband Ben, from Penllergaer in Swansea, were one of the first to receive a bundle earlier this week. Karys said:

“When the box arrived I felt really excited, like an early Christmas present.

“I really think other expectant parents will benefit from the baby bundle. It’s a great starter kit – it’s got a lot of things that you need when it can be a bit of a chaotic time trying to go out and make sure you’ve got everything. It just takes that pressure off the first few weeks when you don’t really know what you’re exactly going to need. There’s a bit of everything in there to help you through that stage.”

David Rees MS for Aberavon welcomes this new scheme and says that it will “reduce the affect that poverty can have on new families and help new parents feel supported”.

“I hope that many families take this opportunity to relieve some of the stress and anxiety that new parents can face. For everyone having their first child this time is a new and challenging experience. This bundle will give new parents help with both the baby’s early needs and guidance of what being a parent means . I look forward to hearing from constituents in Aberavon who have taken advantage of this fantastic scheme that has already helped so many in Scotland”.