“Through this pilot, we can get a real sense from parents of how well the scheme works.”
The government will be delivering ‘baby bundles’ to some new parents in Dublin over the coming days.
Minister for Children, Roderic O’Gorman, announced the beginning of the rollout, which marks the first scheme of its kind in Ireland.
It will see a ‘Little Baby Bundle’ packed full of useful things, including toys and household items to help with safe bathing and safe sleep for new mums and dads.
There will also be a range of other items in the hamper to support new parents after the birth of their child.
It is understood that around 300 families from the Rotunda Hospital were invited to take part in the pilot. They will each receive the bundle directly to their homes at a time of their choosing.
Later, they will be asked to give their opinions on the bundle and its contents, which will aid the development of a wider national rollout.
Speaking about the impending rollout of the first bundles, Minister Roderic O’Gorman said: “We have seen how well this scheme works in other jurisdictions, and through this pilot, we can get a real sense from parents of how well the scheme works.
“Our hope is that the bundles will be a welcome gift from the State for the new arrivals, full of the kind of practical items that parents need in those first few weeks and months.”
