Baby Bundle given to parents of newborns

Mum Lydia Rosser and dad Keith Smith said they felt “pretty lucky” to take home the Baby Bundle alongside their happy and healthy little girl.

Valued at $300, the pack includes a sleeping bag, children’s books, change mats, breast pads and resources on taking care of a newborn.

As of January 1, the parents of every baby born in NSW will receive the packs before being discharged from hospital, or after registering their child with NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages if the birth didn’t happen in a hospital.

Ms Rosser said something like this would have been particularly useful after the birth of her first child.

“I think as a third-time mum I feel like I have everything, for a first time mum I feel like it would be excellent,” she said.

While the couple said their young family had already accumulated most of the goods included in the pack, there was a few things they hadn’t thought to get, like a bath thermometer and a first aid kit.

Ms Rosser said it was nice to see the Baby Bundle didn’t neglect new dads either, with pamphlets for men with suggestions on managing their mental health.

Minister for Women and Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies said the Baby Bundle would act as an important vehicle to bring the mental health issue to the attention of new parents.

“A new baby coming home is a special time but it also can be challenging. It’s vital new parents recognise if they might be experiencing any signs of perinatal anxiety or depression,” Mrs Davies said.

“Long after leaving hospital new mums and dads will have important information in this practical baby bundle, so they know when to ask for some extra support and where they can find this help.”

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the state government want to provide parents and caregivers with products and information to support the health, development and the well-being of their babies.

“We know there are lots of expenses associated with having a child, so we hope this bundle will provide some relief,” she said.

Other items include a muslin wrap, face cloth, baby wipes and barrier cream.