The ‘Fantastic’ Baby Bundles Not Every Mum Will Get
Some families, particularly in the most deprived areas of Wales, may miss out on the fantastic baby bundles provided by the Welsh government, warns a charity. This initiative aims to deliver essential supplies to expectant families starting Monday.
What’s Inside the Baby Bundles?
The bundles contain several essential items for newborns up to six months old, including:
– Clothing
– Blankets
– Bibs
– Muslin cloths
– A thermometer
– A bilingual book
– A playmat
The program’s focus is on the most disadvantaged families. However, midwives can register a limited number of families who may not qualify but still urgently need support.
Excitement for the First Bundle
Mollie Young from Newport will be the first expectant mother to receive a baby bundle on February 2, hand-delivered by Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden. Mollie expressed her surprise and delight, stating, I was surprised when my midwife told me I could get a parcel of baby clothes and other items before the baby arrives. It’s a fantastic idea and a real practical help.”
The baby bundles are specifically intended for families in Flying Start catchment areas—a Welsh government program focusing on disadvantaged communities. These bundles aim to provide vital support to new parents and their babies.
How to Get a Free Baby Box
Eligible families can register for a baby box through their midwife, with deliveries scheduled between 32 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. Unlike Wales, Scotland has been offering baby boxes to all newborns since 2017, regardless of parental income or postcode, which has led to increased calls for broader access to similar programs in Wales.
Voices of Concern
Many in Wales, like Jen Baker from Roath, Cardiff, are situated in neighborhoods near eligible postcodes but are excluded from the Flying Start program. Jen remarked, It does say there are more locations that are going to be added to the Flying Start network… but nothing yet. She described the situation as quite frustrating, emphasizing that many families, including hers, could greatly benefit from the support.
Additional Resources Provided
The bundles also include vital information and advice on parenting and available support programs. Jen noted that receiving such a bundle during pregnancy would serve as a real jumping-off platform for what you need, the essentials.
Addressing Child Poverty
Mabli Siriol Jones, head of poverty policy at the Bevan Foundation, highlighted that programs like the baby bundles are a welcome step toward addressing child poverty. However, she pointed out that limiting the program to Flying Start areas means that many struggling families will inevitably miss out. The Bevan Foundation advocates for the next Welsh government to expand the baby bundles scheme to include all families receiving Universal Credit.
Government’s Commitment
Minister Bowden stated, The contents have been chosen based on what parents told us in the initial pilot about which items would make the biggest difference to them. I’m sure Mollie, and the thousands of other parents who will receive baby bundles, will be delighted with them.” She also mentioned that the effort supports jobs and businesses within Wales.
Need for Broader Solutions
While the baby bundles initiative is appreciated, Plaid Cymru MS Sioned Williams pointed out that families have faced a crippling cost-of-living crisis since the program’s pilot in 2020. A spokesperson from Reform highlighted that children in Wales have an almost one-in-three chance of living in poverty under the current government. Welsh Conservative MS Natasha Asghar emphasized the importance of expanding access to free childcare, while a Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson stressed the necessity for systemic solutions to the soaring costs of childcare.
The general consensus is that while baby bundles serve as an immediate form of support, a more comprehensive approach is essential to effectively address the larger issues facing families in Wales, much like the universal programs in Scotland.