Victorian Government supports new parents with baby bundle initiative

The popular Baby Bundles initiative has been in operation in Victoria since 2019, supporting more than 160,000 new parents with essential products to support the health, development and wellbeing of their newborns. 

 

On offer at all Victorian maternity hospitals, the bundles have been endorsed by clinicians as an important resource for new mums and dads as they enter parenthood for the first time and throughout the first years of their child’s life.

 

Comprising locally sourced products, the bundles include a nappy bag, a growsuit, a sleeping bag, a Muslin Cotton wrap, a teething toy, a first-aid kit, a sun hat, a toothbrush, and books for both babies and parents to enjoy. 

 

“Being a first-time parent is so exciting, but it can also be overwhelming – that is why we are continuing to support Victorian parents with important resources that will help them navigate the early stages of their child’s life,” Victoria’s Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said. 

 

The announcement of the impact of the program was made against the backdrop of the recently shared Victorian Budget 2024/25 which has allocated $28.8 million to Maternal and Child Health services. 

 

This figure includes funding for Universal Maternal Child Health (MCH) services available to all Victorian families, enhanced MCH for families facing challenges like disability, mental health, family violence or housing instability – and dedicated Aboriginal services, giving parents the choice to access MCH care at their local Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisation. 

 

Parents will also be able to continue accessing the 24/7 MCH line to discuss any concerns about their child’s health and nutrition, breastfeeding or parenting issues with a qualified MCH nurse – supporting the more than 100,000 calls it receives every year. 

 

Families who need extra support navigating the system will continue to benefit from additional MCH Interpreter Services, and we’ll continue to provide safe cots and car seats for vulnerable families through our Nursery Equipment Program. 

 

Learn more about the program here.