Bundles arriving for Ballarat babies

THE State government’s first lot of baby bundles, designed to assist first-time parents, are now arriving with new mums and dads at both Ballarat hospitals.

Members for Buninyong and Wendouree respectively, Michaela Settle and Juliana Addison delivered one of the first packages, a nappy bag filled with goodies, on Wednesday morning to brand new parents, Bianca Pook and Jamie Huggett.

Their child, Zuri will benefit from the bundle, full of essentials and important information for any baby’s first few months and years.

Each valued at $150, 35,000 bundles will be distributed annually including a teething ring, safe sleeping bag, cotton wrap, first aid kit, a baby sunhat, toothbrush, grow suit, and four stimulating picture books for various developmental stages.

Ms Pook said the bundle was a lovely surprise.

“It’s really, really helpful, everything’s good quality. Having a new baby can be quite expensive so it’s nice to have lots of books and things we can drag out of the bag when we get home and use day to day.

“I’ve had a look through the bag. There’s lots of really useful things that are super cute, and really useful information. She’ll be ready for summer with her little hat and first aid kit,” she said.

Ballarat Health Services Acting Director of Women’s and Children’s Services, and Midwifery, Anne Marie McKenzie was pleased to pass on the bags.

“The baby bundles deliver important information to parents. It’s lovely to see how families have been genuinely excited to receive the goodies and know that there are services to support them on their journey,” she said.

Ms Settle said the deliveries are supporting first-time parents and talent close to home.

The books provided, Baby Days, Ten Little Owls, Puddle Hunters and Gumtree Buddies are written by Victorian authors, Nicola Philp, Renee Treml, Kristy Murray and Karen Blair, and Tiger Tribe respectively.

“Not only are we giving local parents the help they need, we’re also giving some of Victoria’s emerging authors a big break,” Ms Settle said.