There’s no doubt babies are expensive.
And many expectant parents in 2019 will likely be freaking out about the necessary additions to the budget as their little one enters the world.
Not to mention… the whole aspect of looking after such a tiny, fragile human.
Attention new parents: Feeling a bit…overwhelmed? Check out the trailer for our new podcast, The Baby Bubble. From poo explosions to total sleep deprivation, Zoe Marshall and Sean Szeps have got you covered. Post continues after video.
But as we all know, every bit of help counts. We’re lucky to live in a country that in most states, offers Government assistance to new parents.
In NSW, this is called the Baby Bundle: a bag valued at approximately $300 bursting with baby products and information to help parents care for newborns.
The NSW Government launched the Baby Bundle in June 2018 as part of the Parents Package 10 point plan in the State Budget. But it has only been available to parents and caregivers of babies born from January 1st 2019, when discharged from hospital.
The NSW Government anticipates around 50,000 Baby Bundles will be distributed in the first six months of the year by 87 public and private maternity hospitals across the state.
Sounds, magical, right? But how does one… get it?
Never fear; we’re here to equip you with all the information to need to get your Baby Bundle home safe and sound, along with your human baby bundle.
Here’s everything you need to know, according to health.nsw.gov.au:
What’s in it?
Each item in the bundle has been carefully selected for newborn baby care. Inside, you’ll find: a sleeping bag, play and change mats, muslin wrap, bath and room thermometers, baby toothbrush, breast pads, first aid kit, board books, face cloth, baby wipes, hand sanitiser and barrier cream.
It also includes a small selection of NSW Health printed resources.
When can you get it?
When you’re discharged from a public or private NSW hospital you’ll be handed the handy bundle. If your baby is born at home, you can request a Baby Bundle when you register your baby through NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages and it will be delivered free of charge.
If your baby is born interstate or overseas, and you live in NSW, you can request a Baby Bundle via email MOH-BabyBundles@health.nsw.gov.au.
Who gets it?
Any parents who lives in NSW. Adoptive and foster parents of babies up to the age of three months will also receive a Baby Bundle.
What if I’m having twins?
It’s a bundle-per-baby situation, so if you’re having twins, you’ll get two, and triplets – three. Score, right?
Where do the products come from?
Each and every product in its contents has been supplied by an Australian company. There are five suppliers who have been contracted, each of which is classified as a small to medium enterprise.
For more info, you can head to health.nsw.gov.au.
Pregnant? Or planning? Sign up to our Before The Bump newsletter for the best stories and advice from women who’ve been there.
The Baby Bubble is coming to the Mamamia airwaves on January 31. Here’s where you can treat your ears.