Mum praises free baby packs pilot

7 hours ago

Jessica says the items in the baby pack are "really useful"

Rotherham Council Jessica sits on a sofa, holding her baby son in her arms. She is wearing a pastel pink hoodie, while the baby is dressed in a light grey outfit and gripping a small yellow toy. In the background, a decorated Christmas tree with lights and ornaments is visible. — Jessica says the items in the baby pack are "really useful"

A mother who received one of Rotherham Council's free baby packs has praised the initiative, describing the box as "like a treasure chest".

Jessica, from Rawmarsh, is one of 2,000 mums across the borough who are taking part in the two-year pilot, which launched in January last year.

The packs contain useful items for the first six months of parenthood, including a book, toys and clothing.

According to Rotherham Council, they aim to ensure that every child in the borough "gets the best possible start in life".

The council initially funded the Rotherham baby packs up to March 2027.

At a meeting on 9 February, councillors will be asked to recommission the scheme for a further four years due to "overwhelmingly positive" feedback from hundreds of recipients.

'Best start in life'

Most expectant mothers are being registered to receive a baby pack by their midwives at their 25-week appointment.

Mothers not registered can also sign up when registering the birth and those receiving maternity care outside the borough can be registered by the baby pack provider.

Jessica said she received the box a week before her son, Eddison, was born and was surprised by its size and generous content.

"Everything came in a really big box and it's got handles on the side that you can lift up a little like a treasure chest," she said.

"We have got a little bunny in it, a comforter that he likes, a teething ring, a play gym and some really nice little clothes."

The boxes contain a book, toy, clothes and other items for babies

Rotherham Council On the left is an open black-and-white patterned baby box. Items inside include a cuddly grey rabbit with yellow ears, and white and grey socks. Under the lid is a diagram of the box's contents. On the right is a closed box with pictures on top of nature and wildlife. — The boxes contain a book, toy, clothes and other items for babies

She said the baby pack included many useful items, though some are intended for when her baby is older.

On average, 2,740 babies are born each year who live in Rotherham and are all eligible to receive a pack, the council said.

Victoria Cusworth, cabinet member for children and young people's services, said: "Providing all children with the best start in life means starting from the beginning.

"I'm delighted with the success of the pilot scheme so far and families have found the baby packs so beneficial, as well as ensuring that they get timely help and support from our local services."

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