More than 220,000 Victorian families have received a free Baby Bundle designed to support first-time parents through the early months after a child’s birth, a program the state government says has saved families more than $33 million since it began.
Victorian Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn visited Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital to meet families receiving the bundle and highlight the program’s reach across the state.
Every first-time parent in Victoria is eligible to receive the bundle, which includes practical items such as a nappy bag, safe sleeping bag, first aid kit, sun hat, grow suit, picture books, emergency contact information and parenting guidance.
The bundle is valued at up to $150 and is provided to families either in hospital at the time of birth or through local Maternal and Child Health services.
“Becoming a parent is one of life’s greatest joys but it’s also expensive – we know cost of living puts real pressure on new parents,” Blandthorn said.
“That’s why we’re giving every first-time parent or carer a free Baby Bundle, stocked with things they need.”
First-time foster and adoptive parents with babies aged up to three months are also eligible for the support.
The government says the program forms part of a broader investment in early parenting services across Victoria.
More than $168 million has been allocated to expand and upgrade the state’s Early Parenting Centre network. This includes a dedicated Aboriginal-led centre in Frankston and new centres in Wyndham, Whittlesea, Casey, Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, Hastings, Shepparton and Northcote.
Families can also seek advice through the Maternal and Child Health Line, which operates around the clock to support parents and carers of children from birth to school age.
Blandthorn said the program had already supported hundreds of thousands of families and would continue to reach new parents across the state.
“We’ve supported more than 220,000 families so far and we’ll keep supporting Victorian families from day one,” she said.
Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman said the initiative helped ease financial pressure during the early months of parenting.
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