Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 February 2022
167. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to include breastfeeding equipment and supplies as part of the upcoming pilot of the baby box initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8592/22]
View answerPiloting of a "baby box" initiative for new-borns is an action in the First 5 A Whole-of -Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028. This pilot is one initiative as part of a wide ranging strategy addressing various aspects of the lives of children from birth to age five including supports for parents to balance working and caring, developments in early learning and care and health initiatives.
The pilot will undertake research and consultation to determine items for inclusion in the box, informed by the commitments in the First 5 strategy, and these may include safety items, toys to support early development and books.
Key objectives of the initiative and linked communications include advice and support to help mothers to begin, and to continue, breastfeeding. The final content of the box is being decided; however it will contain a manual breast pump, nipple cream, nursing pads, and important breastfeeding information provided by the HSE. These items will be trialled and evaluated as part of the pilot, in order to gain feedback directly from parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals and gain recommendations for a future national rollout.
Once the learning from the pilot has been considered, the next steps to achieve a national rollout can be agreed.
