Premier Daniel Andrews pledges $21.8 million to new parents in Victorian election campaign
New parents welcoming a bundle of joy will receive a hamper with baby products and parenting information, under a $21.8 million Labor re-election pledge.
Victoria State Election
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A $150 baby hamper, with a teething ring, nappy bag and sleeping wraps, will be given to 35,000 new parents, under a Labor re-election pledge.
The $21.8 million commitment will also include information for parents on safe sleeping, teething and ways to develop a child’s numeracy and literacy skills.
Four picture books by Victorian authors on the various stages of baby development will also be included.
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Stuffed in the sack for mums and dads will be a sleeping bag, muslin wrap and information on safe wrapping of babies.
While first-time mum and dads would also have access to free newborn first aid training, a pledge worth $1.4 million.
With the election presents piling up before Saturday’s poll Labor is to expected to announce both programs as among a larger suite of measures targeted at young families today. Premier Daniel Andrews said the “Baby Bundle” would help ease the financial burden sometimes associated with a newborn.
“Having raised three beautiful kids of our own, Cath and I know there’s nothing more precious than those first few days at home,” he said.
“A free baby bundle will mean new parents can get everything they need, at no cost, while free newborn first- aid training will give new parents that little bit of extra reassurance.”
In the baby hampers will be information from the Children’s Hospital about child safety, feeding, sleeping and an emergency contacts list. It will also include information on supporting a child’s development through reading and playtime in the first year.
The first-aid program training through pre-natal, birth and parenting classes are designed to better equip new parents to respond and provide immediate care to their baby in an emergency situation.
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