‘Baby Box’ to Be Given to Young Parents
Will contain books and toys to help them bond with their child
The box can also be used as a cot. Picture: Wandsworth Council
May 31, 2024
Young parents looking after their first child are to receive a free box of toys and books to help them bond with their baby.
Wandsworth Council is giving the packages to all care-experienced young parents, and parents under 21 in need of support.
The Baby Box scheme is being launched soon with support from the Family Nurse Partnership and St George’s and Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trusts.
It is believed to be the first of its kind in London and will allow parents to connect with their baby through play, reading, singing and counting in the crucial first few years of its life. The box itself has a padded mattress and can be used as a cot if necessary.
They will also receive on-going support child-focused staff from the council’s ‘one-stop shop’ the Family Hub, working in partnership with health and social care experts.
The first Wandsworth Family Hub was launched last September at the Yvonne Carr Centre and provides a wide range of family support under one roof, including midwifery, health visiting and children’s centre services, as well as more streamlined access to other new services such as housing support and career advice.
Frarnie Brum, a young parent herself who has used the contents of the box with her baby said, “I’m glad they’ve brought this in now when some people are struggling. You wouldn’t have an idea what to do but his box is complete with everything you need.”
Kate Stock, Cabinet Member for Children, said, “We are determined to make Wandsworth healthier and fairer. We’re doing that by getting out into communities and supporting people to access the services they need.
“We’re really proud of our new Baby Box scheme and of our partnership with Little Village on Bundles in Partnership. They will target pioneering support to the people who need it most and will help give our most vulnerable children the best start in life.”
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