Wales opens registration for government ‘Baby Bundles’ support scheme

Families in Wales can now register for support with essential baby items as part of the Baby Bundles programme, a government-funded initiative targeted primarily at expectant parents living in Flying Start support areas.

The scheme, first referenced to families by midwives since September, provides a package of items intended to help parents prepare for a new baby. Eligible families were informed during 16-week antenatal appointments.

Each Baby Bundle is designed to contain a range of infant essentials, including:

• Clothing for babies aged 0 to 6 months

• Blankets

• A digital thermometer

• A bilingual children’s book

• A play-mat

• Printed guidance on parenting support and services

Midwives can also register a limited number of expectant parents living outside Flying Start areas on a discretionary basis, where additional support is deemed necessary.

A total of £2.5 million has been allocated for the scheme for the 2025/2026 financial year. Registration opens today for those who are between 25 and 28 weeks’ pregnant, and the first bundles are scheduled for delivery from early February.

Speaking about the programme, Children’s Minister Dawn Bowden MS said the initiative was intended to reduce pressure on expectant parents during the current cost of living challenges.

“Anything that can help to ease stress and anxiety for expectant parents is important,” she said.
“The bundles, along with expanded childcare support, are part of broader efforts to support families.”

Wider childcare and school support measures in Wales

The initiative forms part of a wider suite of family support policies introduced in the current parliamentary term, including:

• Phased expansion of Flying Start childcare for two-year-olds nationwide

• Continued rollout of the Childcare Offer for Wales, providing subsidised childcare for 48 weeks a year for three and four-year-olds, including parents in education or training

• 100% rates relief permanently introduced for childcare providers

• Increase in the hourly subsidy rate for the childcare offer from £4.50 to £6.40

• More than 50 million free school meals provided under Free School Meals

• Around 100 million free primary school breakfasts delivered via Free Primary School Breakfasts

Opposition parties have previously criticised aspects of Welsh Government budgets on affordability and spending priorities, while the government describes its policies as targeted interventions to address child poverty and family wellbeing.