Yahoo Lifestyle Baby essentials kits offered to pregnant women
Pregnant women have been offered free packs containing essential items for newborn babies as part of a council's bid to give children the best possible start in life.
Rotherham Council has opened registration for the scheme and anyone due to give birth after 7 April can sign up for one of the boxes.
The packs contain useful items for the first six months of parenthood, including a book, toy and clothing.
The authority has put £360,000 towards the project and councillor Joanna Baker-Rogers, cabinet member for adult care and public health, said it aimed to ensure families had "access to essential items right from the beginning of their child's life".
An average of 2,740 babies are born each year across Rotherham and all expectant families are eligible for the pack, according to the council.
Midwives will make pregnant women aware of the scheme and help with registration during appointments, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Councillor Victoria Cusworth, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "I'm so pleased that we are able to support new parents with these products, and ensure they get timely support to provide all children with the best start in life."
Sarah Petty, head of midwifery at Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are excited to be involved in this project supporting all families to give their newborns the best start in life."
Families are also urged to register online with their local family hub to get extra support.
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