A mum has spoken about the benefits of receiving one of Rotherham Council’s universal baby packs.
Jessica Sarracco, from Rawmarsh, is one of almost 2,000 mums from across the borough who have received one of the packs since the scheme launched in January 2025.
She said: “I got the box and I was really surprised how big it was, and how many things we’ve got in it.
“There’s been a lot of useful things in there that I have not used yet because it's for when he gets a little older.
“We have got a little bunny in it, a comforter that he likes, a teething ring, a play gym and some really nice little clothes that are helpful for like spares in your bag.”
The baby packs aim to provide essential items to families with newborns and forms part of the Council’s commitment to ensuring that every child in Rotherham gets the best possible start in life. Each pack contains clothing, a toy, a book, and other useful items for the first six months, all packed in a sturdy storage box that can later be used as a memory box.
The Council initially funded the Rotherham Baby Packs for a two-year pilot up to March 2027. Cabinet will be asked when it meets on Monday 9 February to recommission the scheme for a further four years.
It follows overwhelmingly positive feedback from hundreds of recipients which includes:
- 99% of parents would recommend a baby pack.
- 78% agreed or strongly agreed the pack saved them money.
- 72% cited financial savings as the top benefit.
- 80% reported they had learned about Family Hubs in Rotherham as a result of receiving a baby pack.
On average, there are 2,740 babies born each year who live in Rotherham and are all eligible to receive a pack.
Most expectant mothers are being registered to receive a baby pack by their midwives at their 25-week appointment. Mothers not registered can also sign-up when registering the birth at Riverside House and for those receiving maternity care outside the borough, they can be registered by the baby pack provider.
Cllr Victoria Cusworth, Cabinet Member Cabinet Member for Children and Young Peoples Services, said: “Providing all children with the best start in life means starting from the beginning. I’m delighted with the success of the pilot scheme so far and families have found the baby packs so beneficial, as well as ensuring that they get timely help and support from our local services.”
The baby packs are being delivered by FMI for the two-year pilot on behalf of Rotherham Council.
If Cabinet agrees that the scheme will be extended for a further four years, then procurement activity will take place to identify a supplier.
Continued support for children and families is provided through the Council’s Family Hubs network. Families should register with their local Family Hub by visiting the registration page.
For more information about The Rotherham Baby Pack visit Rotherham Baby packs – Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
