Decision - Addressing Infant Mortality – Baby Box Initiative

Resolved to: 1) Request the Health & Wellbeing Board to review the possibility of working with the 3 rd sector to Distribute BabyBoxes to up-to 100 newborns annually in the most deprived postcodes including essential items like clothing, bedding, and personal care products. 2) Explore collaboration with health professionals and community organisations to ensure effective delivery. 3) Advocate for enhanced national implementation and collaborate with government and local authorities to share insights. 4) If a program is considered deliverable, collect data on program uptake and impact to guide future expansion and integrate the BabyBox program into wider strategies targeting health disparities, working with partners in health, education, and social care.

The council considered a motion responding to rising infant mortality and inequalities affecting disadvantaged communities. It proposed exploring a BabyBox pilot for up to 100 newborns annually, working with health, community and other partners, subject to the programme being deliverable.