Too many babies do not have the best start in life, 2020 saw the beginning of our 30th Anniversary Make a Million (MaM) Campaign, which targets babies and their caregivers, and is The Children’s Foundation contribution to ‘levelling up’ from birth and reducing social inequality.
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We will pilot, and plan delivery of a MaM Box to new-born babies and their families, initially in Gateshead and, following evaluation, as funding allows, across the NE.
The MaM Box helps families prepare for the arrival of their baby. Our Box will include essential resources like a change mat cover, bath towel, a book, first tooth brush, a blanket, thermometer, muslin cloths etc. to give families a helping hand with baby care. All contents prompt bonding behaviours including the developmentally stimulating toys, games and books. Everything helps parents to promote the best start in life through a focus on laughing, talking, reading, singing and playing, all known to stimulate optimal brain development in children.
Caring for young babies is a really important, but very difficult job, and it takes the whole community to make a difference. Through the MaM campaign, we want to remind parents, families and carers that they are cared for, and to promote a great start for all children born here in the North East especially during the first 1001 Critical Days in childhood which is an indicator for successful outcomes in later life.
Once the baby has outgrown the box, it can be re-used as a keepsake box or storage box for toys and when no longer needed for that, there will be no need for landfill, it can just be unfolded and popped in the recycling bin.
Funds raised will underpin our work towards the pilot, measuring and reporting on impact of this project. Planning and liaising with healthcare professionals and buying us the time to make the project a success.