Shishu Kit

Launched in 2018 by the Lalitbhai Patel Foundation in partnership with United Way of Baroda, the Shishu Kit Project is a flagship maternal and child healthcare initiative dedicated to ensuring that every mother and newborn, irrespective of their socio-economic background, receives a healthy and dignified start to life. The project was conceived to address the immediate needs of underprivileged mothers during childbirth by providing essential newborn care materials while simultaneously promoting safe motherhood, neonatal health, and informed parenting practices. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 – Good Health and Well-being, the initiative seeks to reduce maternal and infant health risks by strengthening postnatal care and encouraging healthier practices during the crucial period following childbirth. Since its inception, the project has distributed more than 45,000 Shishu Kits to mothers delivering in government hospitals, easing the financial burden on vulnerable families and ensuring that newborns receive the basic necessities required during their first days of life.

Each Shishu Kit has been thoughtfully designed to address the immediate healthcare and hygiene needs of both mother and child. Every kit contains 15 carefully selected essential items, including a durable carry bag, sanitary napkins, a mother gown, two sets of baby clothes, nappies, caps, mittens, a baby wrap towel, a plastic mattress, and a baby care awareness leaflet containing important guidance on newborn health and hygiene. These essential supplies provide practical support during the postnatal period while encouraging safe childcare practices, improved hygiene, and better maternal health. The kits are distributed through District Hospitals across Vadodara, ensuring that economically disadvantaged families receive these vital resources at the time when they are needed most, reducing stress and enabling mothers to focus on the health and well-being of their newborns.

Beyond the distribution of newborn kits, the Shishu Kit Project adopts a holistic approach towards maternal and child healthcare by integrating awareness, education, and behavioural change interventions into its implementation. At Jamnabai General Hospital and Sir Sayajirao (SSG) Hospital, structured educational sessions are conducted for expectant and new mothers on critical topics such as maternal nutrition, family planning, breastfeeding, newborn care, mental health, postpartum recovery, immunisation, and child development. The programme also incorporates specialised postpartum physical exercise sessions led by qualified physiotherapists to support mothers in their recovery after childbirth. Interactive learning methods, including live demonstrations, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials, visual posters, and practical models, encourage active participation and provide mothers with an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and receive guidance from healthcare professionals. These comprehensive interventions not only improve awareness and promote healthy behaviours but also contribute significantly to reducing maternal and neonatal health risks, ultimately creating healthier families and stronger communities.

Over the years, the Shishu Kit Project has evolved into one of United Way of Baroda’s most impactful healthcare initiatives, extending far beyond the provision of essential supplies. By combining immediate material support with health education, counselling, and capacity building, the project empowers mothers with the knowledge, confidence, and resources required to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children. Through sustained partnerships with hospitals, healthcare professionals, and philanthropic organisations, United Way of Baroda continues to strengthen maternal and child healthcare systems, ensuring that every mother experiences childbirth with dignity and every newborn receives the best possible start in life. The enduring success of the initiative reflects the organisation’s unwavering commitment to creating healthier communities where no mother or child is left behind.

These items provide vital support to new mothers and their babies during the critical early days. The  kits are distributed at district hospitals across Vadodara, ensuring that families in need receive these  essential resources. 

In addition to the distribution of kits, the project also promotes behavioral change to ensure safer  deliveries. At Jamnabai Hospital and SSG Hospital, sessions are held to educate on topics such as  family planning, mental health, and child care. New programs focused on postpartum recovery  through physical exercises are also incorporated. 

Interactive sessions using live models, IEC materials, and posters help engage beneficiaries, creating a  platform for them to share their concerns and experiences. Led by subject experts and a  physiotherapist, these sessions significantly contribute to the health and well-being of mothers and  their babies, making a lasting impact on the community.