Life
JAM | Jan 5, 2026

Victoria Jubilee Hospital welcomes first baby of the New Year

/ Our Today

administrator
Reading Time: 4 minutes
First-time mother Sharrisa Gaynor (left) and Sudesh Roberts, Marketing Coordinator at Massy Distribution Jamaica Limited, are captivated by Sharaylia Rankine, first baby born at Victoria Jubilee Hospital on January 1, 2026. Baby Jergens presented products from its catalogue, along with a car seat, to welcome the baby and congratulate Gaynor on her successful delivery.

The arrival of a new baby is always a moment of hope, and Baby Jergens marked the start of the New Year by sharing that spirit of care and comfort with baby Sharaylia Rankine, the first child of Sharrisa Gaynor and Delano Rankine at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital in Kingston.

As part of its New Year Gifting Initiative, Baby Jergens, presented a specially curated care package of gentle skincare essentials, including the Baby Jergens All-Purpose Ointment, Calming Head-to-Toe Liquid Wash, and Calming Lotion, all designed to support babies from their very first days. The gift also included receiving blankets, an infant travel pillow, diapers and a car seat. The gesture underscores the brand’s ongoing commitment to nurturing families and supporting maternal and child wellness across Jamaica.

According to Christena Miller, Senior Brand Manager for Jergens, the idea behind the gesture was rooted in the symbolism of starting the year with compassion and purpose. 

“Baby Jergens was inspired by the idea of starting the New Year with kindness and care, celebrating new beginnings and the joy that babies bring,” Miller said. “The initiative reflects our desire to support families from the very first moments of a child’s life and to make the start of 2026 warmer and more meaningful for new and expectant parents.”

Sudesh Roberts (left), Marketing Coordinator at Massy Distribution Jamaica Limited engages with Sharrisa Gaynor, mother of the first baby to be delivered on New Year’s Day, 2026, at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital. The first-time mother and newborn, were the recipients of a specially curated gift from Baby Jergens, including hygiene care products, receiving blankets and a car seat.

Miller added that by gifting products designed for babies’ delicate skin, the brand reinforces its promise to be a trusted partner for parents while showing care beyond products through thoughtful community engagement.

For 24-year-old Sharrisa Gaynor, who is from the Fletchers Land community, the gesture was both unexpected and reassuring as she begins her journey into motherhood.

“I was raised knowing the value of having a village to raise a child, learning the importance of being respectful and keeping in mind that we never really know what someone is going through. Becoming a mother reminded of this every day,” Gaynor expressed.

Gaynor, who delivered her baby at 2:16 am on January 1, weighing 3.97 kilograms, reflected on her experience of labour.

She shared, “It was long and hard—I was in labour for 12 hours. The pregnancy itself wasn’t bad, but the pain became unbearable at times, but I am grateful for all the support I received. Her father and I are so happy my baby arrived safely and is able to receive all these blessings.”

Speaking about the gift from Baby Jergens, Gaynor added, “I never really thought about the brands before, so receiving this gift made me feel supported and reminded that my baby’s care down to her skin at this stage, really matters. I can’t wait to try the products. I am also grateful for the car seat, as my partner and I have that on our list of needs for our baby girl. I hope this is a sign that all her dreams will be fulfilled, and that as a New Year’s baby, lots of blessings will be showered upon her.”

(From left) Sister Mendis Dennis Vincent, first-time mother Sharrisa Gaynor, Sudesh Roberts, Marketing Coordinator at Massy Distribution Jamaica Limited, and Registered Nurse Midwife Lisbe Ortega celebrate with Baby Jergens inside the breastfeeding room at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital.

Looking ahead to the year, Christena Miller shared her wishes for baby Sharaylia and her family, highlighting that, “I wish her a year filled with good health, happiness, and beautiful milestones, and the family a 2026 full of love, strength, and cherished moments together as they grow and learn side by side.”

Baby Jergens was on alert, waiting for news of the first baby to be born in 2026 in Kingston, and among the hospitals, Victoria Jubilee, one of the country’s leading maternity and neonatal care institutions, dubbed ‘The Birthplace of a Nation’, welcomed the milestone. The hospital continues to serve thousands of families annually, making it a fitting location for the initiative.

“The team was impressed by the kindness and helpfulness of the staff while on the ward and is extremely grateful to them. Baby Jergens wants to reassure mothers as well as caregivers that they are not alone. The gifting sends a message of love, trust, and encouragement, reminding them that babies deserve gentle care,” Miller said.

As 2026 begins, Baby Jergens hopes this simple act of giving will leave a lasting reminder that every baby deserves the softest start and every mother deserves reassurance and support.

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