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Baby Box scheme aims to give every child the best start possible

First-time mothers are receiving boxes full of essential items for their babies, which can even serve as their first bed once empty.
First-time mothers are receiving boxes full of essential items for their babies, which can even serve as their first bed once empty.

First-time parents in Scotland are receiving 'baby boxes' full of essential items for their babies and an in-built mattress so it can even serve as their first bed once empty.

The first boxes of a three-month pilot scheme were personally delivered to Clackmannanshire Healthcare Centre last week by first minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Scotland’s first Baby Boxes have been delivered to expectant parents by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
Scotland’s first Baby Boxes have been delivered to expectant parents by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

Containing everything from clothes and nappies to books and comforters, the boxes are an idea borrowed from Finland which has provided them for 75 years.

They are credited with helping to give the country one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world, with approximately four deaths per 1,000 births, compared to the 1930s when the rate was closer to 90.

Following examples

Just as in Finland, the Scottish government also hopes the boxes will encourage expectant mothers to attend maternity and antenatal services regularly.

The scheme is currently midwife-led but could involve nurses and health visitors in future once the government reviews it in April and decides whether to fulfil its aim to extend it to all newborns in Scotland by the summer.

Ms Sturgeon said: ‘It’s a simple idea with a proven record in tackling deprivation, improving health and supporting parents.’

The boxes also contain a poem specially written by Scotland’s national poet, or makar, Jackie Kay, called Welcome Wee One.


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