Baby box scheme introduced across Scotland

All babies born in Scotland from today are to be given a box of essential items in a bid to tackle inequality and promote health.

Each baby box contains items such as clothing, a blanket, books and a digital ear thermometer. The box, which has a mattress and doubles up as a safe place to sleep, was awarded British Standards accreditation as a crib for domestic use.

The national scheme follows a three-month pilot in Orkney and Clackmannanshire. 

The best start

Mark McDonald, minister for childcare and early years said: 'We are committed to doing everything we can to give every baby born in Scotland the best possible start in life and the baby box is one measure we are using to help babies and parents in the crucial early months.

“The box includes a large number of items that are not only practical but designed to help tackle inequality and improve health. It can also be used as a safe sleep space and has been awarded British Safety standard accreditation as a crib for use at home.

“We will continue to listen to feedback as the baby box reaches more families, and work with parents and healthcare professionals to keep the contents under review.

Chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood said: 'Over and above the practical benefits the items in the baby box provide, the box itself offers healthcare professionals a unique opportunity to introduce expectant parents to a wide range of health promotion information.'

Further information

• What is Scotland's baby box scheme?
• Baby Box scheme aims to give every child the best start possible

In other news

• Japanese fungus in UK hospitals
• HCA fined for accessing medical records on family and colleagues