Evelyn Tweed MSP has welcomed five years of Scotland’s Baby Box which has been updated and revamped for its five year anniversary.
Every newborn in Scotland is entitled to a Baby Box, with around 222,450 delivered to families since the scheme began in August 2017.
The Baby Box provides families with a range of essential items for the first six months of their baby’s life including baby clothes, a blanket, bath towel, travel changing mat, thermometer and a bib. It is delivered in a sturdy cardboard box with a fitted sheet and mattress which can be used as a safe sleeping space during the early months.
The contents of the box are designed to inform and support positive parenting behaviours. The newly updated box now includes a baby toothbrush to support early oral health.
An Ipsos Mori evaluation of the babybox, published last year, found that 97% of parents who took part in research rated the box and its contents as good.
It also found that nine in ten (91%) parents agreed that ‘Getting a baby box has saved me money on things I would otherwise have had to buy’, while 76% of health professionals agreed that the scheme is an effective way of ensuring that every family has access to newborn essentials.
MSP for Stirling Evelyn Tweed said;
“It’s great that the Baby Box is so successful, with uptake growing to about 98% since it was introduced in 2017. Having a baby is a very special time but it can also be a time of financial worry, so its important that we celebrate the continuing success of the Baby Box which helps give babies the best start in life. This kind of support is especially important at this time of financial hardship during the cost of living crisis.
“As we approach the fifth anniversary, Scotland can be proud of this wonderful scheme that supports newborns and their families with essential items, regardless of their circumstances.”