NEW mothers whose babies are born on August 15 or after will receive the Scottish Government’s baby boxes as the scheme is rolled out across the country after successful trials in areas of Clackmannanshire and Orkney.
All newborn babies in Scotland will receive the boxes containing about 40 different items including clothing, bedding and toys.
The Scottish Government scheme, based on a Finnish project that has been running since 1938, aims to give all children the best start and will cost an estimated £6 million per year.
The box also contains a play mat, a changing mat, a digital thermometer, a fleece jacket, several babygrows, a hooded bath towel, a reusable nappy and liners, a baby book, an organic sponge, cot sheets, a mattress and a blanket, making it suitable for a baby to sleep in.
It also comes with a poem written by Scotland’s Makar Jackie Kay in Scots, called Welcome Wee One.
Expectant mothers can register to receive the box at an existing midwife appointment after June 15.
The roll-out follows pilot projects in Orkney and Clackmannanshire that started on January 1. The design for the box was unveiled in March, and features a forest fairytale design including Highland cows, squirrels and the Loch Ness Monster.
Childcare minister Mark McDonald said: “Scotland’s baby box will help tackle deprivation, improve health and support parents, and we’re proud to introduce it in Scotland. It will include materials to promote the best possible outcomes for children and provide a safe space for babies to sleep near their parents.”
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