SCOTLAND’S baby box scheme should be rolled out across the UK, a health body says.

The initiative, based on a Finnish model, provides free clothing and other essentials for newborns, with the container designed as a bed for infants.

It was introduced one year ago this month in a bid to reduce the poverty gap.

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However, this was followed by safety fears, including concerns that the cardboard “cots” were flammable.

But now the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) says every newborn in the UK should get one.

RCM says it is likely that the use of the boxes – also distributed in pilot schemes by some NHS trusts in England – could reduce cases of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI).

It says giving babies “their own sleep space is likely to reduce the risks associated with unsafe co-sleeping”.

Key SUDI risk factors include sleeping with a parent who smokes or has taken alcohol or drugs, and sleeping on soft or unsafe surfaces like sofas.

RCM said: “These risk factors tend to be higher in more deprived or isolated communities and there is a high proportion of SUDI in homes with high levels of deprivation.

“It is in these environments that baby boxes could be especially beneficial in providing safe sleep spaces for the baby.”

Acknowledging “limited evidence” around baby boxes reducing deaths from SUDI, RCM continued: “Baby boxes must be safe, of high quality and the box and mattress should meet at least the minimum UK safety standards.

“Decisions about the contents of baby boxes should be made in discussion with suitably qualified health professionals, and experts on SUDI and child safety and parents.”

Scottish sets currently contain toys, blankets, a thermometer and more.

Items like maternity pads and condoms are also provided to benefit new parents.

Gill Walton, RCM chief executive and general secretary, said: “A baby box is a positive gift which signals that every baby is important and welcomed.

“Providing them will help many families whatever their background, and provide a more equal start to life for the baby.

“The Scottish baby box contains a number of very useful baby items that can support the health and wellbeing of new babies including an electronic thermometer, a baby carrying sling, a bath thermometer and a range of clothing.

“Most importantly by enabling parents to give their babies a safe sleeping space, baby boxes may reduce unsafe co-sleeping or babies sleeping in an inappropriate place such as a sofa.”

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Responding to the statement, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted a thumbs up emoji.

However, Francine Bates, chief executive of the Lullaby Trust, raised questions about a UK-wide implementation.

She stated: “There is still no evidence directly linking the use of a baby box with a reduction in infant mortality or sudden infant death syndrome.

“Given current pressures on public health budgets, we question whether the call to introduce the scheme across the country is the best use of resources to reduce infant deaths.”

Meanwhile, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee has achieved Unicef Baby Friendly accreditation.

The move recognises its efforts to support parents in bonding with and caring for their new arrivals.

Senior charge nurse Alison Findlay commented: “Staff in the neonatal unit have tremendous pride in their work and their engagement and enthusiasm is something I am very proud of.

“Having this award recognises their commitment and dedication to the babies and parents in their care.”