Scotland's baby box to be put on display for future generations

The baby box, containing essential items aimed at tackling inequality and promoting health, has been provided for every baby due on or after 15 August 2017, with 52,065 babies across the country having received one to date.

Each box includes a number of items for parents and newborns, including baby clothes, a digital ear thermometer, a bath and room thermometer, a travel changing mat, baby books, a play mat, and a comforter toy, while the box itself comes with a mattress and can be used as a sleep space.

Children and early years minister Maree Todd said, ‘This box has made such a difference to people's lives in the past year, and to know that this will now be on exhibition as a legacy of the babies of Scotland should make everyone involved in creating, packing and delivering the baby box very proud.

‘We are committed to ensuring every baby has the best start in life, and I've seen over the past year the difference this box and its contents has made to the lives of babies and their parents and carers.’

Sandra Martin, history curator for Edinburgh's museums and galleries, added, ‘The museum houses some extraordinary examples of childhood history from all sides of Scottish society.

‘From real silver spoons, a popular gift with babies in Victorian Edinburgh, to makeshift dolls crafted with nothing more than a wooden spoon and some old cloth, by families who couldn't afford anything more.

‘The modern baby box is the great equaliser. The same gifts for baby, available to all new mothers. It's a pleasure to welcome it into our collection.’

The Museum of Childhood will feature the box from next year.