Scotland’s first baby boxes delivered to expectant mums
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Expectant mothers in Clackmannanshire and Orkney are the first to benefit from a new Scottish Government pilot to gift every newborn a box of essential items.
The boxes which were delivered by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, contain clothing, bedding and toys. They can also be used as the baby’s first bed.
The initiative is based on a project that has been running in Finland since 1938 and is credited with helping to decrease infant mortality rates. 
Following the three-month pilot, the initiative will be rolled out across the whole of Scotland by the summer.
The baby boxes will also contain a poem written by Scotland’s Makar, Jackie Kay, called ‘Welcome Wee One’.
Ms Sturgeon said, ‘Scotland’s baby box is a strong signal of our determination that every child, regardless of their circumstances, should get the best start in life.
‘The box contains around 40 different essential items for new babies and for parents. It’s a simple idea with a proven record in tackling deprivation, improving health and supporting parents, and I’m proud and excited that the pilot is now underway.
‘Being a parent is the most important, but also the most difficult job there is so it's important that parents get as much support as possible. The box complements the existing services available to help babies and parents to thrive in the crucial early months.’
Gillian Morton, head of Midwifery at NHS Forth Valley, said, ‘We are delighted that Clackmannanshire has been selected as one of the pilot sites for the new baby boxes. Pregnant women from the local area are really looking forward to receiving their boxes and we are sure the wide range of items will be very useful during those important early weeks and months.’
