Scotland’s first Baby Boxes have been delivered by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The Scottish Government is gifting every newborn baby a Box of essential items, such as clothes, nappies and books, to help ensure they get the best start in life. Following the hugely successful Finnish model, the Box is also suitable for babies to sleep in. The baby box concept is also intended to encourage engagement by expectant mothers with maternity and antenatal services.

The three-month pilot begins today in Clackmannanshire and Orkney, and the Baby Box will be rolled out to all newborns by the summer of 2017.

The First Minister was at Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre to meet parents and midwives and to distribute the first Boxes.

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.”

Mum to be Joan McKinven said:

“I’m very impressed with the contents of the box. I think any support will be appreciated by new parents. There are a lot of helpful items so I think it will be well used.”

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.”

The Box will also contain a poem specially written by Scotland’s Makar, Jackie Kay, called Welcome Wee One.

Contact: Michael Berry 0131 244 2967 / 07973 370 843