Makeover for Scotland's baby box scheme ahead of fifth anniversary
- Published
Children's Minister Claire Haughey saw the new boxes as she met Courtney McLeod and her four-month-old daughter Addison in Edinburgh
Scotland's baby boxes have been given a makeover ahead of the scheme's fifth anniversary.
To mark the milestone the box has been refreshed with updated clothing designs, different books and, for the first time, a toothbrush.
Every newborn is entitled to one, and about 222,450 have been given to families since August 2017.
Children's minister Claire Haughey said they provided vital support to families struggling with the cost of living.
The cardboard box, which can be used as a safe sleeping space during the early months, is delivered to the mother a few weeks before their due date.
Ms Haughey saw the new boxes as she met Courtney McLeod and her four-month-old daughter Addison.
The minister was visiting APS (Group) in Edinburgh, which packs and distributes the boxes.
She said: "I think providing a universal offering of a baby box to pregnant parents and to newborns is vitally important in terms of supporting Scotland's families, particularly in the face of the current cost of living crisis but more importantly it helps to promote that really strong mother-infant, parent-infant interaction and it supports families and welcomes the baby to Scotland.
"As every parent knows, the costs associated with having a baby are significant.
"Household budgets are under increasing pressure from the rising cost of living, so it is reassuring to know that all families in Scotland, regardless of their circumstances, have access to essential items needed for the first six months of their newborn's life."
Ms Haughey said uptake for the box has soared to about 98% since it was introduced.
She added: "As we head towards the fifth anniversary, I am proud that the baby box continues to support newborns and their families."
Baby boxes can be used as beds
The baby box provides families with a range of essential items for the first six months of a baby's life and its contents are designed to inform and support positive parenting behaviours.
Scotland's chief dental officer Tom Ferris said: "I am really pleased to see a toothbrush included in the baby box for the first time.
"Good oral habits are essential to achieving excellent mouth health, and this will allow us to support families in achieving this from the very beginning of life."
The new clothing designs were voted for in a poll on the Parent Club, external website.
Beverley Walsh, head of services at APS Group (Scotland), said: "The baby box initiative has created sustainable employment opportunities for local people, where possible supporting targeted groups.
"We work with training organisations, local schools and colleges, with the baby box supporting up to four modern apprenticeship positions and work experience placements each year."