Since the introduction of the SNP Government’s baby boxes scheme in August this year, 10,000 boxes have been delivered to families across Scotland. Registration to receive baby boxes has reached 20,000 already.
The baby box contains practical items for new parents but also provides a sleeping space for their baby.
The initiative was rolled out as part of the SNP Government’s plans to give each child an equal start in life.
The SNP Government is also using new powers to create new Maternity and Early Years’ Allowances in the form of the Best Start Grant, which provides expectant mothers on low incomes with £600 for their first child, £300 for second and subsequent children and a further £250 grant when their child starts nursery, and £250 again when they start school. This is set to be introduced in 2019.
Kenneth Gibson MSP commented:
“The SNP Government is gifting a Baby Box to every child in Scotland not just to help tackle deprivation, but also to improve health and support parents.
“With over 50,000 babies born in Scotland each year, it is great to see that after only three months, there have already been 20,000 registrations.
“It is a very positive initiative that allows all babies in Scotland to have an equal start and I urge all expecting mothers in North Ayrshire to apply through their midwife, so their babies can benefit from all the baby box has to offer.”
ENDS
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