The milestone of 200,000 Baby Boxes delivered came after independent evaluation showed overwhelming backing for the box and its contents.
Children’s Minister Clare Haughey MSP said:
“We are proud that the 200,000th Baby Box has been delivered to a family preparing to welcome their wee one.
“The Baby Box is part of our commitment to making sure that every child, no matter what their circumstances, has the best start in life. Deliveries of the boxes have continued throughout the pandemic, supporting parents at a time when many may be facing additional financial worries or having to cope without as much face-to-face support from family and friends.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“Last year, a record 98% of expectant parents requested a Baby Box, a big rise on the 85% when they were first launched in 2017.
“This is a further vote of confidence for the scheme following the independent evaluation that showed how much parents value the Baby Box and its contents.”
One Parent Families Scotland CEO Satwat Rehman said:
“All babies in Scotland are gifted a box full of essential items. We fully support this positive public health initiative that has the potential, through its universal approach, to help reduce inequalities at the start of a baby’s life.
“Parents have told us that receiving the box made them feel the SNP Government 'cares about families’.”
A Baby Box is offered to all newborns in Scotland. It provides families with a range of essential items for their first six months, delivered in a sturdy box, which can be used as a safe sleeping space during the early months of a baby’s life. The contents of the Baby Box are designed to inform and support positive parenting behaviours.
In an independent evaluation, 97% of parents who took part in research rated the box and its contents as good. Parents highlighted benefits of the box, including saving them money on essential items for newborns and helping with information on child health and development.
Find out more about the Baby Box at Parent Club Scotland
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