Baby box scheme rolled out across Scotland

Baby box: Picture credit - Scottish Government

Scotland’s baby box scheme is being rolled out across the country from today.

Each box contains a large number of items which are not only practical but designed to help tackle inequality and improve health.

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The box itself also doubles up as a safe sleep space, awarded British Safety standard accreditation as a crib for domestic use.

Mark McDonald Minister for Childcare and Early Years said: “We are committed to doing everything we can to give every baby born in Scotland the best possible start in life and the baby box is just one of the range of measures we are using to help babies and parents thrive in the crucial early months.

“The box includes a large number of items which are not only practical but designed to help tackle inequality and improve health.

“It can also be used as a safe sleep space and has been awarded British Safety standard accreditation as a crib for use at home.

“We will continue to listen to feedback as the baby box reaches more families and work with parents and healthcare professionals to keep the contents under review.”

Concerns were raised earlier this month by cot death charity The Lullaby Trust that the boxes were being marketed as products which will reduce infant mortality and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Lynsay Allan, executive director of the Scottish Cot Death Trust, said: "I am encouraged by the fact that Scotland's baby box scheme is prompting parents to think about their sleeping practices.

"While the proven safest place for a baby to sleep is in a cot, crib or Moses basket, I also recognise that the box can be used as a safe sleep space for newborn babies, particularly where families may have no alternative and where they might otherwise unsafely share their bed or sleep on a sofa or chair with their baby."

All babies due on or after 15 August will be eligible for a baby box.