The Western Isles MSP is encouraging expectant mothers whose babies are due after 15 August to register for a baby box at their next midwife appointment.
The boxes contain various essential items for a child’s first weeks such as books, clothes, blankets, a bath towel, a changing mat, a bib and a thermometer. They also provide a safe space for babies to sleep near their parents to promote bonding and early attachment.
The Scottish Government is also using new powers to create a Best Start Grant in 2019 which provides expectant mothers on low incomes with £600 for their first child and half that sum for subsequent children. There will be a further £250 grant when their child starts nursery, and the same again when they start school.
Alasdair Allan MSP commented: “There are over 200 babies born in the Western Isles every year. From 15 August onwards every child will be gifted a Baby Box to help improve health and support parents – just one part of our determination to ensure that every child has an equal start in life.
Allan urges expectant island mothers to sign up for baby box
22 June 2017
“For mothers in the isles looking forward to welcoming a new born into the world on or after 15th August this summer, all they need to do to be gifted a Baby Box is apply through their midwife in advance, supplying their preferred delivery address.
“The SNP Government will also use the new powers coming to Scotland to provide targeted
support of a significantly higher level than elsewhere in the UK, to help low income
families via a new Maternity and Early Years’ Allowances-