All island babies due from today (15 August) onwards will be gifted a box full of essential items aimed at tackling health inequality and promoting health.
With a fitted mattress and bedding also provided, the box also doubles up as a temporary crib.
Socks, a babygro and a hat are also included.
The initiative is adapted from the successful Finnish model which has helped to improve lives for babies and toddlers.
Including delivery, each box costs the Scottish Government around £160.
MSP Alasdair Allan commented: “These boxes will be full of items essential for the first weeks of a child’s life and will be of great assistance to new mothers across the isles.
“This is being done as part of a range of measures the Scottish Government is using to help babies and parents thrive in the crucial early months, and is an indication of our commitment in government to ensure that every child in Scotland, regardless of their circumstances, should get the best start in life.”
Baby boxes being sent to new parents
16 August 2017
