Scotland’s Baby Box which was first piloted in Orkney, has now benefited a quarter of a million families.

The Baby Box – an idea taken from a successful scheme in Finland – has £400 worth of items in it. It is available free to every expectant mum who wishes one for each baby she has.

Commenting on the Baby Box , One Parent Families Scotland Chief Executive Satwat Rehman said:

“With rising costs, single parent households are under increasing pressure to meet the costs of looking after their children.

“Having just one income, with costs associated with a newborn, is very difficult and the essentials contained within the Baby Box go a long way to easing that for single parents. 

“We have seen first-hand how much difference this has made to the families we work with.”

As well as providing essential items, the Baby Box scheme is also a valuable link between the midwifery service and the mothers.

Children’s Minister in the Scottish Government Clare Haughey said:

“The Baby Box is part of our commitment to ensure every child has the best start in life, and I am heartened that so many families have benefitted from this fantastic scheme.

“Clearly household budgets remain under extreme pressure from the cost of living crisis, so it is reassuring to know that all expectant parents in Scotland, regardless of their circumstances, have access to essential items needed for the first six months of their newborn’s life.

“The Baby Box also contains items to support positive parenting, benefitting infants as well as parents.”