MSP welcomes baby box success as scheme gets makeover
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OVER 25,000 baby boxes have been delivered across the NHS Grampian area since the scheme began, new figures have revealed.
To date some 26,085 boxes have been distributed across the north-east, with the scheme set to receive a makeover for the fifth anniversary of its launch.
The Scottish Government introduced the baby boxes scheme in 2017, entitling every new-born in Scotland to a box containing essential items intended to make sure that every child has the best possible start in life.
Based the latest figures by APS Group using data up to September 30, 2022 a total of 235,622 boxes have been distributed by health boards to parents across Scotland since the start of the project.
The news was welcomed by Banffshire and Buchan Coast SNP MSP Karen Adam.
She said: “I am delighted that Scotland’s much-cherished baby box is being given a makeover in time for its fifth anniversary.
"Already, 26,085 baby boxes have been delivered across the NHS Grampian area by the SNP in government since 2017.
“With updated clothing designs, the refreshed baby box also now includes a baby toothbrush to promote oral health from the very beginning of a baby’s life.
“The arrival of a new baby is a wonderful moment for every family in Banffshire and Buchan Coast but, as every new parent no doubt appreciates, the costs of welcoming a new addition to the family are significant, particularly when household budgets are under increasing pressure with the cost-of-living crisis.
“Regardless of the circumstances of new mums and dads, receiving a baby box as a celebration of their new arrivals – and the essential items needed for the first six months of their child’s life – really is a welcome gift.
“And the addition of a toothbrush in the baby box for the first time will hopefully encourage good dental health from the beginning and all the way through life.
“The baby box is one of many transformative actions the SNP is taking to make a real difference to children and families on low incomes – like the game changing Scottish Child Payment, which will soon be £25 per week per child.
“While the SNP government continues to deliver bold policies in government for a fairer Scotland, with the limited powers at its disposal, it is only with the full powers of independence that we can properly build a better future that works for everyone.”
