MORE than 350,000 Scottish Baby Boxes have been delivered since the scheme started eight years ago, according to new figures.
The latest data from the Scottish Parliament shows that a total of 350,729 boxes – which contain essential items like clothes, thermometers and dummies – have been delivered since the initiative was launched in 2017.
The included items are worth over £400 per box, ensuring that all children in Scotland have the same start in life.
To mark the eighth anniversary of the programme, First Minister John Swinney is set to meet with expectant mother Mairi Morrison and her partner at Western Isles Hospital on Lewis to deliver their baby box.
“Scotland’s Baby Box strongly signals our determination that every child, regardless of their circumstances, should get the best start in life”, Swinney said.
“The programme is supporting families right across the length and bread of Scotland, including here in the Western Isles where 1281 boxes have been delivered to date.
“My number one priority as First Minister is to end child poverty in Scotland – and I am very proud of the impact that the baby box is making to support families across the country.”
Around 89% of first-time parents in Scotland have registered for the baby boxes, which also come fitted with a mattress to double as a safe space for tots to sleep, benefitting around 41,000 young families per year.
MSP for South Scotland, Emma Harper, said the baby boxes are an indicator of what an independent Scotland could do to eradicate child poverty.
“More than 350,000 babies have now received baby boxes thanks to action by this SNP Government – a truly outstanding achievement from a government committed to giving everyone the best start in life”, Harper said.
“Providing essential items needed for the first six months of their child’s life is a particularly important gift to new parents when household budgets are under continued pressure due to rising bills under the UK Labour Government. “The baby box is one of many transformative actions the SNP is taking to make a real difference to children and families – like the game-changing Scottish Child Payment and rollout of free school meals. “But the reality is that while the SNP Government continues to deliver bold policies in government for a fairer Scotland, with the limited powers at its disposal, Westminster is accelerating more people into poverty because of pernicious policies like the two child limit. “The SNP Government is doing all it can – but the limited powers of devolution are reaching their limit. It is only with the full powers of independence that we can build a better future for every child born in Scotland.”
