Over 75 years since its inception in Finland, the baby box has become somewhat of a phenomenon around the world – and now, Scottish parents are set to reap the rewards.
Starting today, a certain number of parents will receive this Scandinavian-style box, with plans to have the scheme rolled out across the country by the summer.
Really impressed that Scotland have incorporated the Finnish Baby Boxes. https://t.co/j2ifcqhhVK
— Carmen (@blackbuttongirl) January 8, 2017
The baby box, created to reduce infant mortality, is made of cardboard and fitted with a mattress.
It is also intended to serve as the baby’s bed for the first eight months of their life, eliminating the need for a Moses basket.
@NicolaSturgeon I'd have loved a baby box Had my son England daughter Scotland would have been great support Brill idea So helpful Go you
— Joyce Bell (@joycebe32198009) January 1, 2017
Each box will contain "around 40 different essential items for new babies and parents" including clothing, bedding and toys, and is estimated to cost in the region of £6 million.
A poem written by Scotland’s Makar, Jackie Kay, called Welcome Wee One, will also be included.
Every #BabyBox comes with this poem 'Welcome Wee One', written by Scotland's Makar Jackie Kay pic.twitter.com/jPkJ8dhZ57
— jil murphy (@jil_murphy) January 2, 2017
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the plans last year, and boxes were being delivered to the first few families today.
Speaking at her party’s conference at the time, Sturgeon said: “We promised a baby box of all essential items for all newborns. It’s a policy borrowed from Finland where it’s contributed to the lowest rates of child mortality in the world.”
