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.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has this week confirmed that Scotland will be rolling out the baby box scheme in the New Year.
Speaking at her party’s conference, 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.”
“Next month, we’ll launch a competition in partnership with the V&A in Dundee for the design of the box,” she added.
The first boxes will be handed out on New Year’s Day, in pilot areas.
The announcement comes just months after it was revealed that the scheme would be rolled out in England and the Republic of Ireland.
The baby box, created to reduce infant mortality, is made of cardboard and fitted with a mattress. The box is intended to serve as the baby’s bed for the first eight months of their life, eliminating the need for a Moses basket.
Upon leaving the hospital, parents are handed the baby box, full of essential information and materials for Baby’s early days and weeks.
We’re sure parents in Scotland are delighted by the latest announcement.
