SCOTLAND’S 50,000th Baby Box has just been handed over.
The milestone comes almost a year since the initiative to give every newborn baby in Scotland one of the boxes was launched.
As well as a selection of clothes, the boxes’ other everyday must-haves include bath towels, changing mats and books for parents to read to their babies.
“I’ve worked closely with so many parents who have benefited from receiving the tools to give their baby the best possible start in life,” said Edinburgh midwife Angela Dougall.
“We often assume parents will know what they need to care for a baby, but I’ve found, particularly with young mums, that they need reassurance and really welcome some guidance on the essentials.
“So items like the sling which allows for vital skin-to-skin contact are so important but perhaps something that parents wouldn’t think to buy.”
The Royal College of Midwives last week said that all new parents across the UK should be given the boxes to reduce the risks of unsafe co-sleeping.
The RCM said research had identified a number of risk factors for cot death and that in certain environments baby boxes could be especially beneficial in providing safe sleeping spaces.
Minister for Childcare and Early Years Maree Todd said: “We’ve had positive feedback from parents and carers across the country, and I’m delighted to have reached this milestone.”
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